neill barston
Germany’s confectionery sector feels the pinch of Brexit just as equally as the UK
The latest warning from Germany’s BDSI confectionery sector organisation that its exports remain notably challenged due to Brexit offer further evidence that the matter is far from settled across Europe.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Technology-led solutions may hold the key to reshaping the chocolate confectionery sector
So much for August being the traditional quiet period when the vast majority of the confectionery sector appears to wind down for holiday season – these continue to feel like unprecedented times on a number of fronts.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing
Science and technology combining for key solutions for the global cocoa sector
This week has seen Cargill confirm a potentially gamechanging research project with US agricultural business Aerofarms, a specialist in vertical indoor farming, on cocoa research to assist creating more resilient strains of crops.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
A welcome return for the humble Opal Fruit is fuelled by consumer nostalgia
A short but hopefully relatively sweet column for you this week in just offering a warm welcome to an old favourite in the confectionery world – the return, albeit slight revival, of classic Opal Fruit sweets.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Regulatory, Sustainability
A fine confectionery legacy left by the late Sara Jayne Stanes
This week’s column is dedicated to the late Sara Jayne Stanes, founder of the UK’s Academy of Chocolate, who had been a great friend to Confectionery Production and major ambassador for the industry.
Fairtrade progress on farmer payment offers hope amid ongoing challenges
The latest analysis from Fairtrade on its achievements on the ground in Ivory Coast offers some potential light at the end of an especially long tunnel.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Can proposals for a world first snacks tax in the UK tackle the obesity crisis?
It’s a particularly rare occasion to see confectionery making front page headline national news, but the past week has seen the emergence of a potential global first being introduced in the UK, in the form of a tax on snacks.
BDSI’s work highlighting confectionery sector skills training sets the standard
This past week, Germany’s BDSI national confectionery organisation has highlighted a broad range of training opportunities for the sector, which highlighted the encouraging state of the industry there.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Market focus: Twenty Degrees cacao interview
Neill Barston, editor of Confectionery Production magazine speaks to Leo Palmer, a founder of Twenty Degrees Cacao, a new premium brand business backed by Olam serving the speciality market.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, New products, Packaging, Regulatory, Sustainability
World Chocolate Day offers a pause for reflection
This latest entry is very much devoted to marking World Chocolate Day, which comes as markets around the globe continue with numerous challenges that have been a feature of our lives for nearly 18 months amid the pandemic.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Studies reveal chocolate’s prized status remains undimmed
The results of Cargill’s latest study showing that the majority of consumers in the US indulge in their favourite chocolate treats can come as little surprise.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Preview: Sweets and Snacks Expo 2021
Neill Barston, editor of Confectionery Production, interviews Carly Schildhaus, public affairs manager of the National Confectioners Association on prospects for the 2021 Sweets and Snacks Expo
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
The shocking tide of global child labour poses major societal and industry challenges
The latest figures from Unicef and the International Labour Organisation that reveal child labour has risen by over 8 million in four years, to a huge total of 160 million, are exceptionally shocking.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Final countdown for World Confectionery Conference registration
With the final countdown to the World Confectionery Conference in full swing, we’ve been greatly encouraged by the positive reaction we’ve had from our key contacts, colleagues and friends across our industries. So here’s a quick reminder for any of you who may not have yet registered for the event – it’s well worth you doing so to enable you to engage with a broad programme of content that we believe offers a dynamic and engaging snapshot of our sector as it meets the challenges of 2021 head on.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging