Confectionery

Hershey takes plant-based mainstream with alternatives of two classics. Pic: CN

NPD

Hershey launches plant-based milk chocolate into mainstream

By Anthony Myers

The Hershey Company has released dairy-free alternatives for two of its most iconic brands with Reese’s plant-based peanut butter cups going on sale this month, making it the first vegan chocolates sold nationally, followed by Hershey’s plant-based extra...

Anton Vincent receives his Distinguished Service Award from NCA President and CEO, John Downs. Pic: NCA

SOTIC 2023

Mars’ Anton Vincent and Ross Born recognised by NCA at SOTIC

By Anthony Myers

Anton Vincent, president of Mars Wrigley North America, was honoured with a Distinguished Service Award by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and Ross Born picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award at its 2023 State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC).

ProSweets Cologne 2023 - Special Edition has increased in size due to popular demand from the industry. Pic: Koelnmesse

ProSweets Cologne 2023

New ProSweets Cologne format attracts exhibitors

By Anthony Myers

Koelnmesse, the organisers of ProSweets Cologne 2023 - Special Edition, have announced they are increasing floor space due to strong demand from exhibitors wanting to take part in this year’s special format.

Iconic brands including Ferrero Rocher, achieved net sales growth. PIC: CN

Financial results

Ferrero’s turnover up 10%, annual results reveal

By Anthony Myers

Ferrero International has posted a €14 billion turnover ($14.92bn), up 10.4% over the previous year (€12.7 billion), according to the Group’s fiscal year 2021-2022 results.

In the UK, Perfetti Van Melle is best-known for confectionery brands like Mentos, Fruittella and Chupa Chups. Pic: Perfetti Van Melle

Enviornment

Perfetti Van Melle joins the UK Plastics Act

By Anthony Myers

Perfetti Van Melle, one of the world’s largest confectionary companies, has announced it has joined the UK Plastics Pact, a bold and unique initiative that aims to transform the UK’s plastic system.

Pic: GettyImages

SOTIC 2023

NCA announces 2023 Confectionery Leadership Awards

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) announced that Target’s Tiffany Trombley, director of seasonal candy and snacks, and Sam’s Club’s Todd Budzinski, senior director of merchandising, candy & commercial bread, are the recipients of the 2023...

What lessons can be learned from two seperate outbreaks of salmonella in two chocolate factories in 2022?

Long read

Salmonella spp. in chocolate: Lessons 2022 taught us

By Bethan Grylls

The usual foe of Salmonella spp. in chocolate reared its head again in 2022, causing two notable outbreaks. So what lessons can we take from this to ensure safer food in the future?

Chocolove Valentine's Collection 3-Bar Pack. Pic: Chocolove

Seasonal

Chocolove shares its recipe for a sweet Valentine’s Day

By Anthony Myers

Chocolove, the Boulder, Colorado-based premium and ethical chocolatier, is making Valentine's Day sweeter with special heart-shaped bites that are individually wrapped in resealable pouches in Very Cherry and Salted Caramel flavours.

Michele Buck, The Hershey Company Chairman and CEO. Pic: Hershey Co

Financial results

Strong Fourth Quarter sets up Hershey for 2023 sales growth

By Anthony Myers

Hershey Co has exceeded analysts' estimates on full-year net sales and profit after a strong ending to the fourth quarter with consolidated net sales of $2,652.3 million, an increase of 14.0%.

Pic: CN

Branding

Say hello to the new look ConfectioneryNews!

By Anthony Myers

Here at ConfectioneryNews, we put our audience at the heart of what we do. For many years, we have provided our readers with a 360-degree view of the chocolate, candy and cocoa industries and our editorial standards remain unsurpassed. We’ve come a long...

Just Born's Bethlehem factory after the move from Brooklyn in the 1930s. Pic: Just Born

Heritage

Just Born celebrates a century of candy perfection

By Anthony Myers

With less than one percent of all family-owned companies in the United States reaching 100 years in business, Just Born will also be celebrating the milestone by honouring and thanking its associates, stakeholders as well as the local community at it...

Image: Getty/Cultura RM Exclusive/Diana Miller

The secret to making healthier chocolate: Lubrication

By Oliver Morrison

UK scientists have uncovered what makes chocolate so popular: lubrication and fat release are key. This understanding, they say, can unlock opportunities to develop a new, healthier, generation of chocolate.

Trident is one of the brands being sold by Mondelēz to Perfetti Van Melle. Pic: Mondelēz

Analyst reaction to transaction

Mondelēz sells part of gum business to rival Perfetti Van Melle for $1.3bn

By Anthony Myers

Mondelēz International has announced it has entered into definitive agreements to sell its developed-market gum business in the United States, Canada and Europe to Italian-Dutch company, and European rival, Perfetti Van Melle Group for $1.350bn.