US
Global Halloween celebrations marked by ‘spooktacularly’ fine confectionery treats
Celebrations for this year’s Halloween are getting under way around the world, with considerable enthusiasm for the occasion within the confectionery sector, which is anticipated to perform especially strongly this year with a raft of special spooky creations emerging, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory
NCA responds to consumer studies questioning safety of dark chocolate
The US-based National Confectioners Association (NCA) has moved to reassure consumers that dark chocolate remains safe to eat, in response to a Consumer Reports article asserting that elevated levels of cadmium were present in some ranges, writes Neill Barston.
Spooky delights served up by Ole & Steen Danish bakery chain
A host of suitably spooky delights have been unveiled by Danish bakery, Ole & Steen, which is adding a touch of hocus pocus to their stores with some supernaturally fine confectionery creations, reports Neill Barston.
Cargill continues key move towards RSPO sustainable palm oil sourcing
Cargill has confirmed that from this month it is ceasing offering conventional palm oil in its US portfolio of products, which includes applications for confectionery, as it moves to offer the key ingredient through certified Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sourcing, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Hershey’s Halloween ‘Helping hands’ retailer scheme preps industry for key spooky season
Hershey has reported a strong level of engagement with its ‘helping hands’ programme of supporting its retail partners, as the US business gears up for Halloween, which has consistently proved one of its most vital periods of the calendar year, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Frighteningly fine Halloween ingredients innovations and trends heading our way
With the Halloween season rapidly kicking into gear, ingredients specialists at ofi have unveiled some of their top flavour tips for the season, which promises to offer plenty of ghoulishly fine treats, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Global chocolate market projected to show $45 billion growth over five years
A sustained pattern of growth has been projected for the global chocolate market, which is expected to deliver a total of $45.78 billion increase in value between 2022 and 2027, with premium brands leading the pack for delivering its enhanced performance, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
US anticipates a record-breaking Halloween season for spooky treat retail sales
Studies for the National Retail Federation in the US have found that total Halloween spending is set to reach even greater ‘spooktacluar’ highs this year, with a projected record $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion, due to be achieved, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Mars Wrigley unveils latest Cocoa for Generations report highlighting key progress
A major update on Mars Wrigley’s Cocoa for Generations initiative has underlined that the company remains on track to reach its goal of 100% responsibly sourced cocoa by 2025, with the company reaching a total of 68% of its present international targets, reports Neill Barston.
Special focus: Artisan confectioners battle major challenges of rising costs of operating
Artisan chocolate and confectionery segments around the world has been impacted just as much as any other segment of the industry. As Neill Barston discovers speaking to two key chocolatiers, Britain’s Paul A Young, and US-based William Poole, major challenges are having a concerning effect on the industry
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
June delivers bright start for national candy month
It seems these days there’s a day for any possible subject that you could care to imagine, and this trend is now seemingly being extended into larger timeframes – with confectionery no exception to that, with June being declared national candy month in the US.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2023 preview
Editor Neill Barston speaks to Carly Schildhaus, senior public affairs manager for the National Confectioners Association about the prospects for this year’s final show in Chicago, before the event is set to move to other US cities from next year. We discuss key trends and the return of its supplier showcase amid an action-packed event
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Whitakers Chocolates prepares to fly the flag for British confectionery at Sweets and Snacks Expo
UK confectionery group Whitakers Chocolates is preparing to exhibit at this year’s Sweets and Snacks Expo in Chicago, showcasing its series of high quality chocolate patties, as it prepares to expand its operations in the US, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory
Exclusive: The International Confectionery Association agrees to intensify global sector collaboration
The International Confectionery Association (ICA), consisting of key global industry trade bodies including Europe’s Caobisco and America’s NCA organisation have met at this year’s ISM event in Germany, and agreed to strengthen existing ties in addressing global sector issues, reports Neill Barston.
Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability