Chocolate

Cocoa prices continue to climb on the futures markets. Pic: CN

Commodities

Another week, another record high for cocoa prices

By Anthony Myers

Market update: Analysts have described the upward trajectory of cocoa prices as ‘parabolic’ as cocoa futures rose another 2.7% to a new record of $10,760 a ton in New York on Monday (15 April) before falling back to £10,000 a ton after the dollar index...

Richard Parson. Pic: Fudge Kitchen

Appointments

Fudge Kitchen appoints Richard Parson as new MD

By Anthony Myers

UK artisanal confectionery brand has announced it has appointed Richard Parson as its new managing director after founder and previous MD Siân Holt stepped down last year due to illness.

Source: FoodNavigator-USA

Natural Products Expo West

Mondelez: As snacking becomes more ‘purposeful' portion control becomes key

By Elizabeth Crawford

Nearly nine out of 10 consumers snack daily to fuel their busy days, carve out a mindful moment of ‘me time,’ and connect with family and friends – but according to Mondelez International’s recently released 5th State of Snacking report, what they are...

No more logistical nightmares with AI, if used properly, confectionery leaders were informed at a recent conference. Pic: GettyImages

Artificial Intelligence - special report

How AI can improve product quality and consumer experience in confectionery

By Anthony Myers

Two of the standout sessions at the NCA’s recent State of the Industry Conference covered ‘The transformative power of AI for business and personal use,' where experts unlocked the secrets of artificial intelligence to help brands stay ahead of the...

Cargill explores cocoa and nut-free vegan confectionery

Plant-based confectionery

Cargill explores cocoa and nut-free vegan confectionery

By Anthony Myers

Global cocoa and ingredients company Cargill has announced a new commercial partnership with Voyage Foods to produce alternatives to cocoa-based products and nut spreads without using cocoa, peanuts, and hazelnuts.

A farmer delivers cocoa beans to a processing facility in the Dominican Republic. Pic: CN

Special report

Global cocoa shortage puts pressure on suppliers and manufacturers

By Anthony Myers

While there is no indication the world is not about to run out of chocolate any day soon, there are concerns from manufacturers and suppliers that the current high prices and shortage of cocoa beans will push up costs further and, in some cases, restrict...

Getting to the root causes of child labour in Ghana. Pic: ICI

Sustainabilty

High-level initiative set up to tackle child labour in Ghana

By Anthony Myers

A multi-stakeholder initiative has been launched in Ghana to ‘end child labour in all its form,’ by eradicating its root causes, and coordinating ongoing efforts along Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ghana's regulator is set to raise the farmgate price for Cocoa. Pic: COCOBOD

Commodites

Ghana poised to raise its cocoa farmgate price

By Anthony Myers

Ghana will follow Cote d’Ivoire and raise the fixed farmgate price paid to cocoa farmers by up to 50%. The announcement could be made as early as the end of this week, ConfectioneryNews understands.

Pic: NCSA

Industry voices

NCSA names 2024 Candy Hall of fame inductees

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA), which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has named its 2024 Candy Hall of Fame inductees. They will be honoured in a ceremony on October 26 in Orlando, Florida.

94% of UK consumers  buy Easter eggs, yet 31% would avoid an ethical brand because of mistaken cost assumption, Fairtrade claims. Pic: Fairtrade

Seasonal

Fairtrade urges UK to buy more sustainable Easter eggs

By Anthony Myers

This Easter, shoppers can do more than choose between milk, dark, or white chocolate eggs; they have the power to make a significant difference to the cocoa farmers, says Fairtrade UK.

Ralf Hilpuesch. Pic: Ritter Sport

Appointments

Ritter Sport USA appoints Ralf Hilpuesch as CEO

By Anthony Myers

Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG, owner of the popular chocolate brand Ritter Sport, is to establish a United States subsidiary headed by confectionery industry veteran Ralf Hilpuesch.

Two thirds of Brits believe Easter eggs contain too much packaging. Credit: Getty/Pollyana Ventura

News

69% of Brits say Easter egg packaging is excessive

By Bethan Grylls

While Britain is a nation of chocolate lovers, two thirds of consumers believe chocolate eggs comprise too much packaging – yet despite concerns over sustainability and inflation, we’ll still be dipping into our pockets for the sweet stuff.

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.