retail
Guylian unveils eco revamp of seashell packaging celebrating Chocolate Week
Premium Belgian chocolate business, Guylian has delivered an additional packaging refresh for its line of flagship line of seashell-shaped, hazelnut praliné filled chocolates, reports Neill Barston.
Confetti Snacks brand extends major US market listings
Confetti Snacks, the innovative and award-winning brand known for its vibrant and nutrient-dense upcycled veggie and fruit chips, has confirmed its expansion into around 900 Walmart stores across the United States. This significant milestone marks a major step in Confetti Snacks’ mission to make delicious and sustainable snacking accessible to a wider audience.
Love Cocoa confectionery brand set to unveil its first retail store
B Corp certified premium chocolate business, Love Cocoa has achieved a notable long-term strategic goal in unveiling plans to move into its first retail store for the business, as part of a new London initiative to boost emerging enterprises, writes Neill Barston.
UK’s Food and Drink Federation welcomes inflation drop, yet pricing and sector investment challenges remain
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has welcomed a continued fall in inflation within the sector falling to 1.5%, though the organisation noted continued challenges from key retail categories including powdered cocoa and chocolate (18% and 13% respectively) within the past year, reports Neill Barston.
Entrepreneur Yasir Patel proves a confectionery hit with “Aldi’s Next Big Thing”
An ambitious entrepreneur from Blackburn, Lancashire, Yasir Patel is celebrating success after securing a major contract from the Aldi supermarket chain after triumphing on its ‘Next Big Thing’ screen series, reports Neill Barston.
Cocoa Canopy’s range set to gain full Ocado listing
Drinking chocolate brand Cocoa Canopy’s complete range of five varieties is set to be stocked through Ocado from next month, enhancing the company’s overall retailing prominence.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
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