Changing tastes make China new flavour centre

Burgeoning demand for flavours from Chinese food manufacturers has led to rapid growth in the last decade and encouraged more foreign firms to set up operations there, says Leatherhead.

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FTC announces forum agenda on food marketing to kids

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced its agenda for a December 15 meeting to discuss food marketing to children.

Frutarom explores authenticity in natural citrus

Frutarom is introducing new premium natural citrus flavours intended to be as true-to-nature and authentic as possible – and which meet incoming labelling rules for natural and FTNF flavours.

Clean label demand behind new fruit line for choc makers

Chocolate processors can boost their clean label and meet good for you indulgence trends with a new fresh fruit based ingredient range that is free from artificial additives, allergens and...

Milk fat can help eliminate choc fat bloom, claims study

Replacing some of the cocoa butter with milk fat can control fat bloom in chocolate, according to new research from Canada.

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Kraft closes Romanian confectionery plant

Kraft Foods has moved confectionery production from Brasov, Romania to Svoge, Bulgaria with the loss of more than 220 jobs, the company has said.

Sucralose safe from natural trend, says JK

The strong trend toward natural products is unlikely to encroach significantly on the market for artificial sweeteners, according to sucralose manufacturer JK Sucralose.

Cadbury India taps into health trend with glucose bar

Tapping into the health and wellness trend, Cadbury is targeting the youth market in India with an energy glucose containing chocolate wafer bar.

Chocolate flavors help cushion cocoa price impact

Synergy has released a range of chocolate flavors intended to help manufacturers sidestep the impact of volatile cocoa prices.

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Food prices face a welcome perfect storm

There’s a perfect storm building for food prices. You don’t have to scan the horizon to see the signs; the clouds are developing all around us - at a faster...

Louisiana sugar refinery deal finalized

A three-way joint venture to build a $145m sugar refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana has been finalized by Cargill, the Imperial Sugar Company and Sugar Growers and Refiners (SUGAR).

Ocean Spray launches whole cranberries

Ocean Spray is now offering whole dried cranberries as ingredients, to help raise confectionery and snack products into the premium category.

Hershey launches travel confectionary range

The Travel Retail group of confectionary giant Hershey has launched a new range of travel retail exclusive products including Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Nuggets chocolates and Reese’s and Hershey's Miniatures....

Hershey confirms interest in Cadbury

Hershey has confirmed that it is “reviewing its options” regarding a possible joint bid with Ferrero for British confectioner Cadbury, following media speculation about talks yesterday.

Hershey and Ferrero could bid for Cadbury

Hershey and Ferrero are reported to be considering a joint bid for Cadbury that could put the brakes on a hostile takeover by Kraft.

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Alleviation of hunger should top CSR agenda

Climate change dominates the CSR agenda but new USDA figures on food insecurity are a sharp reminder that alleviating poverty and hunger should always be the top priority.

French sweet tooth holds sugar opportunities

Opportunities for low-sugar formulations could potentially reside in France with a new study showing eight out of ten French people consume a reduced sugar product at least once a week.

Dark chocolate could be stress buster

Daily consumption of 40 grams of dark chocolate for two weeks can reduce stress and benefit metabolism and microbial activity in the gut, claims scientists based at the Nestle Research Centre.

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TCP Partners acquires confectionery packager Tray-Pak

Pennsylvania-based TPC Partners has acquired a majority shareholding in packaging manufacturer, Tray-Pak Corporation.

Packaging innovation aimed at low scale confectionery makers

A new digital press can provide cost effective customised decoration of metal containers for eco-conscious confectionery makers involved in small volume applications, claims a US speciality packaging firm.

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Billionaire increases Cadbury stake

US hedge-fund manager, John Paulson, has doubled his stake in Cadbury on the same day the confectionary giant rejected a hostile takeover bid from Kraft, according to media reports.

Colour ADI adjustments: What it means for industry

The new ADIs for three of the colours included in the Southampton study may mean restrictions on levels or the range of foods they are used in, says the UK’s...

EFSA lowers ADI for three Southampton colours

The European Food Safety Authority has lowered the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for three of the notorious Southampton Six food colours, but none of the scientific reasons given are associated...

Barry Callebaut profits grow as chocolate market shrinks

Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut has reported increased profits and sales volumes for the full 2008/09 fiscal year, despite shrinking global chocolate consumption.

AAK seeking acquisitions

The growth and savings made by AarhusKarlshamn (AAK) since its merger have set it up to start casting about for new acquisitions.

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Launches defy downturn, says Innova

The economic downturn has not slowed food and beverage product launches, according to the Innova Database, but companies are releasing developments in the pipeline since before the crash, and low...

Nestle may move Fairtrade with Kit Kat

Media reports have suggested that Nestlé's leading chocolate brand Kit Kat is set to become Fairtrade certified, in a move that would mirror Cadbury’s recent move to Fairtrade for its...

First shipment of UTZ cocoa reaches Europe

An initiative to improve the agricultural, environmental and social aspects of sourcing cocoa from West Africa achieved has achieved a milestone, as the first beans have arrived in Europe for...

Kraft’s bid is ‘contemptuous’, says analyst

Even if Kraft intends to increase its bid for Cadbury, its latest offer has probably managed to upset both the board and shareholders, says Andrew Wood, senior research analyst at...

Fructose sweeteners may promote Syndrome X

‘Moderate’ consumption of fructose-containing sweeteners may produce ‘modest but significant changes’ that may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, says a new rat study.

Rousselot divides gelatines for functionality and healthy products

Rousselot has reorganised its gelatine offering to better illustrate the functionality of different forms of the ingredient and how they can be used to reformulate products along healthier lines.

Sucralose sales bouncing back for Tate & Lyle

Tate & Lyle has seen a new surge in sucralose sales in the last 6 months thanks to customers restocking after running down amassed supplies; and stocks at the mothballed...

Cadbury cites eco concerns for tin swap

Confectionery giant Cadbury is playing up its sustainability initiatives in its seasonal packaging to appeal to consumer demand for a 'green' Christmas.

Uniting consumer insight and marketing success: Report

Most food manufacturers have not yet figured out how to translate consumer insights into effective marketing tactics, according to a new report from the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

Antioxidant levels in chocolate show stability - study

The levels of antioxidant activity and flavan-3-ol levels in chocolate products are stable over a controlled shelf life of one year, according to a new study.

Acid-sensitive gum may fill you up for longer, cut snacking

A solution that forms a gel on entering the acidic environment of the stomach may suppress appetite and offer an interesting opportunity for the burgeoning weight management market.

Taura takes tiny fruit bits to market

Taura Natural Ingredients is introducing a new line of tiny fruit pieces, opening up new possibilities for moulded chocolates and biscuits to boast real fruit content.

Barry Callebaut to buy Spanish chocolate maker

Barry Callebaut has signed an agreement to acquire Spain’s Chocovic, in a deal that will give the chocolate giant its first manufacturing plant in Spain.

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Confectionery makers says IBM deal will help it cut costs

The Indian subsidiary of Perfetti Van Melle (PVM), the world's third largest confectionery group said that it has signed a multi-year deal with IBM to support its increasingly complex IT...