South America
Luker Chocolate’s crafted at origin products secure double win at AVPA Paris 2021
The family-owned Colombian chocolate company has received two awards for its crafted at origin chocolate, in a competition held by the Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA).
Ecuador’s Republica del Cacao chocolate series gains UK distribution
Ecuadorian premium chocolate brand Republica del Cacao is expanding its global presence after gaining British distribution through Henley Bridge, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
South America’s confectionery market battles the economic storm of coronavirus
The South American confectionery market is one which has enjoyed a strong international reputation, yet as Neill Barston discovers, this year’s coronavirus pandemic has affected the region notably, as it has with other territories around the world
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut begins work on advanced new Ecuador cocoa facility
Barry Callebaut laid the foundation for future growth of the cocoa value chain in Ecuador in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, cocoa facility in Durán.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Olam confirms 100% cocoa sourcing traceability in its supply chains
Ingredients business Olam Cocoa has confirmed it has now achieved 100% traceability of directly sourced cocoa across its international supply chain, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Special focus: Barry Callebaut’s US division responds to production challenges amid ongoing pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has had major operational implications for businesses across the sector. Neill Barston quizzes Stacey Popham, VP of quality, food safety and regulatory at the US division of Barry Callebaut, on how the confectionery company has responded to the unprecedented conditions
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Peruvian cocoa producers benefit from Fairtrade coronavirus fund
A Fairtrade fund established by the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fair Trade Small Producers and Workers (Clac) is reportedly proving effective at assisting a number of cocoa producing operations, including in Peru.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Building a modern business from ancient cacao traditions, the To’ak Chocolate way
Over the past five years, Ecuador-based To’ak Chocolate has successfully served up some of the rarest and costliest cacao in the world. Neill Barston speaks to company CEO James Le Compte on navigating the pandemic and prospects for its future development
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Rainforest Alliance releases annual reports on progress towards key sustainability and environmental goals
The global Rainforest Alliance organisation has released its latest annual report, detailing projects with over two million certified farmers in over 70 countries on key social and environmental challenges including farmer livelihoods, child labour and deforestation. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Brazilian confectionery companies shine at ISM
Brazilian confectionery companies participating at ISM 2020 achieved almost $4 million in closed deals, with an expectation of reaching almost US$ 24 million during the next year.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Sustainability
Brazilian confectionery exports rise ahead of ISM 2020
A new report has highlighted 32% growth in Brazilian confectionery exports since 2015, as the country prepares its delegation for ISM 2020.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Solidaridad marks 50th anniversary supporting global farming including cocoa sector
Solidaridad, the organisation supporting farming communities around the world including cocoa farmers, is marking its 50th anniversary with a conference at its base in Utrecht in the Netherlands on 16 May.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut posts key upturn in six-month revenues
The Swiss-headquartered Barry Callebaut group has reported a 6.0% (+3.5% in CHF) increase in sales revenues, to CHF 3.6 billion, for the first six months of its financial year, amid the success of its ruby chocolate.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability