Chocolate

Cocoa farmers in Cote d'Ivoire plant new seedlings to promote agroforestry. Pic: Nestlé

sustainability

Nestlé onboards suppliers to help cocoa farmers with climate change

By Anthony Myers

Nestlé has announced it is launching two new projects to help address the impact of climate change on cocoa and reduce and remove carbon emissions from its supply chains—as part of its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Cocoa beans are in short supply. Pic: CN

Commodities

Future of cocoa under threat as prices skyrocket due to bean shortages

By Anthony Myers

UPDATE: TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2024: Cocoa prices continued to rise this week. Earlier today the price of cocoa beans smashed through the $10,000 a ton for the first time in the futures market after posting gains all week - with chocolate makers passing on...

Pic: GettyImages

Special edition: Better-for-you confectionery

The sweet truth: Embracing better-for-you confectionery for a healthier future

By Anthony Myers

In an era of rising health consciousness, the confectionery industry finds itself at a crossroads. Traditionally associated with indulgence and guilty pleasures, confectionery products are now undergoing a transformation to meet the demands of a more...

Since 2012, Mondelēz has invested more than £200m into the home of Cadbury - Bournville

News

Millennials driving ‘chocstagia’ trend

By Bethan Grylls

Mondelēz International reveals the UK’s love for nostalgic chocolate treats with Cadbury trends report, as the purple wrapped brand turns 200.

John Downs (right) mingles with attendees at this year's SOTIC in Miami. Pic: NCA

SOTIC 2024

Downs: US confectionery is robust enough to survive and thrive

By Anthony Myers

Confectionery’s resilience in the face of global inflationary pressures and the rising costs of raw materials has lifted John Downs, the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) president and CEO, who said he is confident the category is in excellent...

Pic: Moo Free

Seasonal

Moo Free extends Easter range with three new products

By Anthony Myers

UK vegan chocolate brand has expanded its best-selling Easter collection with the launch of three new products: the White Bunnycomb Crunch Easter, Moofreesas Organic Egg, and Easter Egg Hunt Kit.

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?