Sectors

Raw cacao pioneers Lovechock has a new owner. Pic: Lovechock

M&As

Lovechock eyes expansion after company takeover

By Anthony Myers

Lovechock, the Dutch raw cacao company, has been acquired by Belgian family-owned company Pauwels Engineering NV, the two parties have announced in a statement.

Pic: gettyimages

Seasonal

Chocolate advent calendar guide

By Anthony Myers

Not bought a chocolate advent calendar yet? Here is a selection to help you choose and get in the festive mood, from vegan options to luxury best buy ...

Ourput of West African cocoa beans fell last month. Pic: CN

Commodities

Uncertain supply and demand undercuts cocoa prices

By Anthony Myers

Recent flash flooding in West and Central Africa has hindered Cote d’Ivoire’s transportation of cocoa beans from the farms to the ports and could be the reason for the reduction of cocoa arrivals seen during the first few weeks of the main 2022-23 season...

Brands will have 365 healthy opportunities to appeal to consumers in 2023. Pic: GettyImages/anyaivanova

Healthy snacking

What will drive the healthy snack space in 2023?

By Gill Hyslop

While snacking has long been associated with indulgence and fulfilling a guilty craving, a raft of new offers are popping up on the market that more closely align with consumers’ holistic wellness goals.

US black land-grant universities have been underfunded by at least $12.8bn over the past three decades compared to predominantly white counterparts. Pic: GettyImages/Amand Burger

Clif Bar commits $1 million to boost black equity in organic agriculture

By Gill Hyslop

The Californian better-for-you snack producer has made a $1m endowment to Tuskegee University in Alabama – a Historically Black College and University – to support the advancement of organic farming practices through the University’s College of Agriculture,...

Single origin, sustainable cocoa is becoming more in demand. Pic: Cargill

Single origin cocoa: consumer trends

Why single origin cocoa is so important

By Anthony Myers

As interest in cocoa sustainability intensifies among EMEA consumers, two studies highlight why bean-to-bar authenticity is on the rise.

Guylian's famous chocolate seashells will now carry the Fairtrade logo. Pic: Fairtrade America

Sustainability

Guylian commits to 100% Fairtrade Certified cocoa

By Anthony Myers

The premium Belgian chocolate brand said the move demonstrates its commitment to sustainable production in its supply chain by prioritising the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

The NCSA's Class of 2022 at the Candy Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Florida. Pic: NCSA

Industry voices

Nominations for 2023 Candy Hall of Fame open

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has opened nominations for its 2023 Candy Hall of Fame, the highest honour in the US confectionery industry.

The company also said it is also battling a volatile environment in its European market. Pic: Mondelēz International

Financial results

Mondelēz to up Cocoa Life investment on back of strong Q3 results

By Anthony Myers

Mondelēz International has announced net revenues grew 8.1% year-on-year in the third quarter this year, driven by stronger pricing and volume. The Chicago-headquartered company also raised its full-year results forecasts and announced more price hikes...

Peter Boone, CEO of the Barry Callebaut Group, at the launch last month of its '2nd Generation Chocolate' innovation. Pic: Barry Callebaut

Financial results

Drop in profits at Barry Callebaut after factory shutdown earlier in year

By Anthony Myers

Barry Callebaut caught the market by surprise by rescheduling its Full-Year Results 2021-22 analysts and media call to Tuesday instead of today (Wednesday 2 November) after the figures were published early due to an ‘unforeseen event’. The world’s largest...

Pic: Ritter Sport

NPD

Ritter Sport launches new Salted Caramel and Orange bars

By Anthony Myers

Ritter Sport has announced it is launching two new 100g flavoured bars in the UK and Ireland this autumn, Ritter Sport Salted Caramel and Ritter Sport Orange, in a bid to take an even bigger chunk of block chocolate sales.