EU

BDSI confectionery body raises concerns, as German sector exports continue decline

Germany’s BDSI confectionery organisation has warned that challenging national economic conditions have seen confectionery exports slide 0.6% in the first quarter of 2024, following a 1% decline last year, reports Neill Barston.

FDF welcomes new UK Labour government, urging collaborative action on challenges

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has welcomed the new incoming UK Labour government, noting that collective action on supply chain challenges was vital to economic growth, reports Neill Barston.

Ferrero makes key gains with Cocoa Charter sustainability goals

Ferrero has underlined its commitment to working collaboratively across the sector on core sourcing responsibilities and enhancing human rights, as it reports key gains in its latest Cocoa Charter Progress report, writes Neill Barston.

EU strikes critical deal for sustainable packaging targets within industry

The EU has stepped up its environmental legislation in agreeing laws to ensure packaging is more sustainable, as well as cutting waste from product ranges, including from confectionery and snacks series, reports Neill Barston.

CIUS sugar organisation appoints Mars Wrigley’s Yuriy Sharanov as group president

The Committee of European Sugar Users (CIUS) has named Yuriy Sharanov, senior strategic sourcing manager at Mars Wrigley, as its president, with Torben Vestergaard Nielsen, of Orkla, becoming vice president, writes Neill Barston.

European Commission responds to ten crucial EUDR deforestation questions

As the clock counts down for the final few months before the anticipated EUDR regulations, the European Commission has answered ten crucial questions surrounding the landmark policy’s delivery, reports Tony Myers

Quelen Fruits attains EU quality standards with Tomra sorting solutions

Chilean walnut producer Quelen Fruits has reported surpassing European quality production standards with the assistance of Tomra Food’s equipment solutions, reports Neill Barston.

Fairtrade International strengthens its key human rights and hired labour standards

Fairtrade International has confirmed a key enhancement of its hired labour standards within its supply chains for markets including the cocoa sector, as it seeks to prepare for major legislative reforms being put forward within the EU, reports Neill Barston.

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

CIUS sugar group calls for EU support continuing sugar supplies from Ukraine

CIUS, the European sugar users industry organisation, has urged the EU to re-examine recommendations that could threaten present levels of sugar imports from Ukraine, as the region continues to grapple with a deficit of supplies, writes Neill Barston.

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

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.

Swiss confectionery and baked goods markets expand, despite regulatory pressures

The Biscosuisse organisation, representing Swiss confectionery and bakery sectors, has reported a 32.6% upturn in exports during 2022, despite the impact of manufacturing regulations challenges, writes Neill Barston.

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

Pecan Deluxe Candy overcomes Brexit hurdles with DDP European deliveries

UK confectionery business Pecan Deluxe Candy has responded to increased challenges of exporting goods due to additional Brexit-related administration through offering customers in Europe an alternative buying process, reports Neill Barston.

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

UK’s ‘bonfire of EU laws’ could impact on chocolate labelling and marketing legislation

Key EU legislation relating to a raft of economic areas including laws relating to the standardised marketing and labelling of chocolate product ranges is potentially set to be axed under UK government plans, writes Neill Barston.

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

Ferrero: World Confectionery Conference 2023 interview

Editor Neill Barston speaks exclusively to Francesco Tramontin, of Ferrero, reflecting on this year’s event and looking ahead to our 2023 show, where he will be returning again to discuss key issues impacting on the sector.

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

MEPs call on EU Commission to deliver pact on sustainable cocoa sourcing to create a living wage

A concerned group of European MEPs have grouped together calling upon the EU Commission to negotiate with Ghana and Ivory Coast in the wake of proposals from the two West African nations to establish an Economic Pact for Sustainable Cocoa aiming deliver a living income for farmers, reports Neill Barston.

EU