imports

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

UK’s FDF says small businesses raise ‘cautious optimism’ for 2024, despite major challenges

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has revealed that sector businesses, including within confectionery and snacks, have expressed cautious optimism about the year, ahead, though conditions remain fragile, reports Neill Barston.

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

BDSI raises fears over rapid cocoa price rises impacting confectionery markets

The German confectionery trade body, BDSI, has expressed fears over the rapidly accelerating price of cocoa, which is impacting on stock availability for chocolate manufacturers in the country and across Europe, writes Neill Barston.

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

FDF welcomes drop in sector inflation, yet cocoa prices remain notably high

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has welcomed figures revealing an easing of inflation within the sector, down to 8%, last month, from near-record highs experience last year, which impacted significantly on the cost of living crisis for consumers, writes Neill Barston.

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

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.

Business news, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability

Germany’s BDSI confectionery trade group warns of major industry crisis

Germany’s BDSI confectionery trade body has warned the country’s industry is facing a severe combination of major challenges including the ongoing pandemic, rapidly rising energy costs and increased raw ingredients prices, reports Neill Barston.

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

Chocosuisse raises concerns as Swiss chocolate sales fall

Latest figures from Chocosuisse, the association of Swiss Chocolate manufacturers has raised concerns as annual sales fell by CHF 260 million (14.5%), to CHF 1.53 billion, amid key market challenges, reports Neill Barston.

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

Fairtrade calls on UK government for action on ‘hidden’ carbon emissions in food supply chains, including cocoa

The Fairtrade Foundation has issued a plea to the UK government to actively tackle ‘hidden’ carbon emissions in British food supply chains – including cocoa growing markets, in an urgent bid to address global climate change, reports Neill Barston.

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

Swiss confectionery sector sets key sustainable sourcing goal

Swiss chocolate manufacturers have set a goal of importing only sustainably grown cocoa into the country, with an interim target of 80% of its supplies to be firmly within this category by 2025, according to Chocosuisse, the national sector association, writes Neill Barston.

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