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.

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.

Cocoa ingredient price drop keeps Barry Callebaut sales flat

Barry Callebaut has recorded flat revenues in its first quarter results released today as cocoa ingredient prices fell year-on-year.

News in brief

ADM restructures cocoa business

ADM Cocoa has separated its organizational structure into five key regions and business units, it announced today.

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.

News in brief

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.

Callebaut cocoa health claim gets EC 'elasticity' makeover

Barry Callebaut’s Article 13.5 blood flow health claim on cocoa flavanols has been simplified by the European Commission.

News in brief

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...

Confectionery mergers and acquisitions in 2012: An interactive timeline

ConfectioneryNews,com presents an interactive timeline taking a look back at some of the most significant mergers and acquisitions in the sector in 2012.

Expensive taste? Barry Callebaut defends hefty $950m Petra Foods deal

Market analysts have branded Barry Callebaut’s $950 million takeover of Petra Foods' cocoa division ‘pricey’, but the Swiss chocolate giant has defended the move despite admitting it will hurt its...

Guest article

Eight winners: Are EU diabetes-metabolic syndrome health claims set to explode?

Eight ingredients have won EU health claims that can be used to back messaging around metabolic syndrome – although the take-up to date has been lacklustre, says Euromonitor analyst, Diana Cowland....

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.

News in brief

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.

Beneo thinktank produces ‘Tooth-friendly’ and fibre-boosting sweets

Belgian supplier Beneo’s dessert thinktank is showing off some product concepts using sugar-free, ‘tooth-friendly’ isomalt and an already launched oligofructose-stevia blends for functional fibre candy.

Healthy indulgence: What’s possible in chocolate reformulation?

Consumers have high expectations of chocolate in terms of taste and mouthfeel – so how easy is it to tinker with chocolate formulations to create an indulgent product that also...

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.

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.

News in brief

Mars, Mondelez and Callebaut gear up for World Cocoa Conference

Major industry players including Mars, Mondelez International and Barry Callebaut are due to appear at the World Cocoa Conference in the Ivory Coast, which gets underway today.

Stevia chewing gum appeals to ‘natural’ ingredients trend, says Cargill

Cargill has developed a stevia chewing gum that it claims will appeal to consumers looking for natural ingredients.

Danish government scraps fat tax, cancels planned sugar tax

The Danish government has officially scrapped its tax on saturated fat just a year after it was introduced, and has cancelled a proposed sugar tax.

Sugar profits sweeten the deal for ABF as grocery and ingredients slump

A bumper performance in the sugar market has helped Associated British Foods balance sharply declining profits in its ingredients and grocery businesses.