Breaking News on Confectionery & Biscuit Processing

Vietnam aims for cocoa crop of 45,000 tonnes

The Vietnamese government estimates its overall cocoa crop will reach 45,000 tonnes by 2015, aiming to make the catch the attention of chocolate manufacturers around the world, according to Reuters.

Active packaging devised for clean label alternative

A recent development in active packaging can ensure that meats and bakery products retain colour and flavour without the need for additional additive use or foreign objects in with the product, according to its manufacturer.

Upfront commercialised protein extracting technology

The Danish manufacturer of processing equipment Upfront Chromatography is commercialising its technology for the production of vegetable proteins on the back of a successful launch with Solanic.

Chocolate Trends 2007

As 2007 draws to a close, ConfectioneryNews.com takes a look at some of the trends that dominated the chocolate industry this year.

Cranberry not just for Christmas

Cranberry is no longer just for Christmas as growth in consumer demand has helped the little red berry find its way into some 900 brand new products this year - a staggering rise from the 2006 position of 54 launches, according to Mintel.

Peltz threatens Cadbury, pushes for change

The Trian investment group, led by Nelson Peltz, yesterday called for Cadbury to make a raft of improvements to its operations, threatening to take matters out of management's hands if the requests are not met.

Callebaut acquisition increases supply in America

Swiss confectioner Barry Callebaut this week closed the acquisition of Food Processing International's cocoa factory in Philadelphia, increasing its factory network and supply chain in North America.

Callebaut extends origin chocolates range

Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut this week claimed it now offers the largest selection of origin chocolates having extended its portfolio to include more than 40 different varieties.

Kosher tops list of 2007 product launches, Mintel

'Kosher' was the most frequently used claim on new products launched in the US during 2007, while 'All Natural' and 'No Additives or Preservatives' were amongst the other most popular claims used on new products, reveals data from Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD).

Zetar acquires Lir luxury chocolates

UK confectionery firm Zetar today said it is expanding its range of luxury and premium products thanks to the acquisition of Lir Chocolates in Ireland.

Ingredients M&A round-up: 2007

2007 has seen a slate of mergers and acquisitions across the food ingredients sector. FoodNavigator.com presents a round-up of who now owns what.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

News briefs: Russian nuts, gum and Hershey

Nut manufacturers no longer face Russian import duties; a new gum product is marketed at overall mouth health; and Hershey appoints a new executive board.

Kerry ingredient tackles ice-cream cost, output issues

Kerry Bio-Science is launching a new functional system called Sherex Enlite to improve creaminess, stability and shelf life of ice-cream - and which has proved particularly effective in low-fat ice creams.

Sugar, sweetener sales slide, reveals Mintel

Sales of sugar and sweeteners have slowed in recent years and are expected to decline slightly going ahead, according to a new report by Mintel.

Nestle partners luxury chocolatier Pierre Marcolini

Swiss-based food giant Nestle today announced going into partnership with Belgian company Pierre Marcolini, as the company aims to move further into the premium and luxury chocolate market.

LycoRed unveils confectionery flavour-prolonging technology

LycoRed is launching a range of flavour enhancers for confectionery using a new encapsulation technology to allow slow release of the flavours, thus prolonging enjoyment of products.

Mars angers activists over animal testing

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling for a boycott of all Mars confectionery products, after the company admitted testing flavanols, a "healthy" chocolate ingredient, on animals.

News briefs: Hershey, Wrigley and Cadbury

Hershey may remove mint packaging that looks like drug pouches; Wrigley's credit rating is improved by analyst; and internet viewer vote the Cadbury gorilla ad the best commercial of 2007.

Strong sales boost Cadbury revenue outlook

Cadbury today said it expects confectionery revenue growth to exceed the 2007 four to six per cent target range, thanks to revenues from the UK chocolate and the US gum markets.

Nestle, Kellogg et al sign junk ad pledge

Major global food companies have this week signed a pledge to stop advertising 'junk' food to children under 12, in an effort to self-regulate and avoid a ban being imposed by the European Commission.

Danisco expansion boosts xylose production

Danisco has opened the doors to its expanded xylose factory in Austria, which will increase production by 50 per cent while increasing sustainability.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

Further sugar production difficulties ahead, says ABF chairman

The chairman of Associated British Foods (ABF), a major European-sugar producer, says that the industry will have to weather the storm over the coming year before producers can reap the benefits of EU-wide sugar reform.

Trian group increases Cadbury share

The US hedge fund group Trian, run by active investor Nelson Peltz, has increased its stake in Cadbury from 3.47 per cent to approximately 4.5 per cent, the confectionery company announced earlier today.

News briefs: Godiva, Diamond and gum tax

A tax on chewing gum is proposed in the UK; Godiva recalls chocolates just before Christmas; and a nut company moves into the dark chocolate market.

AAK factory fire will delay production of confectionery fats

AarhusKarlsmann (AKK) will face a difficult start to 2008 with two months of delayed deliveries of it specialty fats after this week's fire, though no raw materials were destroyed.

Fairtrade chocolate sales on the up this Xmas

Sales of the Divine brand fair-trade chocolate are set to increase 15 per cent over the holiday season, suggesting that consumers extend the season of goodwill to cocoa farmers around the world, as well as their own families.

Kraft denies Brazilian acquisition

Global food giant Kraft yesterday denied making a bid for Brazilian poultry company Perdigao, despite a flurry of merger and acquisition activity over the last year.

News briefs: Hershey, factory fire and brain power

Hershey may be forced to withdraw mint pouches; A chocolate factory fire kills a worker in Denmark; and yet another book promotes the health benefits of dark chocolate.

Confectioners look to exotic, functional flavours

Manufacturers will increasingly turn to unusual confectionery flavours such as pomegranate, eucalyptus and goji in order to make their products stand out from the competition on supermarket shelves, according to a new report.

Gadot launches low GI, tooth-friendly sweetener

Gadot Biochemical is introducing a sweetener that is suitable for diabetics because of its low glycemic index (GI), while also prolonging energy levels and avoiding tooth enamel erosion.

Honey beats medicine at curing coughs

New research from the US suggests that naturally occurring honey may ease coughs and respiratory illnesses in children more effectively than over the counter medicines.

Agriculture changes can buy time for climate talks

Sudden extreme weather and other complications of climate change could have a more grave effect on food supply than predicted so far, say three new reports, but the effects could be mitigated if some adaptations are made now.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.