EU
Blackpool Rock firms’ plight needs urgent UK government backing
Hearing the plight of British-based Blackpool Rock producers these past few days who are fearing the loss of their industry owing to a food of imitation Chinese imports is something that surely stands as a clear wake-up call for our sector.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
European due diligence vote hailed as an ‘important milestone’ for supply chains
After an intense session of debate, the EU has finally agreed its corporate sustainability due diligence directive in what has been described as ‘a watered-down’ form, compelling large companies to mitigate on human rights and environmental factors in their supply chains, writes Neill Barston.
Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Malaysian palm oil producers welcome expected delay in EUDR regulations
Palm oil producers in Malaysia have reportedly welcomed plans from the EU that would see a delay in implementing its much-publicised deforestation regulation policies that have met with fears in South East Asia and Latin America over elevated costs for farmers, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory
BDSI calls for urgent EU review on packaging design legislation
Germany’s BDSI confectionery trade group has expressed ‘extreme concern’ at EU legislative plans for packaging design that could negatively impact seasonal product lines such as heart-shaped chocolate boxes, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
FDF expresses concerns over costly ‘not for EU’ labelling in Northern Ireland
The chief executive of the UK’s Food and Drink Federation, Karen Betts, has expressed concerns over a potential £250 million costs in additional new labelling being required by the government for goods heading towards Northern Ireland, reports Neill Barston.
CIUS European sugar users group expresses shock at calls for block on Ukrainian supplies
The Committee of European Sugar Users (CIUS), has stated its shock on call for blocking imports of sugar from Ukraine, as the EU faces continued shortage of supplies for a number of sectors, including within confectionery, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Caobisco joins European organisations calling on EU to agree major Mercosur trade deal
Caobisco, the European chocolate, biscuits and confectionery sector organisation, has joined a total of 22 industry associations in calling on the EU and the South American Mercosur nations to conclude the long-running trade negotiations to unlock perceived major mutual economic benefits, reports Neill Barston.
Barry Callebaut’s Forever Chocolate programme update acknowledges cocoa sector challenges
Barry Callebaut has highlighted a need to help enable farmers in its core cocoa supply chains to increase the yield and quality of their crops, as well as deliver improved human rights protections, as central pillars of the company’s annual Forever Chocolate programme, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Shemesh Automation asserts packaging sector’s environmental improvement goals remain vital
With major logistics and energy challenges facing the sector in 2023, addressing climate change through improving company environmental performance is set to continue play a central role within the packaging segment, according to a key firm in the sector, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
FDF trade snapshot shows key export losses, including within confectionery markets
The UK Food and Drink Federation’s latest full-year trade snapshot for 2021, has revealed sector exports were 13.1% down against figures from three years ago, at £20.2 billion, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
BDSI trade body expresses concerns for industry partners in Ukraine, as invasion continues
The BDSI German confectionery association has expressed its sympathies to colleagues and friends within Ukraine, in the wake of invasion from neighbouring Russia, writes Neill Barston.
Food and Drink Federation: CEO interview, Ian Wright
Editor Neill Barston speaks exclusively to Ian Wright, the outgoing CEO of the Food and Drink Federation on his time with the UK organisation, including Brexit, Covid and future challenges.
FDF figures reveal British exports down £2.7 billion by Q3 of 2021
Latest figures from the Food and Drink Federation have revealed that exports in the sector are down £2.7bn (-15.9%) in the first three quarters of 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory
Ferrero, Mars, Mondelez and Nestlé join Fairtrade in calls for EU cocoa supply chain due diligence
Key confectionery groups including Ferrero, Mars Wrigley, Mondelēz International, Nestle and Tony’s Chocolonely have joined with Fairtrade International, Rainforest Alliance, and NGOs to push for EU legislation on mandatory due diligence relating to deforestation in cocoa supply chains, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability