News briefs: Healthy cocoa and confectionery games

Cocoa made with Chinese herbs is launched in the US; and two new games bring an extra layer of fun to chocolate and snacks.

Confectioners face health and indulgence challenges

The seemingly opposing trends of health and indulgence will dominate the confectionery market over the next few years, and manufacturers who do not target both risk losing market share, says...

Tate & Lyle invests in flavor firm Allylix

Fine chemicals firm Allylix is to get more than $3m worth of investment by a team of companies including Tate & Lyle Ventures to produce cost effective plant extracts called...

Process recycles PET into food-contact plastic, claims company

A US-based company yesterday claimed to have developed a process to turn recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into plastic that can be used to package foods.

Chocolate giants face Canadian price fix enquiry

Cadbury, Mars and a number of other leading global confectioners are under investigation in Canada over allegations of price fixing in the country, press reports have said.

News briefs: Halloren, honey and Nireus

Veteran confectioner Halloren posts increased Q3 profits; UK consumers may pay more for honey; and Nireus turns from confectionery to fish.

Sucrose, fructose link to pancreatic cancer, study

High intakes of sucrose and fructose may contribute to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, suggest data from a cohort study, but the researchers say insulin resistance could also play...

Cloetta Fazer invests in new chocolate lines

Sweden-based confectionery firm Cloetta Fazer today announced it is investing SEK 270m (€29m) in two new chocolate manufacturing lines, as part of a drive to boost its market share in...

Combined heat and power systems cut CO2 output, tests show

The use of micro- combined heat and power (CHP) systems can help small businesses cut CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent if used in the right applications, according...

Weekly comment

Why all the fuss about stevia?

Over the past half year, stevia has been the focus of attention as the search for a perfect natural sweetener continues. But why are the birds circling when the ingredient...

Nestle acquires Russian chocolate factory

Global food giant Nestle today announced the acquisition of Ruzskaya Confectionery Factory (RKF), one of Russia's leading chocolate manufacturers.

Chocolatiers face further cocoa market confusion

A strong increase in cocoa supply from the Ivory Coast has failed to put an end to market uncertainty over the price of the commodity, says the International Cocoa Organization...

Funding offered for carbon dioxide reduction

The UK's Carbon Trust today offered up to £140,000 to trade organisations willing to promote CO2 reduction programmes, at a time when both consumers and regulators are pushing the food...

ABF invests millions in Mali sugar plant

Associated British Foods today announced the £100m (€139m) expansion of subsidiary Illovo Sugar's facilities in Mali, as EU reforms force the company to move operations out of the bloc.

Cadbury's de-merger will boost profits, analysts say

Cadbury's de-merger of its US beverage business should increase margins for the confectionery business by 4.6 percentage points, despite an initial cost of £1bn, estimates Credit Suisse.

EFSA colour re-evaluation pending Southampton verdict

The adoption of draft opinions on the safety of six food colours is on hold pending EFSA's review of the Southampton study on certain food additives and hyperactivity in children.

EC moves to further open up trade

The EC has unveiled a set of policy guidelines that could impact the food industry by further opening up trade in the region.

Hungary discusses renouncing half its sugar quota

Talks are under way in Hungary aimed at returning 50 per cent of the country's sugar quota to the restructuring fund, in light of the latest sugar reforms announced by...

Nestle, Bunge, Danisco join sustainability reporting group

Nestlé, Bunge, Danisco, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Tyson Foods are the first food processors to join a programme to develop global reporting standards on sustainability projects in the sector.

Cargill steps up Brazilian chocolate production

US ingredients company Cargill today said it will increase cocoa product operations at the Sao Paulo plant in Brazil, as rising incomes in the country push up local demand for...

News briefs: Zetar, Hershey and Wrigley Israel

Young confectionery company Zetar forecasts strong profits, Hershey changes its directors and Wrigley Israel denies moving into the chocolate market.

Weekly comment

Are trade shows relevant?

The new crop of business cards yielded by another trade show season have been duly filed away. But the big question remains. Were the three days at FIE followed, for...

Barry Callebaut finalises US subsidiary sale

Switzerland-based confectionery Barry Callebaut yesterday said it has completed the sale of US subsidiary Brach's, in order to focus on its core chocolate businesses.

Blommer expands cocoa trading programme

US-based Blommer Chocolate this week said it will establish a sustainable cocoa farming programme in the Ivory Coast, after a similar strategy increased crop yields and worker incomes in Indonesia.

News briefs: VAT row, Cadbury ballot and expensive chocolate

Premier Foods is resisting confectionery tax on fruit bars, Cadbury staff vote to reject closure plans, and a New York restaurant charges $25,000 (€17,000m) for the most expensive chocolate dessert...

ADM launches bright and tasty cocoa powders

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has introduced a new line of cocoa powders aimed at improving visual appeal and flavour in dairy and bakery products.

Cadbury reveals demerger proposals

Cadbury Schweppes yesterday filed regulatory documents outlining the demerger of its Americas beverage business into a new company, revealing the company's strategy to maintain its position as the world's largest...

Natra tops list of chocolate spread firms

Spain-based Natra is now the largest private label producer of chocolate spread in the EU, after recent acquisitions in Italy and Belgium, the company claims.

Wild launches healthy sweetener logo

Wild said yesterday manufacturers can now use a new logo on products containing its fruit-based sweetener, claiming it would allowing them to promote the health benefits of a natural low...

Phytobase makes healthy chocs with superfruits

Phytobase is introducing a new organic dark chocolate bonbon at Whole Foods stores in the US that contains healthy ingredients at the cutting edge of the functional foods trend.

Danisco consolidates Lithuanian sugar production

Danisco has announced that it will close its sugar production plant in Panevezys, Lithuania, as part of a plan to give up a slice of its quota.

IADSA fights for higher recommended levels of additives

Proposals on the suggested amounts of artificial colourings in food supplements are being drawn up for Codex because the current limits are too low, according to the International Alliance for...

Cargill Texturizing offers choice in lecithin quality

Cargill Texturizing Solutions has expanded its lethicin offering along quality lines, making four different grades available to cater to manufacturers' precise needs and budgets.

Crush candies to crack Europe, predicts Beneo-Palatinit

Beneo-Palatinit is predicting that crush candies, hard-boiled sweets with fine cracks, could be a new confectionery trend in Europe and open up a new market for its Isomalt sweetener.

Europe must stick with recycling focus, says Europen

European industry is generally succeeding in meeting EU requirements for recycling, though must not lose focus on the commitment, according to packaging association Europen.

Mastertaste launches novel nutrient-rich flavor

New Jersey-based Mastertaste used SupplySide West to formally launch its new NutraFlavor range, designed to provide intense fruit flavor and pack a nutrient-rich punch.

News briefs: biofuel, melted chocolate and trade shows.

A UK firm can turn chocolate into biofuels, lazy chocolate lovers no longer need to melt it themselves, and the Middle East welcomes confectioners from around the world later this...

Market tool reduces internet search time

Accelovation claims that its new market research tool is already being used by companies such as Kraft and General Mills to reduce the hours spent looking for information on scientific...

News briefs: Healthy chocolate and gum

With heart disease and obesity levels booming in Western Europe, manufacturers and scientists are increasingly trying to make a link between health and confectionery, traditionally seen as a 'naughty' treat.

Manufacturers make big sales growth for Callebaut

Barry Callebaut has reported growth in full year 2006/7 that outstrips the chocolate sector at large, largely driven by sales to food manufacturers with which it has several big new deals.

Industry outlines policy on environmental, production sustainability

In a policy document released yesterday, the EU's food and drink sector called on the European Commission to take account of economic conditions when setting environmental and production sustainability targets...

Associated British Foods reports profit gains

UK-based Associated British Foods (ABF) today reported real operating profit increased by 11 per cent in 2007, despite EU sugar reforms and the weak US dollar's effect on margins.

Weekly comment

Meat, cancer and credibility

The big 'Cs' got the meat industry in trouble last week - cancer and credibility.

Barry Callebaut deconstructs cocoa to discover healthy elements

Barry Callebaut is forging ahead with research that could establish the humble cocoa bean as one of the most potent healthy foods available to man, according to the chocolate giant's...

News briefs: gum, bars and Halloween protests

Wrigley claims that chewing gum focuses the mind; Global Exchange organised a Fairtrade chocolate protest at Halloween; and the Jamaica's cocoa board says it has invented a chocolate bar that...

Unilever results show sharp recovery

Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever today reported a steep increase in its third quarter profits on lower charges and improved sales, though the company's personal care division showed a less...