retail
Greggs makes key investment into UK automated cold store site
A key infrastructure investment is being made by UK bakery food chain Greggs, as it sees complete on a new automated cold store built by food and drink construction expert Clegg Food Projects, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Pladis targets biscuit growth with online hub, as 80% of product sales gained from 5% of ranges
The pladis snacking group has moved to relaunch it Better Biscuits online platform as it seeks to help the sector drive a further £21 million in sales through maximising the segment’s potential, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Sustainability
Läderach set for 15 new US chocolate stores following UK expansion
Swiss premium chocolate brand Läderach has confirmed agreement for 15 new high-end chocolate stores in the US, as also continues to expand in key markets including the UK, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Cadbury encourages consumers not to buy its Dairy Milk and back UK chocolatiers
In a highly unusual move, Cadbury has urged UK consumers not to buy its Dairy Milk Bars for their next confectionery treat, and instead support local chocolatiers, who have been under particular pressure amid the pandemic, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Sustainability
Easter chocolate innovation falls 25% amid Covid-19, according to Mintel studies
Despite relative buoyancy reported across key global confectionery markets as Easter approaches, coronavirus conditions have resulted in a 25% cut in chocolate product innovation over the past year, according to Mintel research, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Sustainability
Thorntons fate of store closures poses further high street challenges
One of the biggest breaking news items of this week was undoubtedly the decision to close all of Thorntons stores in the UK amid ongoing pandemic trading challenges that is set to affect a total of 600 jobs in the long-established business.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Sustainability
Thorntons confirms plans to close UK stores amid pandemic challenges
UK confectionery brand Thorntons has confirmed none of its 61 British stores is set to reopen following the coronavirus pandemic, which it said had created a ‘tough and challenging retail environment,’ writes Neill Barston.
BDSI reports gains for cocoa sustainability amid concerns over falling confectionery exports
The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) has welcomed results of its latest study revealing 77% of product ranges sold in the country now use sustainably certified cocoa – up seven per cent from 2019, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
NCA confirms awards and sessions for its State of the Industry event
The US-based National Confectioners Association’s annual State of the Industry Conference is set for a return next month in digital form, and is set to offer the sector plenty of inspiration for the sector in 2021.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
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.
Mars reduces bar size for 100 calorie range, instead of reformulation
Mars Wrigley has delivered a key move in offering reduced sizes of its Twix, Mars and Snickers lines to deliver 100 calorie or less options, in preference to recipe reformulation of the core lines, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing
Pemberton & Whitefoord design group works on Ferrero’s festive range
Creative design business Pemberton & Whitefoord (P&W) has helped Ferrero to launch a selection of new Kinder products across its seasonal portfolio, as the confectioner targets the key Christmas retail period.
National Confectioners Association study reveals key pandemic consumer buying trends
The US-based National Confectioners Association has set out the second of its three-part insights-driven report series exploring the impact of coronavirus on consumer behaviour and seasonal and everyday confectionery sales, reports Neill Barston
Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Sustainability
Mondelēz International launches key Oreo cookie campaign
The Mondelēz International global brand of Oreo biscuits is launching a major new digital campaign, The Playful Network, highlighting key connections consumers have made during the ongoing pandemic.