Nigeria is the world’s sixth largest cocoa producer, but has scope to significantly boost its output and processing capacity, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Barry Callebaut says the acquisition of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates’ ingredients unit could strengthen its specialties and decorations business in North America.
Mars’ share in China’s chocolate confectionery market has been dropping since 2013, but the company maintains its leading position with 36.7% market share in 2017, Euromonitor’s latest data shows.
Researchers say commercial prospects for extra virgin olive oil enriched dark chocolate are strong after finding potential cardiovascular health benefits.
Tony’s Chocolonely this month achieved national distribution across the US in natural and specialty channels and is now aiming to enter conventional retail.
Bean-to-bar chocolate brand Sol Cacao has secured its first Whole Foods listing in Harlem, New York City, but its founders say it is uncertain if their chocolate prices will decrease because of the Amazon acquisition.
Nestlé is currently auctioning off its US candy business mostly to private equity firms, and major confectioners, including Hershey, Mars, Mondelēz and Tootsie Roll, a source familiar with the matter says.
Hershey's majority shareholder The Hershey Trust has cut its majority stake by 6% from $8bn to $7.5bn, but its voting interest is largely unchanged and analysts don't expect further divestment.
Mondelēz has confirmed it will close the Cadbury factory in Dunedin, New Zealand, in early 2018, and refurbish its local Cadbury World with a NZ$7m ($5m) investment.
Nestlé says it will strongly defend itself after it was accused of breaching copyright of Atari’s Seventies video game Breakout in marketing its KitKat brand.
Nestlé says the Walnut Whip with a walnut will remain on sale alongside its new vanilla, caramel and mint versions without a walnut in the UK and Ireland.
The percieved health benefits of cocoa among Japanese consumers continues to drive the domestic chocolate market, according to a report by Euromonitor International.
Though Mondelēz has billed its new plans to invest A$75m (US$60m) into upgrading its Hobart Cadbury factory as a move to “secure local jobs”, it has at the same time revealed that nearly 10% of jobs will be shed in the process.
Ferrero will introduce a new flavor variant of Tic Tac Mixers, Hello Kitty and Hot Wheels-branded Kinder Surprise eggs, and will bring biscuit brand Nutella B-Ready to the UK market.
Luxury nougat startup Champion & Reeves has adopted the style of discontinued classic British brand Callard & Bowser and eyes domestic and export success after raising £156,540 ($204,000) via crowdfunding.
A survey conducted by YouGov Australia shows that Cadbury is Asia Pacific’s (APAC) favorite chocolate brand, chosen by 25% of the respondents in the region.
Ferrero says it is on course to trace its entire cocoa supply to farm gate by next year, which it says will support its commitment to zero deforestation.
LoeschPack will investigate the integration of robot kinematics in its machines in response to demand for customization, says incoming MD Dr Thomas Cord.
Agricultural commodities core to Europe’s confectionery industry such as sugarcane, hazelnuts and almonds are vulnerable to water scarcity in the near term, according to an EU-funded report.
