R&D

Food security priorities are driving applicants for Olam's Food Prize 2021. Pic: Olam International

Innovation

Olam extends food prize application deadline to March

By Anthony Myers

Olam International Limited, one of the world’s leading food, cocoa and agri-businesses, has extended the application deadline for its bi-annual innovation prize to March 15, 2021, citing the challenges of COVID-19.

McVitie’s British Icons. Pic: pladis

NPD

McVities biscuits launch British Icons range

By Anthony Myers

pladis, owner of McVitie's, the UK’s largest biscuit brand, has announced a new limited-edition range, McVitie’s British Icons, which features four on-trend flavours as part of its Milk Chocolate Digestives and Milk Chocolate Hobnobs brands.

Flavanols in cocoa drinks can boost brain power, scientists have revealed. Pic: GettyImages

Research

Drinking cocoa can make you smarter, say scientists

By Anthony Myers

New study, published in Scientific Reports, is the first to recognize the cognitive effects of flavanols in young, healthy participants and the link with brain activity.

CNVIDEO: Satelligence to focus on cocoa's deforestation problems

Interview with Satelligence founder and CEO, Niels Wielaard

CNVIDEO: Satelligence to focus on cocoa's deforestation problems

By Anthony Myers

Satelligence is a new company that specializes in assessing patterns and trends in forests, agriculture and water, providing highly detailed satellite images for mapping purposes to help combat deforestation.

 Dr Mike Heffernan (left) and Dr Toby Edwards-Lunn at the Summer Fancy Foods Show in New York City. Pic: DTI

Innovation

UK dental mints company wins $6m export deal with US firm

By Anthony Myers

Company collaborated with confectioners to create the world’s first ever mint to actively reverse the process of tooth decay and erosion, and will now see its products in US dental surgeries and other outlets.

NCA president and CEO John Downs rocked Boca Raton in March and delivered a rousing state of the candy industry speech, which became one of our highlights of 2019. PIC: NCA

2019

2019 in review: Our Top 10 stories on ConfectioneryNews

By Anthony Myers

From 100% recyclable packaging by Nestlé to a personal account of the life of a cocoa farmer in Ghana, and let's not forget NCA boss John Downs rocking Boca! Here is our rundown of some of our best read stories of 2019.

Each serving (two gummies) of Matcha Bears provides about 250mg of the finely milled green tea powder, known for its powerful antioxidants. (Photo courtesy of Matcha Bears)

Functional Jellies Special Report

Matcha Bears pack energy and antioxidants in gummy form

By Kristine Sherred

Three New York City entrepreneurs have developed gluten-free gummies infused with premium grade matcha that walk the line between functional and fun, reaching those who drink tea and those who just want a boost of energy at any time of day.