Markets

What drives the US success of this iconic Scottish shortbread brand?

What drives the US success of this iconic Scottish shortbread brand?

By Gill Hyslop

Sir Jim Walker CBE has been honoured with the 2024 Wallace Award by the American Scottish Foundation, celebrating the brand’s contribution to transatlantic relations. How has Walker’s Shortbread managed to thrive in one of the world’s most competitive...

Sweet innovation: Confectionery NPD at SIAL 2024

Sweet innovation: Confectionery NPD at SIAL 2024

By Teodora Lyubomirova and Rachel Arthur

There was no shortage of confectionery innovation at SIAL in Paris this month: with innovation tapping into health and wellness trends, future flavors and more...

Pricing fears grow ahead of Halloween

Pricing fears grow ahead of Halloween

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Cocoa and sugar prices are reported to have reached frightening highs, with alarming price rallies predicted.

The story behind Million Dollar Chocolate Monkey Bread

The story behind Million Dollar Chocolate Monkey Bread

By Gill Hyslop

Million Dollar Chocolate Monkey Bread took the baking world by storm, offering a decadent spin on a beloved classic. What lessons can the industry learn from its rise to fame and how can other traditional treats be reinvented for modern tastes?

CAOBISCO calls for urgent EUDR update, the EC responds

CAOBISCO calls for urgent EUDR update, the EC responds

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Days after Europe’s chocolate, biscuit and confectionery organisation asks for immediate guidance on the upcoming European Union’s Deforestation Regulation, the European Commission releases its proposal to push back its implementation date.

Feastables joins Tony’s Open Chain

Feastables joins Tony’s Open Chain

By Natasha Jolliffe-Spencer

US social media-savvy brand Feastables collaborates with Tony Chocolonely’s Open Chain to develop a new benchmark in the cocoa industry.

Is all chocolate a UPF?

Is all chocolate a UPF?

By Natasha Jolliffe-Spencer

Controversy around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) continues to grow, especially with mounting scientific research as well as media attention scrutinizing the food group.

Anthon Berg broadens appeal to win over Gen Z market

Anthon Berg broadens appeal to win over Gen Z market

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

The 140-year-old chocolatier is shaking up its branding and product lineup to capture the attention of Gen Z consumers, refreshing its reputation as a treat for grandparents.

Barry Callebaut reports sales rise of 11%, operating profit falls 40%

Barry Callebaut reports sales rise of 11%, operating profit falls 40%

By Anthony Myers

Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest cocoa and chocolate supplier, reported a sales rise of 11% to 4.6 billion CHF ($5.09bn) compared to last year, but one-off expenses caused by its transformation plan amounted to a lower-than-expected half-year profit.

Thai confectionery market recognised at ISM 2024

ProSweets/ISM 2024

Thai confectionery market recognised at ISM 2024

By Anthony Myers

Ekachai Savetsomphob, Managing Director of Sino-Pacific, Thailand’s largest food and snack imported is being honoured with the ISM Award 2024 for his contribution and fluence in the development of the market in Southeast Asia.

Lindt & Sprüngli hit with child labor allegations in cocoa supply chain

Market watch

Lindt & Sprüngli hit with child labor allegations in cocoa supply chain

By Anthony Myers

Swiss premium chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli is among the leading players in the premium chocolate space with a presence in over 120 countries worldwide and a portfolio of chocolate brands including Russell Stover, Ghirardelli, Caffarel, Lindor, and...

Rains in West Africa lift cocoa prospects for the region

Markets

Rains in West Africa lift cocoa prospects for the region

By Anthony Myers

Unseasonable and welcome rain in West Africa is expected to boost the main cocoa crop, improve the quality of beans and lower the price of cocoa on the market, according to farming sources.

Plant-based sector braces for ‘a rough’ 24 months

Plant-based sector braces for ‘a rough’ 24 months

By Oliver Morrison

The plant-based sector remains an enormous long-term growth opportunity, though investor retrenchment will continue in the short term, investors told the recent Plant-Based Protein Manufacturing Summit in Amsterdam.

Sterling crisis will impact cocoa farmer incomes, Fairtrade warns

Economy

Sterling crisis will impact cocoa farmer incomes, Fairtrade warns

By Anthony Myers

After the pound hit a record low against the US dollar at the end of September, the Fairtrade Foundation is warning of the potential impact of the market volatility, both on farmers in low-income countries and the UK shoppers who buy the food they grow.

OFI remains on course for London listing

Financial results

OFI remains on course for London listing

By Anthony Myers

Singapore-based Olam, OFI’s parent company, said it is tracking global markets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine this week to determine the potential impact on the timing.