UK
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
UK confectionery businesses continue to face major tests amid economic uncertainty
We’re only a couple of weeks into January 2024, and it seems that both global and domestic events here in the UK have been particularly newsworthy across many spheres of industry, and the confectionery sector is in no small way exempt from that.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
York Cocoa House calls in administrators to maintain business trading
UK-based confectionery business, York Cocoa House, has appointed administrators to ensure that the company is able to maintain its operations, against a challenging economic backdrop, reports Neill Barston.
Reprocessing company SugaRich moves to acquire UK Sweetdreams confectionery business
SugaRich, a key UK food reprocessing firm, has moved to acquire British confectionery business Sweetdreams Limited, targeting market expansion of its broader industry operations, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Fairtrade Foundation unveils breakthrough CMA initiative to drive retailer sustainability
Fairtrade Foundation has delivered what is believed to be a first of its kind initiative in driving business sustainability through the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA’s) new open-door policy for green agreements between companies, reports Neill Barston.
Lily O’Briens offers latest premium Christmas chocolate creations
Premium chocolate brand Lily O’Briens has pulled out the festive stops for 2023, as it showcases its Christmas range including seasonal truffles and hearts, in addition to its desserts collection that has delivered a key sales boost, according to the company, writes, Neill Barston.
Wonka movie aims to dazzle with festive feelgood confectionery tale
A delicious Christmas confectionery treat is being served up from this weekend, as the much-anticipated new Wonka movie opens its doors for cinema audiences keen to get the festive party spirit started, reports Neill Barston.
Nestlé aims for magical Christmas with latest season’s confectionery line-up
Nestlé Confectionery has delivered a broad series of confectionery for its Christmas 2023 line-up, consisting of classic holiday treats and brand-new winter wonders, including special editions of Quality Street, After Eight and Smarties, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging
Swizzels starts the festive confectionery party, amid rise in demand for vegan ranges
UK confectionery manufacturer Swizzels has entered into the festive spirit with creating its new seasonal gift drums for the key Christmas period, featuring some of its key lines including Love Hearts and Drumstick Mini Chew Bars, writes Neill Barston.
FDF welcomes UK government autumn statement pledging billions for manufacturing investment
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents a broad array of sector businesses, including within confectionery and snacks, has welcomed today’s Autumn Statement offering funding for investment in capital equipment, reports Neill Barston.
Hotel Chocolat sale raises questions over its future direction, and hopes for independent businesses
The pending sale of British confectionery business Hotel Chocolat marks a particularly notable marker for what can presently be achieved by independent confectionery businesses.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Love Cocoa reveals major new sustainability-focused rebrand marking seventh anniversary
A bold series of revamped brand designs has been unveiled by premium confectionery brand Love Cocoa, focused on enhancing its sustainable and ethical sourcing approach, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Market challenges arising from the pandemic, Brexit and Ukraine war impacted growth, says FDF report
Anticipated further market uncertainty from Brexit, the pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, have been highlighted as holding back many industry manufacturers in the UK, including within confectionery and snacks categories, according to the latest State of Industry report from the Food and Drink Federation, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Sweetdreams confectionery completes 2023 World Confectionery conference speaker line-up
The dynamic line-up for our 2023 World Confectionery Conference is set to be completed by UK-based business Sweetdreams confectionery in a speaking capacity, with the company having recently launched its Gozo premium chocolate range, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability