retail
Consumers set to feel the price pain this Easter of steep rises in cocoa costs
The core Easter market is set to herald a major boost for confectionery brands large and small this month, but consumers are facing a notable rise in prices for many product ranges, according to analysts’ latest research, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
NCA’s John Downs lifts up the industry with inspiring State of the Industry keynote
Entering this year’s State of the Industry Conference donning a striking personalised lab coat, backed by an uplifting soul soundtrack, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) president and CEO John Downs offered heartfelt praise for a sector facing a number of industry challenges, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of the Industry Conference to highlight key trends and AI technology
The pivotal influence of TikTok social media, fostering inclusive workplaces, and the major technological potential for AI tools within industry will form key themes for this year’s State of the Industry Conference, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut posts revenue upturn amid challenging global market conditions
The Swiss-headquartered Barry Callebaut Group has released its latest quarterly figures revealing revenue gains of 14.1%, to CHF 2.2 billion driven by adjusted cocoa pricing, and an increase in sales volumes, rising 0.4% to 580,876 tonnes, against a ‘challenging and declining’ chocolate market, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory
NCA unveils latest industry intake of key Future Leaders Programme
A total of eight ambitious young industry professionals have formed the latest intake of the National Confectioners Association 2024 Future Leadership Programme, designed to inspire and develop the next generation of management stars within the sector, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Research finds UK and US consumers retain a love for chocolate, though sales remain impacted
Latest analysis from the Mintel Research group has found UK shoppers are among the most loyal consumers of chocolate in the world, with sales of £7 billion last year, but figures are declining amid health concerns and ongoing cost of living crisis, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory
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
Cost of living crisis drives Christmas confectionery sales boost
Major confectionery brands have reported an upturn in sales for the festive season, as financially pressed shoppers have reportedly turned to offering gifts of premium chocolate as an alternative to more costly items, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Winter warmers from Hames Chocolates offer festive cheer
Some added festive warmth is being brought to the market from UK-based private label firm Hames Chocolates, as it extends its indulgent series of Hot Chocolate Stirrers, Bombes and chocolate pouches, amid a key upturn in its trading, writes Neill Barston.
Hershey’s Halloween ‘Helping hands’ retailer scheme preps industry for key spooky season
Hershey has reported a strong level of engagement with its ‘helping hands’ programme of supporting its retail partners, as the US business gears up for Halloween, which has consistently proved one of its most vital periods of the calendar year, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
US anticipates a record-breaking Halloween season for spooky treat retail sales
Studies for the National Retail Federation in the US have found that total Halloween spending is set to reach even greater ‘spooktacluar’ highs this year, with a projected record $12.2 billion, exceeding last year’s record of $10.6 billion, due to be achieved, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Lakrids by Bülow liquorice makes major move developing London stores
A major expansion move by Danish-founded luxury liquorice brand Lakrids by Bülow in delivering its first two permanent UK stores in London, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Chantal Coady OBE makes major return to Rococo and Prestat as creative director
Confectionery Production board member, Chantal Coady OBE, has been named as creative director and brand ambassador at Prestat and Rococo luxury chocolate brands.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
High Street bakery businesses can offer customers greater service, says study
High street bakers can do more to engage consumers, according to a fresh survey undertaken by the Craft Bakers Association assessing customer preferences.