investment
Hershey makes key move into better-for-you market with LesserEvil acquisition
US confectionery group Hershey has made a further strategic move into the better-for-you confectionery market in acquiring organic snacking brand LesserEvil, reports Neill Barston.
Hotel Chocolat unveils US expansion with two new Chicago stores
British premium confectionery brand has made a key strategic move in opening two new US stores, based in Chicago, as it continues to gain ground under new ownership, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Strategic investment enhances Döhler’s North American operations
Ingredients group Döhler North America has unveiled its plans for expansion with a key acquisition of Premier Juices, strengthening its offerings in natural fruit-based products and solutions.
Twix celebrates the power of two with multi-million global campaign
A high-speed car chase video offers a dramatic focal point for Mars flagship confectionery range, Twix’s latest ‘two is more than one’ international brand campaign as part of a $70 million product investment, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Sustainability
Ghana’s cocoa crisis requires major structural changes to ensure its future
The recent assertion from Ghana’s newly-elected president John Mahama that Cocobod, the organisation overseeing the second largest cocoa supplying nation on earth stands to lose a projected figure of $1.3 billion due to contracts being rolled-over for a year at the height of crop prices is particularly concerning.
KitKat delivers new tablet series following multi-million investment in Sofia site
A major new format for KitKat has been launched with the release of its tablets series, following key €44 million investment in its production facilities in Sofia, Bulgaria, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Ritter Sport’s UK division records best-ever annual performance amid wider company growth
Ritter Sport UK has marked a strong financial performance for its British operations, recording its largest level of growth, up 50% year-on-year, as the wider business marks an upturn in its results, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Mondelēz outlines plans for growth and business development at key New York conference
Key plans for growth were outlined by Mondelēz International at the latest 2025 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference, including continuing a strategy of revenue focused on core chocolate, biscuits and snacks ranges, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Bühler CEO Stefan Scheiber welcomes improved annual results despite market turbulence
The CEO of Bühler, Stefan Scheiber, has welcomed positive annual group results for the Swiss equipment and systems group, which saw comparatively stable turnover of CHF 3 billion for 2024, marginally down 0.8% on the prior year, while net profits rose 6.3% to CHF189 million amid global market challenges, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Ferrero posts strong annual results following major investment in global operations
Ferrero has delivered an upturn in its financial performance, as the company’s annual results revealed a 8.9% year-on-year increase in turnover to €18.4 billion, driven by broad category growth, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Syntegon celebrates re-opening of key Netherlands Weert manufacturing site
German headquartered Syntegon equipment and systems business has made a key breakthrough in re-opening its expanded site in Weert, located within the Netherlands, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Hershey records upward growth across US and global sales with annual results
US confectionery giant, Hershey, has released its latest annual financial results revealing an upturn in performance, producing net sales of $11.2 billion, representing a modest increase of 0.3%, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Regulatory
Bühler launches advanced venture with Givaudan for cellular agriculture cocoa production
The Bühler Group has combined with fellow industry groups Givaudan and Migros for a joint tech venture facility geared-up for developing cellular agriculture for the markets including the cocoa industry, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Mars seeks fully segregated global cocoa supply chain by 2030
An ambitious target has been set by Mars.,Incorporated to ensure a fully segregated global cocoa supply chain by 2030, which it has based upon its existing sector engagement programmes for the sector, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability