Ursula von der Leyen

Exclusive: EU ‘Omnibus’ sustainability plans raise key industry concerns

The European Commission has released its ‘Omnibus’ proposals on streamlining corporate sustainability reporting, including for companies across the food and drink sector, which controversially significantly reduce the amount of businesses required to engage with the landmark legislation, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability

Major confectionery companies urge EU Commission to press ahead with due diligence laws

A group of key confectionery companies including Ferrero, Mars, Nestle, Hershey, Mondelez and Tony’s Chocolonely, have joined organisations including the Fairtrade, Solidaridad and the Voice Network, calling on the EU to forge ahead with planned major corporate due diligence legislation, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability

Exclusive: Rainforest Alliance raises alarm over plans to delay flagship EUDR environmental laws

The Rainforest Alliance has added key concerns over plans put forward by the EU Commission to delay the introduction of the flagship EUDR laws aimed at preventing deforestation in European supply chains for sectors including cocoa, palm oil and soy, writes Neill Barston.

Exclusive: European Commission draws environmental concerns over proposed EUDR one year delay

The European Commission has proposed a year-long delay to its landmark EUDR frameworks aimed at tackling deforestation within key supply chains including, cocoa and palm oil, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups including Mighty Earth, writes Neill Barston.

European Cocoa Association calls for EUDR deforestation law delay

The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has joined a growing chorus of calls for the EUDR regulations surrounding deforestation within supply chains to be pushed back in its implementation, reports Neill Barston.

Caobisco issues plea to EU Commission president on EUDR deforestation laws

The European confectionery trade body, Caobisco, has issued an urgent plea to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen over significant concerns surrounding the implementation of the upcoming EUDR supply chain legislation, reports Neill Barston.

BDSI renews call for strengthening EU single market in response to Brexit trading uncertainty

The BDSI German confectionery sector organisation has renewed its call for greater EU focus on ensuring harmonised legal standards, including product labelling, as the European single market celebrates its 30th anniversary, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability

CAOBISCO joins coalition calling for EU and US to end damaging multi-billion trade tariffs

CAOBISCO, the Brussels-based confectionery trade association has joined over 70 organisations across the EU and US, calling on new American president Joe Biden and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to immediately suspend major tariffs upon sectors unrelated to the ongoing Boeing/Airbus dispute, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

11th hour Brexit deal offers a degree of business certainty for UK and EU

Finally, just a day before the end of 2020, a Brexit trade deal was eventually sealed between Britain and the EU over its future trading relations.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Trading stakes remain high as Brexit plays out its final twisting festive chapter

After a saga lasting four years, it’s not hard to have sympathy with many across the political divide and general public alike that have suffered clear fatigue from observing the process of Brexit play out before us highly unpredictable fashion – and in just a couple of weeks it’s supposed to be over.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Food and Drink Federation issues further plea for support as exports continue to fall

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has issued an urgent plea to government for enhanced assistance to businesses as latest figures show exports fell by 11.6% for the third quarter, to £5.5 billion, year-on-year, owing to the pandemic, reports Neill Barston

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability