pandemic

Nestlé reveals major plans for multi-million UK headquarters upgrade

The Nestlé group has confirmed extensive plans for a £9 million upgrade of its UK offices at its core York campus, which will be instilled with additional eco-friendly features, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Sustainability

Confectionery takes its place at the tip of a potential robotic retail revolution

Amid all the challenging headlines of the past year, it’s something of a relief to encounter some slightly more upbeat news that greeted us with the novel confectionery innovation of a US pilot of a robot serving customers in a New York store.

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

Mars trials breakthrough US robotic serving system to engage in-store shoppers

A breakthrough confectionery experience has been trialled in New York, US, as Mars Wrigley teams up with retail group Wakefern Food Corp, and technology firm Savioke, for an eye-catching robot serving venture, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing

Nestlé reports challenging conditions with latest results amid ongoing global pandemic

The Swiss-headquartered Nestlé group has reported testing conditions in its latest annual results, which saw the business incur significant additional global operating costs amid the coronavirus pandemic, writes Neill Barston.

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

Focus: German confectionery markets face up to loss of key trade shows

The past twelve months have been particularly notable for the universally challenging impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and the German confectionery market has been no exception to that, as Neill Barston reports

Business news, Packaging, Processing, Sustainability

Majority of US consumers set to mark Valentines Day with confectionery treats

Studies from the US-based National Confectioners Association have found that 86% of Americans will be marking Valentines Day this month with gifts of candy and chocolate, writes Neill Barston.

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

Spotlight: ISM organisers plan extended digital content linked to 2022 trade fair

As the 2021 edition of ISM and ProSweets became one of the latest events to suffer cancellation amid the ongoing pandemic, plans for the 2022 event are now gathering pace. Organisers Koelnmesse offer an insight into initial preparations, including additional digital offerings.

Godiva set to close US stores in response to the coronavirus pandemic

Premium chocolate business Godiva is reportedly is set to close all 128 of its US stores by the end of March, which has been attributed to ‘waning demand’ for physical retail amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate

Feature: Fine Chocolate Industry Association flies the flag for premium artisan ranges

As executive director of the US-based Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), Bill Guyton has gained a huge amount of industry experience. Editor Neill Barston quizzes him on the how his association has dealt with the pandemic and its hopes for 2021

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

11th hour Brexit deal offers a degree of business certainty for UK and EU

Finally, just a day before the end of 2020, a Brexit trade deal was eventually sealed between Britain and the EU over its future trading relations.

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

Focus: Sugar reduction takes pole position for bakery market growth

Ingredients and solutions business Tate & Lyle PLC, has found that almost three quarters (73%) of European bakery manufacturers say reduced sugar and calorie products are the biggest driver of business growth. The business offers its assessment of the market.

Business news, Ingredients, New products, Processing

Wishing you all a fine festive time this Christmas

As we rapidly approach Christmas, Confectionery Production would like to wish you all a fine festive time in spite of the pandemic that has impacted on all areas of our lives this year

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

Made In Africa: Behind the scenes interview

Confectionery Production editor Neill Barston speaks exclusively to Brett Beach, co-founder of the Made In Africa confectionery brand, on its rise over the past three years, challenges amid the pandemic and product launch plans for 2021

Sensient reveals its colour of 2021 for key product ranges

Sensient Technologies has unveiled its 2021 Colour of the Year as “Rising Orange,” chosen as an optimistic shade symbolising consumers’ desire to recharge and re-energise themselves after a particularly challenging period.

Business news, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability

Focus: Lollipop and hard candy manufacturers and equipment businesses continue to weather economic storm

The hard candies and lollipop segment of the confectionery market has had its challenges this year, as with all other areas of the sector. Neill Barston speaks to several businesses, FB Washburn, The Sweety Guy, and Loynds machinery, that have been weathering the present storm. Neill Barston reports

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

Josh’s Chocolate gains UK government-backed loan to continue trading amid covid-19

Cornish confectionery company Josh’s Chocolate has been given a boost amid challenging trading conditions as it joins the ranks of businesses securing a UK government-backed bounce back loan for firms affected by the coronavirus pandemic, writes Neill Barston.

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