"They are scientists performing a very difficult task, as instructed by EU law makers."

I observed the EFSA health claims panel in action; conspiracy theorists will be disappointed

Last week NutraIngredients was one of 10 organisations invited to observe the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claims panel in action for a day at its Parma, Italy, base.

Low-cost functional gum opportunity in the Netherlands

Chewing gums backed by approved health claims and with low price points are a rare growth opportunity in the mature Dutch confectionery market, according to market analysts Canadean.

Chewing gum fails to suppress hunger and puts people off fruit: Study

Chewing gum has long been considered a potential appetite suppressant, but new research says there is no evidence it can control hunger and mint-flavored varieties may even deter people from...

UK watchdog: 95% of online advertising is compliant

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has found 95% of 120 websites assessed in various sectors including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are compliant with its code of practice.

EU food and drink production flat in Q4 2012

Food and drink production in the EU remained flat in the fourth quarter of last year as some raw materials became costlier, according to data from FoodDrinkEurope.

Lindt loses 12-year gold bunny trademark case

Lindt & Sprüngli has lost a trademark case for its Goldbunny against Confiserie Riegelein in Germany that spanned 12 years.

Where are the emerging Easter markets?

Brazil has one of the largest markets for Easter confectionery and has had more Easter launches than anywhere else, but the Chinese have yet to look beyond the religious nature...

Nestlé Deutschland will appeal ‘unjustified’ multi-million fine

Nestlé will fight to revoke a €20m fine imposed by the German cartel office for illegal exchange of competition-relevant information with other food majors including Kraft and Unilever.

Easter with analysts

Easter packaging trends 2013

Confectioners are changing the structure of Easter chocolate egg packaging to cut the amount of materials needed while improving consumer appeal, according to a packaging expert.

Antioxidants in confectionery: Struggles to control release in grape gummies

Researchers have found that soy protein isolates are unable to control the release of antioxidants from grape juice in pectin-based confections such as gummies.

Inaugural Food Vision heralded as success by global food industry – organisers commit to return in 2014

Following a highly successful inaugural summit last week, organisers William Reed Business Media have confirmed that Food Vision will become an annual event, returning to Cannes, France, in March 2014. 

New Look: ConfectioneryNews.com hits your sweet spot

ConfectioneryNews.com has redesigned its navigation to bring you closer to the latest global industry news.

Self-sorting chocolates just one future packaging trend

Self-sorting chocolates and ketchup that regulates how much you dispense for you are just some of the future packaging trends flagged up by UK firm Benson Group.

News in brief

Lindt invests €70m in French plant expansion

Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Sprüngli will invest €70m ($90m) to expand its factory in the South of France to up its capacity for premium tablet ranges.

New technology supports heat-sensitive nutrients in snacks and biscuits

Biosciences firm Carritech Research has developed a processing and formulation technology to manufacture snacks and biscuits with heat-sensitive nutrients and vitamins.

Global confectionery NPD: Stevia Haribo and dental candy

ConfectioneryNews takes a look at the latest confections to hit store shelves across the globe including stevia-sweetened Haribo in Germany, low calorie chocolates in Japan, and teeth friendly candy in...

Oxfam fallout: Mars pledges to empower women cocoa farmers

Mars Chocolate promises to assess conditions for women cocoa farmers and will sign up to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles after Oxfam accused it of neglecting gender inequality.

News in brief

Hershey: 10% certified cocoa by 2013

Hershey has set milestones to certify its entire cocoa supply by 2020 and hopes that 10% will be covered by the end of the year.

EU sugar deficit will not grow, says Euromonitor

The EU’s sugar quota fell three million metric tons short of demand in 2012 leading to an 11% price hike, but the deficit is not expected to increase due to...

Mondelez moves to patent degradable gum

The number two gum player Kraft (now Mondelez) has filed a patent for a degradable gum composition that is similar to one currently being assessed for novel foods approval in...

Study hails eco-friendly synthetic colour test

Scientists have outlined an eco-friendly test for certain synthetic food colours commonly used in soft drinks and sugar and gelatin-based confectionery.

Nestlé recalls Kit Kat Chunkys over plastic pieces fears

Nestlé has recalled four varieties of Kit Kat Chunky bars in nine countries after plastic pieces were found in products by consumers in the UK.

SPECIAL EDITION - FLEXIBLE AND HIGH-SPEED CANDY MAKING

Enrobing for variety: The fast and the decorative

Enrobing is fast and arms manufacturers with the ability to create varied, decorative confections that appeal to the ever-demanding consumer, a leading industry consultant says.

SPECIAL EDITION - FLEXIBLE AND HIGH-SPEED CANDY MAKING

Speed, strength and simplicity: Could your next colleague be a robot?

Robots are quicker and more agile than any human, never go sick and don’t take holidays. But these solid, nimble giants come with their own challenges.

SPECIAL EDITION - FLEXIBLE AND HIGH-SPEED CANDY MAKING

Kraft files patent for multi-purpose gum rollers

Kraft Foods (now Mondelez) has filed a patent for a chewing gum manufacturing process that can form the gum mass while cooling or heating at the same time.

Organic brands with ‘hero’ status excelling in UK, says Soil Association

The UK organic food sector remained flat in 2012, but branded goods enjoyed a sales boost as supermarkets shrank their organic private label portfolios, according to the Soil Association.

Special Edition - Flexible and high-speed candy making

Confectionery packaging ‘pushing speed limits’, says NCA supplier chair

Confectionery packaging speeds are nearing their peak with better in-feed and downstream equipment, combined with advances in printing technology, according to the chairman of the NCA’s Supplier Advisory Committee.

Special Edition - Flexible and high-speed candy making

SMEs, Nestlé and Valor in ultrasound chocolate tempering project

A group of small-to-medium-sized enterprises along with multinationals Nestlé and Valor have embarked on a project to improve chocolate tempering using ultrasound.

Happy holidays

Australian F&B spending to rise again this Easter, say analysts

Easter, which falls between March 29 and April 1, is traditionally a period of heavy consumption, and business information analysts Ibisworld have lifted the lid on continued strong holiday expectations...

RTS unveil ingredients focused market insight database

A new interactive graphical database offering market insights for food and beverage ingredients will help manufacturers and suppliers identify new trends and grow their business, according to RTS.

News in brief

Cargill to export Gerkens cocoa powders to Indonesia

Cargill has been granted the Standard National of Indonesia (SNI) for its Gerkens cocoa powders produced in the Netherlands, enabling it to export the powders to the country.

China ‘our number one international priority’, says Hershey CEO

China will become Hershey’s number two market behind the US in the next five years and will get there through advertising, expanding distribution and new launches, according to the company’s...

A peek at Lindt’s sustainable cocoa commitments

ConfectioneryNews.com examines the sustainable cocoa commitments of one of the leading premium chocolate makers, Lindt, after it announced a big charitable investment last week. 

Hershey defends commitment on sustainable cocoa

Hershey has called attacks on its text messaging tips for farmers program CocoaLink “disingenuous” after a group of NGOs questioned the effectiveness of the project.

EU sugar quotas should go by 2017, says Council of the EU

The Council of the European Union last night issued a mandate to scrap EU sugar quotas by 2017 and a final decision is now set for June.

“Advancements made in nutritional science and the benefits produced by foods and foodstuffs may no longer be shared with consumers by those who procure the foods and foodstuffs."

EU health claim laws strip consumers of right ‘to share in scientific development’: Author

The European Union nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) denies consumers of the right to scientific advancement in nutrition, says outspoken Dutch writer and NHCR opponent, Bert Schwitters.

Chocolate fastest growing UK food export

Chocolate is the fastest growing UK food export driven by a rise in sales to the Middle East and Africa and factory expansion by Nestlé, according to a report from...

Fairtrade chocolate: Where are sales growing?

Fairtrade chocolate sales are growing in Western Europe and North America, but an analyst does not expect significant development in emerging markets.

News in brief

Discounted candy to attract US Easter shoppers

Nine in 10 Americans will stock up on candy this Easter and will mainly look to discount retailers to spend their bucks.

Toy-filled chocolate egg approved for sale in US

New Jersey-based Candy Treasure has overcome a US ban on toy-filled chocolate eggs dating back to 1938 after its Choco Treasure surprise eggs were deemed safe for sale.

Cocoa child labor: Story so far

Industry pledges reach $10m on cocoa child labor but ‘job is not done’

The industry has pledged $10m in new funds since 2010 to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, but a newly released report says the job is far from over.

Blue Diamond: Working with flavors will be a significant factor in future innovation

Flavored almonds have a bright future as snacks and food ingredients, says Blue Diamond Growers as it opens a new innovation in Sacramento and plans to increase new almond product...

Lindt claims partial immunity from economic downturn as profits surge

Lindt & Sprüngli’s operating profit rose 10.3% in 2012 and the company has declared itself “partially unaffected” by the continuing economic downturn as consumers still seek quality chocolate in tough times....

Desert Labs launches hoodia weight management gum

Hoodia gum maker defends satiety effect

The maker of a newly launched appetite suppressant gum claims to be the first to have self-affirmed GRAS status for hoodia in the US and hopes to overcome the negative...

Nestlé and Bosch woo food processing recruits

Nestlé has teamed up with Bosch Packaging Technology and trade body the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) to recruit young talent for the UK food and drink manufacturing industry.

Premium to drive South African chocolate market up 10% per year

Market analysts Frost & Sullivan expects the South African chocolate market to grow 10% per annum in the next five years driven by rising incomes and locally-sourced premium products.

News in brief

Nestlé Girl Scout Crunch bars surpass sales estimates by 150%

Nestlé USA’s Girl Scout Crunch bars have exceeded sales forecast by 150% and have bagged several innovation awards since the product’s launch last year.

Nestlé outlines sustainability and nutrition goals

Nestlé has published a raft of sustainability and nutrition commitments it aims to meet by 2020 or earlier, including sourcing 100% certified sustainable palm oil, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and...

Big Vote - CAP Reform

EU sugar quotas extended to 2020

EU sugar quotas will remain in place in Europe until 2020 after a vote on Common Agricultural Policy reforms (CAP) in European Parliament today.

Brazil’s cocoa import reliance leaves chocolate market vulnerable, says Mintel

Brazil’s reliance on cocoa imports exposes the domestic chocolate market to price variation, according to market analysts Mintel.

News in brief

SunOpta to up cocoa processing capacity

SunOpta plans to increase its cocoa processing capacity with a new facility in Middenmeer, Netherlands as it looks to grow its organic and specialty cocoa business to serve the specialty...

Wrigley’s caffeinated energy gum misses core youth market - analyst

Mars-owned Wrigley is to launch an energy chewing gum with the caffeine equivalent of half a cup of coffee in each piece but one analyst says the product misses the...

‘New train of thought’ for aerated chocolate

A team of Chinese researchers claim to have discovered a new way to create bubbles in chocolate.

Norwegian fund pulls out of 'unsustainable' palm oil companies

Norway’s US$710bn sovereign investment fund has pulled its investment from 23 Southeast Asian palm oil companies, claiming that they source palm oil unsustainably.

Maltesers and Lindor get bar format makeover

Two major chocolate brands have been launched in block format as Mars Chocolate unveils Maltesers Teasers and Lindt introduces Lindor single serve bars.

EFSA health claims chief to share ‘magic recipe’ insights in Geneva

The chief of EFSA’s health claims panel will discuss where the agency stands on the topic in 2013, at this year’s Vitafoods conference and expo in Geneva in May.

Insufficient cocoa flavanols in chocolate to benefit diabetics, says Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK says there are not enough cocoa flavanols in chocolate to benefit diabetics after a study found that a cocoa extract could help people with the condition regulate insulin...

C-stores and value retailers the winning channels for confectionery

Convenience stores and value supermarkets are the fastest growing channels for confectionery in the US as cash strapped consumers down-trade and stores expand, according to the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and...

Dark chocolate bitterness can be reduced with green coffee, finds Callebaut

Barry Callebaut has developed a formula to reduce the bitterness of high cocoa chocolate using green coffee that doesn’t give a coffee taste and ups antioxidant content.

News in brief

United Biscuits wins ‘Savory Snack Product of the Year 2013’ for Jacob’s Oddities

United Biscuits brand Jacob’s Oddities has been voted the Savory Snack Product of the Year 2013 from a 10,000-strong consumer survey.

Nestlé promises action to improve women’s lives on cocoa farms

Chocolate giant Nestlé has written to Oxfam promising action on inequality in the cocoa supply chain.

Cocoa may help diabetics regulate insulin, says study

Diets rich in cocoa may help people with diabetes to regulate insulin levels, according to new research.

News in brief

WCF awarded grant for CocoaMap project

The World Cocoa Foundation has been handed a grant to develop bio indicators measuring the progress of global cocoa sustainability.

Oxfam confronts Mondelez, Nestlé and Mars over women’s rights on cocoa farms

Oxfam has called on the three biggest chocolate manufacturers to conduct independent audits on conditions for women on cocoa farms supplying their factories after finding evidence of unequal pay, discrimination...

Playdough-like chocolate toy set for international markets

A non-melt edible chocolate toy that can be used like playdough is braced for international markets after a successful spell in toy stores in the UK, according to distributors of...

Indian investigation

Cadbury to face tough questions over so-called “phantom factory” scam

Almost exactly a year ago, Cadbury India was showing off its position as the country’s fourth most admired company, according to Fortune magazine; but today the chocolate major is preparing...

News in brief

Mars to expand Maltesers plant in Australia

Mars Chocolate Australia plans a A$52m (US $53m) expansion of its factory in Ballarat, which manufactures Maltesers and other Mars confections.

Kerry continues sub-Saharan expansion with South African acquisition

Kerry Ingredients & Flavours has acquired South African sweet ingredients firm Orley Foods for an undisclosed sum, in a deal it hopes will expand Kerry’s presence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Zeelandia eyes Russian market with new joint venture

Dutch bakery ingredients supplier Zeelandia has established a joint venture with importer East West Services to expand its presence on the Russian and Kazakhstani markets.

Industry Voices – Functional Gum Formulator

High-dose weight loss gum launches in US

A high-dose satiety gum containing a potato extract and African mango has launched in the US that takes four pieces to achieve clinically-backed results.

Confectionery not recession proof; target emerging markets, says Goldman Sachs

The confectionery industry is not immune to economic recession and must exploit opportunities in emerging economies to grow, according to an analyst from Goldman Sachs.

Global report on food colours

Clean label trend helps drive natural colours to overtake synthetics

Natural colours have overtaken their synthetic counterparts for the first time ever, and the trend towards clean label products is one of the key drivers according to new data from...

Nearly half extra EU sugar allowance already approved for 2013

The European Commission’s sugar management committee has approved nearly half of the extra sugar allowed to be released on the EU market this year – a total of 584,000 tonnes...

News in brief

ULMA launches flow pack wrapper with rotary jaws

ULMA Packaging has unveiled a horizontal flow pack wrapper (HFFS) for the bakery, confectionery and produce industry.

Cocoa deficit in 2013 no cause for concern, says ICCO

The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) has said that chocolate manufacturers needn’t panic by its forecasted deficit for the 2012/13 crop season.

Dispatches from NCA Miami Conference

Mondelez chocolate chief pinpoints markets beyond BRIC

Brazil, Russia, India and China are not the only markets capturing the attention of the world’s leading chocolate company Mondelez International.

News in brief

Cargill to up cocoa capacity at Brazilian plant

Cargill plans to increase its cocoa processing capacity by 25% at its plant in Ilhéus, Brazil, to keep up with rising consumer demand for chocolate and cocoa products in the...

EFSA revises downward ADI for synthetic blue colour

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revised downward the acceptable daily intake (ADI) level for synthetic food dye Patent Blue V (E 131) in light of the latest available data.

Temper chocolate masses with inclusions in one machine, says Rasch

German equipment supplier Rasch says that chocolate makers can keep inclusions such as whole nuts and raisins in the chocolate mix during tempering without having to separate them.

Blue colors study author clarifies position on lollipop risks

The author of a study on blue dyes in lollipops says that her paper focuses on the risk of systemic absorption in small quantities and not “human health risks”....

Dispatches from NCA Miami Conference - Supermarket insights

Confectioners must adapt to online shopping environment, says supermarket boss

Confectionery manufacturers must use electronic communications and ensure in-store displays are “show stoppers” as consumers make the shift to online shopping, according to the head of a US supermarket....

Oxfam thanks food industry for ‘bland’ and ‘complacent’ response to damning CSR report

Oxfam will step up its campaign to improve the treatment of people and resources that form part of the supply chain of the world’s biggest food conglomerates, after it cast...