pandemic
The rise of Shrinkflation continues to make its mark as manufacturers feel the strain
Alas, it seems it’s back in town, like the equivalent of the party guest that nobody really wants to see, “shrinkflation” of product portion sizes is on the horizon once more amid major pandemic, Covid-19 and post Brexit pressure on manufacturers.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Focus: Spotlight on William Poole confections
Confectionery Production editor Neill Barston speaks to artisan confectioner William Poole about his eventful career in confectionery as he sets up a new business venture
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Focus: Devising true artisan confectionery artforms
The artisan confectionery sector has seen significant growth in recent years – US-based chocolatier William Poole recounts his notable career as it enters a fresh chapter as he sets out to create a new venture. Neill Barston reports
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
US set for biggest ever Halloween spending, including on confectionery lines
Despite ongoing pandemic concerns, US consumer spending on Halloween is set to be higher than ever- including on core confectionery items, with total seasonal spend of $10.14 billion forecast, up from $8.05 billion last year, according to research from the National Retail Federation, writes Neill Barston.
Ghana’s Cocoa Board signs key $1.5 billion finance agreement for farmer payment
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has secured a $1.5billion pre-export finance agreement with a consortium of local and international financial institutions, enabling cocoa purchasing for its critical 2021/2022 season.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Gulfood Manufacturing and Yummex return for major sector showcase
Gulfood Manufacturing returns after a two-year break due to the pandemic, and plans are shaping up strongly, as Neill Barston discovered in an exclusive interview with show director Mark Napier
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Focus: A day in the life at Perfetti Van Melle
Having recently become MD of the UK division of Perfetti Van Melle, Jonny Briscoe, has plenty of work in his in-tray, as Neill Barston found quizzing the senior executive
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
US studies reveal 93% of millennial parents intend to celebrate Halloween
With the key Halloween period just weeks away, fresh studies from the US-based National Confectioners Association has revealed 93% of millennial parents intend to stage celebrations, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging
UK chocolate export sales to EU suffer major drop amid Brexit and pandemic challenges
A significant drop in UK chocolate confectionery exports to the EU of 18.5% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019, has been recorded, impacted by continued Brexit trading complexities and the coronavirus pandemic, according to Food and Drink Federation (FDF), analysis, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA studies reveal chocolate remains America’s favourite Halloween treat
Latest studies from the National Confectioners Association have revealed that chocolate-based treats are Americans’ most favoured for this year’s Halloween, with a total of 60% naming the category as their top choice for trick-or-treat pumpkins, reports Neill Barston.
Eat Natural focus
Confectionery Production editor Neill Barston interviews Praveen Vijh, co-founder of Eat Natural, about the company’s rise over the past two decades to a new ownership under Ferrero
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory
Focus: Raising the bar for healthier snack production
Started by two childhood friends, Eat Natural has become a multimillion business recently acquired by Ferrero, as Neill Barston discovers, speaking to company co-founder Praveen Vijh
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Rainforest Alliance continues cocoa community support with latest annual report
The Rainforest Alliance non-profit organisation has released its annual report for 2020, highlighting key work across its global activities including support for major cocoa growing communities around the world, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Manufacturing survey finds UK SME companies hindered in recovery due to pandemic and recruitment issues
A key industry study has found that major supply chain issues amid the coronavirus pandemic, as well as recruitment challenges are impacting on the recovery of SME manufacturers in the UK, including across the food and drink sector, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory