Scandinavian confectioner Cloetta has posted a modest rise in fourth quarter sales and says it hopes to spend future money it generates on extinguishing its debts and acquiring complementary companies.
Nestlé’s confectionery profit margin nosedive in 2013 was a consequence of higher cocoa prices and increased marketing spend that reflect faith in the category, according to the firm’s CEO.
US Valentine’s candy consumers are expected to spend more than last year, but many will seek products on offer, while the rich will buy richer with more premium offerings.
The US National Confectioners Association (NCA) and leading US firms say sugar has been ‘unjustly’ victimized in recent months and the public should be free to enjoy a sweet treat if they so desire.
US consumers have a growing appetite for new tastes such as ethnic flavors and single origin chocolate, creating an opportunity for gourmet confectioners, according to the Sweets and Snacks Expo organizers.
Consumers are starting to view chocolate more as a cultured wine tasting and less as a sweet treat gone in seconds, according to a wine expert hired by Barry Callebaut.
AarhusKarlshamn (AAK), the Sweden-based oils and fat producer, has reported a 12% increase in operating profit in the fourth quarter (Q2), driven by recovery in its chocolate and confectionery fats division.
The Association of Germany Confectionery Industry (BDSI) has urged the industry to choose plastic packaging that provides a protective barrier against carcinogenic mineral oils.
Godiva owner Yildiz Holding has made one of its first social investments in sustainable cocoa by sponsoring Cémoi, Blommer Chocolate and Delfi’s Processors Alliance for Cocoa Traceability and Sustainability (PACTS) program.
Eating chocolate is a one-way road to happiness, if you subscribe to the approach used by confectionery companies in Australia to market their products.
Hershey’s chief executive John Bilbrey says he is “very excited” about a mystery new product that will unveiled later this year, and believes fruit and choc snack brand Brookside could become a $500m global brand.
The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) has reiterated its cocoa deficit forecast for the 2012/13 season after a public leak led the market to erroneously believe the shortfall was greater than expected.
The confectionery industry is in good shape and demand for sustainable products and those catering to health needs has never been higher, according to ISM organizer Koelnmesse.
NGOs say human trafficking and child labor remain deep-seated problems of the cocoa industry as a Nestlé, ADM and Cargill court case stirs up old supply chain concerns.
Three Malian men have won the right to bring their civil child slavery case against Nestlé, Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) to Californian courts.
Mondelēz International won't rule out job cuts in the £75M overhaul of its Cadbury Bournville plant near Birmingham, as it seeks to modernise production and improve efficiency there.
The confectionery industry will begin to move away from sugar to ‘healthier’ alternatives, according to a manufacturer of stevia-sweetened energy and confectionery bars.
Researchers financially supported by the USDA and Lindt have developed a non-sensory method to determine when fine flavor cacao beans have become adulterated with inferior beans.
Certification is one of the most potent tools for chocolate makers to avoid serious cocoa shortages and to improve the lives of farmers, according to the burgeoning certified cocoa organization, UTZ Certified.
Belgian chocolate is profiting from a consumer trend for authentic and traceable products, according to industrial chocolate producer and ingredients supplier Puratos.
A rise in the North American cocoa grind is a positive sign for the mature US chocolate market, but analysts predict health-concerns will challenge future growth.
Mondelez International reached its 2015 goal of sourcing 100% RSPO-certified palm oil for all its purchases last year – two years ahead of schedule, the company has said.
Thorntons reported sweet success over Christmas, with its second quarter results, for the 14 weeks to January 22, revealing sales in both fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail divisions ahead of some City analysts’ expectations.
Cadbury’s Israeli distributor Carmit Candy Industries has accused the Strauss Group of employing a war-like strategy to block Cadbury’s entry into Israel, while Strauss says Carmit only has itself to blame for Cadbury’s failings.
Cocoa grinds are up in Europe and the chocolate market is set to follow, but other markets are shining more brightly and will continue to do so, according to Euromonitor.
Barry Callebaut revenues for the first three months of fiscal 2013/14 were up 21.4% driven by a strong chocolate performance in Europe and the newly acquired Petra Foods cocoa business.
Discount retailer Lidl has rolled out its Healthy Till program across its UK stores, removing all chocolate and sweets from checkouts except for Wrigley’s gum.
Ritter Sport has been granted an injunction preventing a German consumer group from claiming the chocolate firm is deceiving consumers with misleading natural flavor claims.
Prominent nutritionists have provided their exclusive feedback on Action on Sugar’s sugar reduction campaign, designed to combat the rising incidence of obesity in the UK.
Children can eat candy in moderation without increasing their risk of becoming obese and developing heart problems later in life, according to a study backed by the National Confectioners Association.
Replacing sugar with fibers in chocolate could be more effective in reducing global sugar consumption than cutting portion sizes, but will come at a cost, according to Barry Callebaut.
No commercial reason not to cut sugar in confectionery, says chairman
A new campaign group headed by medical professionals says the food industry can improve profit margins while cutting ‘unnecessary’ added sugar from products, which it says is responsible for rising global obesity.
