Chocolate

The European Union's deforestation regulation is set to come into force on 31 December 2024. Pic: WCF

EUDR

European Union to delay ‘high risk’ element of deforestation bill

By Anthony Myers

The European Union (EU) has signalled its intent to delay the most controversial parts of its anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR) after protests by governments in Asia, Africa, and Latin America described the low, standard, or high-risk benchmarking...

Pic: Hershey

Easter 2024

Hershey provides a mini twist on Easter favourite

By Anthony Myers

Hershey is hitting Easter with its Reese's Peanut Butter Mini Eggs Unwrapped, a poppable sensation that adds a touch of innovation to the cherished seasonal traditions.

Hershey's limited edition SHE bar. Pic: Hershey Company

International Women's Day

Hershey's limited-edition SHE bar returns for fourth year

By Anthony Myers

Hershey has announced it is marking International Women's Day (Friday, 8 March) and Women's History Month with limited-edition Hershey's SHE bars highlighting the impact of women and girls from all walks of life.

The detrimental effect of unfavourable weather conditions is hitting global cocoa supplies. Pic: GettyImages

Commodities

ICCO predicts 11% drop in global cocoa output, after El Niño effect

By Anthony Myers

The El Niño weather phenomenon, which hit the west coast of Africa last year, carrying unseasonal heavy rains followed by dry heat, is the main factor in an 11% drop in the season’s main cocoa harvest, according to the latest figures from the International...

Barry Callebaut Group CEO Peter Feld. Pic: Barry Callebaut

Jobs

Barry Callebaut to axe 18% of global workforce

By Anthony Myers

Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s largest chocolate and cocoa supplier, has announced it is cutting approximately 2,500 manufacturing and administration jobs across its global operations.

Nestlé finishes the year on a disappointing financial note after reporting its full-year 2023 results. Pic: Nestlé

Financial Results

KitKat gives Nestlé a break after sales dip

By Anthony Myers

KitKat, once again, proved to be Nestlé’s most resilient confectionery treat recording strong growth across all regions in what was otherwise a disappointing full-year results report for 2023 with lower than expected sales due to high inflation and lower...

Pic: NCSA

Industry voices

NCSA to oversee this year’s Kettle Awards

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has announced it is organising the prestigious 77th Kettle Awards with a ceremony on Tuesday, 14 May, to coincide with the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis.

Sarah Atkinson. Pic: NCA

Appointments

Sarah Atkinson joins NCA executive team

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced that Sarah Atkinson will join the organisation as vice president of membership & business development.

Ferrero has expanded its portfolio of brands. Pic: Ferrero Group

Financial results

US acquisition and organic growth boost Ferrero’s turnover

By Anthony Myers

The Ferrero Group said it is continuing its growth trajectory with a 21% increase in turnover to €17 billion ($18.25bn) and a 14% rise in its global workforce to 47,212 employees, following the recent successful strategic acquisition of North of ice cream...

Could low-sugar chocolate actually taste better? GettyImages/Chris Ryan

Could low-sugar chocolate actually taste better?

By Donna Eastlake

Less is apparently more when it comes to the amount of sugar used in the creation of the perfect chocolate bar. So will manufacturers reduce the amount of sugar they use in the making of this sweet treat and will consumers welcome the change?

Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

Love me do: Americans want sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

By Anthony Myers

Chocolate and candy's role as a social currency has been reinforced during the Valentine’s Day season in the US, with 92% of Americans claiming they plan to share confectionery with friends, family, and loved ones.

As the clock ticks on the application of the EUDR, there were still plenty of unanswered questions in Amsterdam surrounding its guidelines. Pic: WCF

WCF Partnership Meeting 2024

How ready is the EU Commission to implement its deforestation regulation?

By Anthony Myers

Apart from farmer income/poverty, the most discussed topic on day one of the World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting in Amsterdam was the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) that will be implemented at the end of this year.

Mawuli Coffie. Pic: WCF

WCF Partnership Meeting 2024

World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) appoints new programme director for Ghana

By Anthony Myers

Ahead of The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) Partnership Meeting in Amsterdam this week, the organisation has announced that Mawuli Coffie will be its country director for the WCF Ghana Office as part of a new senior leadership team spearheading an ambitious...

Roel van Poppel. Pic: ofi

Appointments

ofi appoints new chief sustainability officer

By Anthony Myers

Leading commodities supplier ofi has announced Roel van Poppel as its chief sustainability officer (CSO), taking responsibility for scaling the group’s ability to drive positive impact across its five leading product platforms - cocoa, coffee, dairy,...

Amsterdam Cocoa Week takes place in the city's historic stock exchange, Beurs van Berlage from 5-11 February. Pic: Equipoise

Sustainability

Cocoa sector set for ‘epic’ week in Amsterdam

By Anthony Myers

Amsterdam Cocoa Week promises an ‘epic collaboration’ when it opens on Monday 5 February at the Beurs van Berlage, the city’s former stock exchange building, where joining forces under one roof will be high-level sustainability conferences Chocoa, the...