Industry Voices

Pic: Getty Images/Bloomberg

Sustainability

100% Traceable: Olam’s tech links producers and farmers through data

By Kristine Sherred

The cocoa and spice supplier unveiled sustainability goals in 2017 with a 2020 goal of nurturing a ‘fully traceable’ cocoa supply chain. We discussed progress with Olam's North American innovation lead, when we caught up with him at IFT.

Insights

Indulgence now a planned activity: Euromonitor

By Kristine Sherred

Everyday indulgence has ended, as impulse purchases slow, social media takes over and regulations intensify, according to Euromonitor analyst Michael Schaefer.

With Nestlé under the Ferrara umbrella, product collaborations like this one with Brach's candy canes are now possible. Pic: Ferrara Candy Company

Sweets&Snacks Expo 2019

As Kellogg-Keebler deal closes, Ferrara poised to reach $3bn in sales

By Kristine Sherred

ConfectioneryNews talked with the Ferrara team at the National Confectioners Association’s annual Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago about this growth – and what the future holds for established brands like Butterfinger and Crunch, as well as its powerful...

Researchers in France say titanium dioxide can cause tumors in the colon and reduce immune response. Pic: Getty Images/petrroudny

Food safety

In France, no titanium dioxide in food by 2020

By Kristine Sherred

France has ordered food companies to eradicate titanium dioxide (TiO2) from their products by January 1, 2020, after a report from the country’s food safety agency recommended reducing exposure to the chemical.

OCHO offers a variety of classic candy bar flavors. Pic: OCHO

On the move

Former Theo Chocolate marketing director headed to OCHO Candy

By Kristine Sherred

Todd Kluger joins the organic candy brand as VP of sales and marketing after a decade in a similar role at rice-based snack company Lundberg Family Farms and previously as ‘food transformation’ director at Starbucks.

Could heavy metal regulations undo Ecuador’s value-added cocoa efforts?

Sustainable Food & Drink Podcast – Episode One

Ecuador’s sustainable cocoa future after cadmium

By Oliver Nieburg

Ecuador’s efforts to create value at origin could be damaged by the EU’s recent regulation of heavy metal cadmium in chocolate, claims the president of the country’s cocoa export association.

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Brian Watt, owner/MD, Sloane's Hot Chocolate

Q&A

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Brian Watt, owner/MD, Sloane's Hot Chocolate

By Anthony Myers

After 30 years in the corporate world, Brian Watt gave it all up and followed his love for chocolate with startup Sir Hans Sloane Chocolates. The company has five employees and produces its ‘posh hot chocolate' from a studio in the south of England...

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Sian Holt, MD, Fudge Kitchen

Q&A

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Sian Holt, MD, Fudge Kitchen

By Anthony Myers

Fudge Kitchen has seven outlets in major UK cities and employs more than 80 staff. MD Sian Holt explains the rich heritage behind the premium, indulgent brand and how she got into the business of making fudge.

 CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Mike Stevens, Master of Mints, Peppersmith

Q&A

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Mike Stevens, Master of Mints, Peppersmith

By Anthony Myers

Peppersmith, don’t ask where the name came from, make sugar free mints and gum using a ‘clever little plant based ingredient called xylito’. Mike Stevens is co-founder and ‘Master of Mints’ and he tells why his company is blowing fresh air into the gum...