wellbeing
Industry research places almonds among snacks and confectionery natural ingredient favourites
Latest industry studies have shown that, European consumers spend the most on health and wellbeing, based around three key areas: clean labels, healthy indulgent snacks, and plant-based products, as almonds retain their popularity within the confectionery sector, reports Neill Barston.
Ten PM snack bars claim key Ashwagandha wellbeing ingredient first
An innovative UK snacks manufacturer is claiming a sector first in devising an oat-based bar, Ten PM, featuring Ashwagandha plants used for combatting stress as a key ingredient, writes Neill Barston.
Israel’s TopGum delivers latest functional iron-enhanced gummies
Israeli-based supplement manufacturer TopGum Industries has released its IronGum, the high-dose iron gummies, which have been designed with a smooth texture for those who find it difficult to take larger tablets, writes Neill Barston.
Nestlé posts sales dip, amid ongoing global supply chain challenges
Nestlé has reported trading challenges in the first quarter of 2024, with sales of CHF 22.09 billion, down 5.9% against CHF23.4bn for the same period last year, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of the Industry reflections: John Downs, NCA’s president and CEO interview
Seeming in relaxed form, John Downs concluded the event with some added notes of motivation for the assembled audience, reaffirming his view that there’s plenty of dynamism and determination that will see the industry within the US through its various supply chain challenges, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, 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
Gulfood Manufacturing set to return with record-breaking array of exhibitors
This year’s Gulfood Manufacturing has already set its stall-out as its biggest ever, with more than 2,000 exhibitors, with confectionery and snacks once again featuring significantly. Editor Neill Barston previews the fast-paced, dynamic show
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory
FMCG Gurus unveils key confectionery trends for 2024
Identifying the next array of major trends within the confectionery snacks, and wider food sector making traction is an especially challenging task, and with consumers concerned over budgets, health and the environment, these are the key factors shaping the market, as Kate Kehoe, Marketing Executive at FMCG Gurus explains.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Further government delays on banning two-for-one product deals set to impact nation’s health
There is little doubting the fact that a renewed surge in demand for better-for-you product options, including within confectionery and snacks ranges, appears to be showing no sign of slowing any time soon, as shoppers become ever more savvy about their dietary intake.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, New products, Processing, Regulatory
UK government ban delays on multi-buy packs greeted with major concern from health campaigners
A UK government decision to further push back its childhood obesity strategy by an additional two years in banning ‘two for one’ promotional deals on product ranges including confectionery and snacks has drawn key concerns raised from national health campaigners and charities, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Givaudan launches key AI-enhanced customer foresight system
The Givaudan fragrance, taste and wellbeing group has launched its AI-enhanced Customer Foresight platform that is anticipated to have a major impact on future product development, writes Neill Barston.
Potential for flavanol health benefits in cocoa could be gamechanging
Barry Callebaut has been in celebratory mood this week with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) industry body’s latest ruling into health claims for cocoa powder in terms of potentially positively reducing risks of cardiovascular disease owing to the presence of flavanols in the key sector ingredient.
Barry Callebaut claims major breakthrough from FDA over cocoa flavanol benefits
The Barry Callebaut Group has claimed a key breakthrough and sector first in gaining a qualified health claim in the US, stating that cocoa powder may reduce risks of cardiovascular disease through cocoa flavanols, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
TopGum extends fast-rising neutraceutical gummies with organic sugar free variety
Israel’s TopGum Industries has confirmed release of its latest offering of sugar-free, organic gummies to the nutritional health supplement category, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability