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Sugar outlook positive despite impending EU quota extension - ISO

The International Sugar Organization (ISO) has said that even if the EU extends sugar quotas to 2020 it will have little negative impact on the world sugar market as stocks...

News in brief

ADM ups cocoa processing 17% in Singapore

ADM Cocoa has expanded its cocoa processing in Singapore which increase its output in the country by 17%.

Temporary EU sugar measures won’t stop high prices: Nestlé

Should the EU extend sugar quotas until 2020 any temporary measures to improve supply for food manufacturers will have little impact on prices and availability, according to Nestlé.

Extended EU sugar quotas bad news for confectioners, says CIUS

The European Parliament Agriculture Committee's vote to extend EU sugar quotas until 2020 will have a negative impact on the confectionery industry and puts small and medium sized manufacturers at risk, according...

Scaling up cocoa origins closer to China easier said than done, says Mars

Sourcing cocoa closer to the booming Chinese chocolate market is more challenging than it seems, according to Mars.

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Callebaut to use RSPO-certified palm oil for compounds and fillings

Barry Callebaut has announced that it is switching to Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified palm oil for compounds and filling at most plants.

Asian chocolate market still promising despite lower than expected grinds

Asian chocolate demand is weaker than hoped but the market still represents significant potential, according to an analyst.

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Olam joins International Cocoa Initiative to fight child labor

Commodities trader Olam has joined the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) to help address child and forced labor in cocoa growing countries.

Cocoa economy in ‘critical state’, says Mars sustainability chief

The chocolate industry is behind in tackling some cocoa supply issues and must work more closely to avert shortages, according to Mars’ head of sustainability.

North American Q4 cocoa grind exceeds expectations

North America’s cocoa grind was up a modest 0.9% in the fourth quarter surpassing traders’ predictions of a slight decline.

Tate & Lyle Sugars takes battle against EU to court

Sugar refiner Tate & Lyle Sugars will take its fight against the European Commission for alleged mismanagement of the European sugar market to court today. 

No cocoa crisis in 2017, says Euromonitor

Euromonitor International is predicting that demand for cocoa products will not outstrip supply by 2017, contrary to the International Cocoa Organization’s (ICCO) forecasted cocoa deficit.

European cocoa grind set for recovery after 2012 slump – Rabobank

An analyst from Rabobank expects the European cocoa grind to pick up this year after data released today showed 2012 figures were the lowest in seven years.

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Mars to address heart health cocoa flavanol conference

Mars scientists are among the speakers at a conference later this month in Brussels to discuss breakthroughs linking cocoa flavanols to cardiovascular health.

Pricey US sugar threatens small confectioners, says Kimmie Candy

Small and medium sized US confectioners are coming under increasing threat from foreign firms that are able to secure sugar supplies at less than half the going rate in the...

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American Sugar Alliance: ‘The country is swimming in sugar’

Sugar prices in the US have fallen more than 40% since last summer and are now at “dangerously low levels for producers who are facing ever-increasing input costs”, according to...

Barry Callebaut adds a piece to its sustainable cocoa puzzle

Barry Callebaut’s joint venture cocoa partner Biopartenaire is now Rainforest Alliance Certified - a move that forms part of a wider puzzle of efforts towards sustainability, it said.

Sustainable cocoa: Action needed in two years, not ten

Action on sustainable cocoa must happen in two years, not ten and requires a holistic approach far beyond simple certification and increased production, the editor of a new report says.

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Hershey joins Abidjan sustainable cocoa pledge

The Hershey Company has joined other major chocolate manufacturers in signing a new cocoa pledge to give Ivorian farmers a fair deal and ensure a sustainable supply.

News in brief

Major chocolate players sign new cocoa pledge

Mondelez International, Nestlé, Ferrero and Mars have all signed the Abidjan Cocoa Declaration and pledged to create a sustainable cocoa industry that guarantees a fair deal for farmers.

Cocoa certification: Pros, cons and costs

Cocoa certification brings more advantages than disadvantages for farmers and communities as improved yields and pay outweigh rule differences among certifiers and potentially unequal payments, a study has found.

Sugar Update

EU greets added sugar supplies as US confectioners row with producers

Sugar users in the EU have welcomed plans to release more sugar to the market, while counterparts in the US have condemned the sugar lobby for allegedly exaggerating available supplies.

RAN urges Cargill to take stronger action on palm oil sustainability

The Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has urged Cargill to take clear, decisive action to ensure its palm oil suppliers commit to sustainable production, while Cargill has said that RAN allegations...

Mondelez pumps $400m in sustainable cocoa supply chain

Cadbury owner Mondelez International has announced plans to invest $400m in its cocoa supply chain over the next ten years.