Nestlé’s answer to non-melting chocolate

Nestlé has followed in the footsteps of Mondelez by coming up with its own non-melting chocolate, which could prove a game changer in emerging markets with hot climates.

Cocoa butter substitute use growing in Russia, says EFKO

Russian fats and oils supplier EFKO Group has reported rapid sales growth in cocoa butter substitutes in its first quarter (Q1) results as the domestic confectionery market picks up.

Gold star: Oz confectionery industry welcomes front-of-pack labeling

The Australian confectionery industry has broadly welcomed a 'star based' voluntary front-of-pack labeling system but is concerned about time frames to introduce the measures.

Cocoa may help control diabetes, claims mice study

Research by Penn State University has found that mice fed cocoa have a reduced risk of obesity-related inflammation and type-2 diabetes.

News in brief

Nestlé reintroduces Girl Scout Candy bars

Nestlé USA has relaunched its limited edition Crunch Girl Scout Candy bars after a nine month absence on the marketplace.

Halloren acquires stake in Belgian chocolatier Bouchard

German firm Halloren has acquired a 50% stake in Belgian private label chocolate firm Bouchard to help it increase its international presence.

Third party certification only way to combat cocoa child labor, says campaign group

Corporate sustainability programs do not go far enough to stamp out child labor on cocoa farms - only third party certification will do, says a new campaign.

New method to measure chocolate’s cocoa content

Researchers are touting a new process to measure the cocoa content of chocolate that requires no sample preparations or chemicals.

News in brief

Duywis Wiener acquires Thouet

Dutch headquartered equipment supplier Royal Duywis Wiener has acquired German firm Thouet Maschinenbau.

Mars and Nestlé charged with chocolate price fixing in Canada

Mars and Nestlé have been charged by the Canada’s competition watchdog for allegedly fixing the price of chocolate.

Commission clears Barry Callebaut Petra Foods buy

The European Commission has said there is enough competition from ADM and Cargill to make Barry Callebaut’s $950m acquisition of Petra Foods’ Ingredients division free from competition concerns.

Cocoa sustainability drive gains $3m industry commitment

The chocolate and cocoa industry has pledged $3m in new funds to global cocoa sustainability as major firms including Mondelez, Hershey and Cargill talk about their new initiatives.

Which country has the largest confectionery aisles?

Researchers have determined the average size of confectionery and chocolate aisles in supermarkets across eight developed countries with the UK  devoting more aisle space for them than other nation.

News in brief

Mars launches M&Ms chocolate bar in US

Mars Chocolate North America has introduced a new format for its M&Ms brand.

Cocoa genetics: Mars unlocks sequence to higher yields and tastier chocolate

Mars has discovered the genetic sequence to breed higher yielding, disease tolerant cacao trees that could lead to better tasting chocolate.

Upcoming Special Edition

What’s at the heart of functional and healthy confectionery?

ConfectioneryNews explores the issues at the pulse of healthier and functional chocolate, candy and gum.

Functional confectionery opportunity for aging S Korean population, says Leatherhead

South Korea has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and confectioners must think about how they can cater to an increasingly aging population, according to Leatherhead Food...

Recruitment habits of the top confectioners

Which firms do the leading confectioners look to to poach talent and what skills are they looking for?

Mondelez creates $600m kitty to seize emerging markets

Mondelez International has set aside a $600m warchest over the next three years to cement its position in emerging markets.

News in brief

Dark chocolate grows US popularity on health image

More people in the US favored dark chocolate in 2012 than they did the prior year due to its potential health benefits, according to market analysts Mintel.

Stevia: The Holy Grail or fail for chocolate?

When stevia sealed EU novel foods approval in December 2011 it was heralded as the holy grail of sweeteners, but has it lived up to all the hype for chocolate?

News in brief

Ferrero considers development opportunities in Cameroon

Ferrero is considering building its second factory in Cameroon after a company delegation held talks with the Cameroonian government, according to press reports.

Carmit Candy bets big on vitamin and beauty chocolate coins

Israeli private label firm Carmit Candy has launched a chocolate coin packed with vitamins and another containing antioxidant ingredient astaxanthin.

Editor’s Blog

Fair Trade USA labeling rules: Hoax or fair enough?

Fair Trade USA is considering much maligned changes to its labeling policy that would no longer require brands to source ingredients from a Fair Trade source even when one is...

Cocoa butter equivalent demand rising rapidly, says Global Shea Alliance

Cocoa butter is estimated to be the fat source for around 40% of chocolate bars compared to 5% for cocoa butter equivalents (CBE) – but the balance could be shifting.