Three new sustainability initiatives transforming the cocoa and sugar sectors
Are brands and organisations sweetening their climate conscious efforts to win over concerned consumers?
Sustainability
Is public-private sector collaboration vital to EUDR success?
Sustainable trade body urges industry-wide collaboration is key to unlocking the EUDR’s trove of environmental and economic mobility benefits.
Farmers building climate resilience face $151 billion financing gap
Agriculture service provider One Acre Fund estimates smallholder farmers need this multi-billion sum to develop long-term resilience for themselves and the environment during the climate crisis.
News
Cadbury sharing bars to be wrapped in 80% recycled plastic
Mondelēz’s Cadbury core sharing bars sold in the UK and Ireland will now be wrapped in 80% certified recycled plastic packaging, the highest percentage of recycled flexible plastic used within the brand globally.
‘Modern-day Willy Wonka’ presses ahead with sustainable cacao
Global chocolate company makes multi-million investment in upcycled cacao brand that produces chocolate using parts of the fruit that are typically thrown away.
Pursuing critical sustainable food production at COP16
How one Colombian chocolate ingredient company is backing purpose-driven chocolate and conversations at the 2024 United Nations event.
EUDR delay: Deforestation progress on hold
Chocolate leader Tony’s Chocolonely raises concerns about the European Commission’s decision to postpone the EUDR implementation date by 12 months.
Milky Way opts for a can format to reduce plastic packaging
With a higher recyclability rate, cans provide a favourable alternative to plastic packaging and its accompanying pollution.
Tony’s Chocolonely and The Washington Post spotlight cocoa injustices
Tony’s Chocolonely partners with The Washington Post to spark dialogue and raise awareness about exploitation in the cocoa industry in a unique attempt to rewrite the sector's negative narrative.
How the confectionery space is avoiding the impact of plastic on the environment
PFAS and their impact on public health remain a key issue as the industry swaps plastic for paper.
Could anti-inflammatory effects of sweetener boost sales?
Health concerns have put the sweetener industry in jeopardy. Could new research help to restore its reputation?
CAOBISCO calls for urgent EUDR update, the EC responds
Days after Europe’s chocolate, biscuit and confectionery organisation asks for immediate guidance on the upcoming European Union’s Deforestation Regulation, the European Commission releases its proposal to push back its implementation date.
Côte d’Ivoire raises cocoa prices above Ghana
Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s leading cocoa producer, has raised the price it pays farmers for cocoa.
EU Commission proposes EUDR implementation delay
The EU Commission has proposed a 12-month extension for the phasing-in of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The move follows warnings of trade chaos from stakeholders and governments.
New approach puts farmers at the center of crop testing
Discover how an innovative approach to assessing new crop varieties is transforming farming practices and boosting food security
EUDR
Can cocoa become fully traceable ahead of the EUDR?
Find out how global traceability systems are gathering pace as the new law’s impending deadline moves closer
Mars scales its sustainable dairy sourcing efforts
Manure management, getting methane under control and seaweed feeds are among its climate-smart initiatives
Sustainable packaging
Will flexible packaging revolutionise confectionery casing?
Or perhaps it already is?
Regulation
What EUDR preparations or pauses are underway?
As the EUDR deadline gets closer, here’s how the globe is responding
Can a cacao gene atlas help solve the cocoa crisis?
Mapping the genome of every cacao tree on the planet is the first step to developing elite high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties say researchers
Meet the chocolate brand cleaning up the ocean
With the world’s first ocean plastic neutral certification, Endangered Species Chocolate has levelled up its ‘do good, better’ philosophy. Here’s how
A new European Parliament is here: What policies do confectioners want to see?
Industry association CAOBISCO shares its five-year policy manifesto. Here's what's on the agenda
Sustainability in confectionery: Six ways to drive a greener future
In recent years, consumer demand and evolving government regulations have led to significant advancements in sustainability within the confectionery sector.
Have scientists discovered climate-proof chocolate?
A scientific breakthrough may pave the way for developing more climate-resilient cocoa trees, potentially ensuring the continued production of cacao-based products like chocolate.
New Product Development
What’s hot in confectionery? New product development from Cadbury to Smart Sweets
From cannabis-infused candy to a better-for-you Twix, meet the latest confectionery launches disrupting the industry
Why cocoa farmers don’t earn a living income
Most cocoa farmers don’t earn a living income. Why not? And should they all?
Surging demand for specialty fats: Sustainable alternatives to cocoa butter and palm oil
With cocoa butter and palm oil production dogged by rising costs and environmental concerns, alternative fats and oils are filling the void. Here’s what manufacturers need to know
How much progress has really been made on sustainable palm oil production?
As Ferrero is applauded for its efforts in sourcing sustainable palm oil, Greenpeace says the rest of the industry has a long way to go
How the Swiss make chocolate, but in bioreactors
Switzerland is one of the world’s biggest consumers of chocolate and coffee, and now it’s home to a company making both – in bioreactors.
How Nestlé is making its cocoa more traceable
Nestlé is striving to make its cocoa traceable right back to the farm. Can the multinational give consumers confidence they’re eating sustainable cocoa?
7 Things you need to know about the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)
What’s the latest on the EU’s plastics law?
How Hershey became one of the world’s most ethical companies
Employing veterans, building schools and slashing packaging and emissions are just some of the ways the chocolate firm has earned its ESG credentials
How is Ferrero balancing M&A growth with packaging sustainability?
A strong acquisition strategy is fuelling growth at Ferrero. But inevitably, with that growth comes more packaging. How is the confectionery major working to decouple the two?
Sustainability
Barry Callebaut maps out phase two of Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI) plan
Barry Callebaut, which describes itself as the ‘heart and engine of the chocolate industry,’ has claimed notable advances in sustainable cocoa farming and deforestation prevention in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Sustainability
Ferrero reports solid progress towards sustainability targets
Ferrero said the release of its 15th Sustainability Report demonstrates considerable progress across its key sustainability pillars: protecting the Environment, Sourcing Ingredients Responsibly, Promoting Responsible Consumption, and Empowering People.
Special report
Is there a business case for a fully transparent cocoa supply chain?
The latest CN webinar on sustainable cocoa supply chains asked the question: should the industry adopt a more responsible approach to procurement when sourcing cocoa beans and other ingredients?
Sustainability
Cocoa investors request major chocolate companies pay farmers more
An investor letter issued earlier this month by non-profit Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ) has called out international chocolate companies to end what it described as “exploitative purchasing practices,” mainly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Can the whole cocoa pod be utilised when making chocolate?
By developing a chocolate bar using not only the cocoa bean but the pulp and endocarp as well, a new study aims to create a more sustainable form of chocolate.
The top 4 packaging trends in confectionery in 2024
With packaging as diverse and innovative as the sweet treats it houses, 2024 sees brands accelerate their environmental, visual and technological know-how
Sustainabilty
Fairtrade helps more West African cocoa farmers with specialist training
Fairtrade International claims that more cocoa farmers are benefiting from training in key environmental sustainability areas.
Can faba beans’ bitterness become sweet success for a cocoa alternative?
With cocoa prices at record highs and its sustainability under scrutiny, we explore an alternative that embraces faba beans’ flavour failure.
The top five sustainability trends in confectionery
As consumers’ ethical values become ever more baked into their confectionery choices, from Hershey to Mondelez and Nestle, we explore the ways brands are pivoting to more sustainable practises
Sustainability
Luker Chocolate on course to impact 1,500 farmers by 2027
Luker Chocolate, the premium Colombian Business-for-Business (B4B) chocolate manufacturer, has revealed significant progress towards Its 2027 sustainability targets, including increasing income for farmers, social wellbeing, and deforestation-free cocoa.
Sustainability
US chocolate for good: companies launch impact programme for female cocoa farmers in Ghana
A new impact investment partnership, ‘Women for Chocolate,’ has launched in Ghana to ensure the success of women cocoa farmers.
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Endangered Species Chocolate threatens to disrupt Sweets & Snacks Expo with innovative new treat
Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) is set to captivate the snacking world by unveiling Dip 'n Joy - a one-of-a-kind, interactive chocolate experience at the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024 in Indianapolis.
Marketing
Tony’s Chocolonely partners with Oxfam and Glastonbury for free tickets giveaway
Dutch disruptor brand Tony’s Chocolonely is partnering with Oxfam and Glastonbury for a second year to raise money to fight poverty by launching limited edition bars that offer fans the opportunity to win tickets to the legendary arts and music festival.
Sustainability
Ofi Cocoa partners with USAID to deliver enhanced supply chain transparency
Major cocoa supplier ofi (olam food ingredients), has claimed recent developments in data and technology are behind its progress towards creating a more sustainable supply chain.
Regulation
Brussels, do we have a problem with the EUDR?
‘Beleaguered’ is perhaps too strong an adjective to describe the forthcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), but when the bloc’s Director General for Trade goes on record as describing its current state as "extremely burdensome," then...
Sustainability
Civil societies welcome EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
The proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) seeks to introduce legal obligations for large corporations to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence in their global supply chains.
Sustainability
‘Chocolate bonus’ for cocoa farmers helps with living income struggle
Belgian chocolate brand Belcolade says it is aiming to empower and provide a living income for 50,000 cocoa farmers by 2030 and has introduced a ‘chocolate bonus’.