trading
UK chocolate exports to EU drop 36% over two years amid Brexit and Covid-19 pressures
Export values of chocolate from the UK to the EU have fallen significantly from 2019 to 2021, with figures down 36.9% (to £99 million), as the wider food and drink sector markets trade to the European bloc drops by a total of £2 billion in the past two years amid Brexit and Covid-19 impacts, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
MIA ethical chocolate confirms pledge of ensuring production entirely in Madagascar
Ethical chocolate business MIA (Made In Africa)’s latest impact report has shown that it has ensured delivery of a pledge promising its entire production volume was made at source in 2020, despite challenges of operating amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Hershey reveals improved annual results despite pandemic
US-based Hershey has released its latest annual results that reveal net sales of $8.1 billion, up by 2% in 2020, despite the ongoing trading tests of the coronavirus pandemic, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Hershey banned from sustainability programmes in Ivory Coast and Ghana
US confectionery business Hershey has been banned from sustainability projects in Ghana and Ivory Coast, after reports the business bought significant quantities of cocoa on the New York Futures commodities market, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
The Fine Chocolate Industry Association launches new trading site to assist businesses
The US-founded Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) has unveiled “Make Mine Fine”, an online marketplace featuring specialty chocolates from across America and other key global markets to support businesses affected by coronavirus trading restrictions.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Olam records lower profits amid trading challenges
Olam International, the global cocoa and ingredients business, has reported a third quarter dip in profits, down 14.2% to $20.7 million and nine month profits down 13.6% to $272.6 million, which it attributed to ongoing challenging trading conditions.
Whitakers five generations of confectionery making
As it approaches its 130th anniversary, UK-based Whitakers Chocolates is embarking on a new branding venture with bar products featuring bespoke branding. Neill Barston meets the family behind this long-running family business
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing
Ferrero invests £6.7 million in new Christmas confectionery ranges
The Ferrero group has confirmed major product development investment valued at £6.74 million across its confectionery and spreads, with a number of new seasonal ranges planned.
MIA ethical chocolate brand completes crowdfunding venture
Bean-to-bar chocolate company MIA (Made in Africa) has successfully completed a crowdfunding campaign, gaining £137,000 towards improving its production facilities in Madagascar.
Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
The ‘mint with a hole’ clocks up 70 years on our shelves
The phrase ‘iconic’ is often banded around for products and items that aren’t always terribly deserving of the description.
Sweetdreams appoints new UK sales director
UK chocolatier, Sweetdreams, has recruited a new sales director to build on its reported growth over the past two years.
Russian confectionery market prepares to increase export volumes
Despite political turbulence experienced surrounding Russia’s global trading arrangements, its confectionery market is continuing to prove resilient, reports Eugene Gerden Amid the ongoing recovery of Russia from the financial crisis and its consequences, leading domestic confectionery producers plan to significantly increase their volume of production and exports this year, according to recent statements of […]
Staying true to your business roots
This past month has been a particularly busy one in terms of travel, as I enjoyed visiting several key businesses operating within the confectionery and bakery sectors.
Caobisco welcomes its first female president
This month has seen Mary Barnard, president of Mondelēz International’s European chocolate division appointed as Caobisco’s first female president.