crops

California Almond crops projected to be down amid tough seasonal weather

Studies from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service have evaluated that the 2019 crop of Californian almonds, which are widely used in confectionery, will be 2.20 billion pounds, down 3.5% from the 2018 crop production of 2.28 billion pounds.

Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability

Academy of Chocolate conference majors on tackling cocoa sustainability

Speakers from across the international confectionery industry gathered for the Academy of Chocolate’s main event of the year. Neill Barston reports

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

Mars forms partnership with Benson Hill Biosystems for cocoa productivity scheme

The Mars, Incorporated group is undertaking a joint venture project with crop improvement business Benson Hill Biosystems, aiming to enhance productivity and climate resilience of the cacao trees, that are essential for confectionery.

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

Casa Luker joins Colombian government in cocoa production initiative

Colombian confectionery company Casa Luker has joined with the country’s government and National Cocoa Federation in pledging to produce deforestation-free and ‘peace-friendly’ cocoa by 2020.

Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Mars calls for greater research on damaging cocoa crop diseases

Global confectionery group Mars, Incorporated has called for greater coordinated work on cocoa diseases, as it attends the International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP), Boston, America.

Business news, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Sustainable wheat scheme from Mondelēz targets 100% of its EU biscuit production

A major initiative from Mondelēz International has been confirmed with an expansion of its sustainable wheat sourcing to cover 100% of its biscuit brands in the EU by 2022.

Business news, Sustainability

Barry Callebaut signs agreements with Ghana and Ivory Coast on sustainability

Global chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut has signed a letter of intent with the Conseil Café Cacao (CCC) of Côte d’Ivoire, designed to improve action on sustainable cocoa farming.

Business news, Ingredients, Sustainability

Seeking solutions for a fairer cocoa industry

Tackling major concerns over child labour and gender inequality, and an urgent need for greater overall support for farming communities formed some of the key themes of this year’s World Cocoa Conference. Neill Barston reports from Berlin.

Business news, Sustainability

Mars Wrigley outlines plans to triple cocoa production

Delivering sustainable crop yields was a key topic of discussion at the World Cocoa Conference. Mars was among those asserting significant breakthroughs on the issue. Neill Barston reports

Business news

Gisco backs World Cocoa Conference drive for action on living wage for farmers

The German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (Gisco), has backed the World Cocoa Conference’s core message calling for urgent action on delivering a living wage for farmers in the sector.

New products