Smart technology

Image: Getty

Should you be marketing on the metaverse?

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe & Jess Spiring

As one confectionery firm launches its own candyland on Roblox to appeal to young gamers, we explore the merits of brand-building in virtual reality

A scientist uses AI at the Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences. Image: Nestlé

Smart technology

Five ways AI is transforming the confectionery sector

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

With AI at the helm, the confectionery industry is entering a new era of innovation and efficiency, transforming everything from product creation to personalized marketing strategies. Here's how

No more logistical nightmares with AI, if used properly, confectionery leaders were informed at a recent conference. Pic: GettyImages

Artificial Intelligence - special report

How AI can improve product quality and consumer experience in confectionery

By Anthony Myers

Two of the standout sessions at the NCA’s recent State of the Industry Conference covered ‘The transformative power of AI for business and personal use,' where experts unlocked the secrets of artificial intelligence to help brands stay ahead of the...

ProSweets Cologne is set to attract over 250 exhibitors from over 25 countries at next year's event. Pic: Koelnmesse

ProSweets Cologne 24

ProSweets Cologne focuses on the reformulation of sweets and snacks

By Anthony Myers

More than 30 ingredients specialists are set to attend ProSweets Cologne, the supplier fair that runs along side ISM sweets and snacks trade show, to offer natural and sustainable solutions that contain less sugar or carry a clean label declaration.

Image: getty/Prostock-Studio

Robots ‘ready to extend reach’ in food industry

By Oliver Morrison

There’s a strong case for the future growth of robots in food production in Europe, believes Dutch bank ING, as companies look to boost competitiveness, improve product quality and respond to rising labour costs.

The popularity of nutraceutical gummies is likely to skyrocket, says tna Solutions. Pic: tna Solutions

Special Report: Post Pandemic Trends 2021

Keeping the production flow going during the pandemic

By Anthony Myers

We have entered into a new era of food safety and with the current situation fuelling fears around food contamination more than ever before, producers have been paying special attention to equipment cleanliness and effective pack sealing, says Edward...

Minebea's high-speed checkweighing solution. Pic: Minebea

Production

Increasing productivity in the confectionery industry

By Anthony Myers

The global consumption of confectionery is growing steadily, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, and for manufacturers of chocolate, sweets, chewing gum and other confectionery, this means making their production facilities fast, flexible, economical...

Systech acquired by Dover. Photo: Systech

Systech to join Markem-Imaje following Dover acquisition

By Jenny Eagle

Dover Corporation has acquired Systech International (Systech), which will now join Markem-Imaje, product identification and traceability business, as part of Dover’s Imaging and Identification segment.

Eef de Ferrante, MD, AIPIA, (centre) at last year's Asia Summit. Photo: AIPIA

AIPIA cancels China Summit amid concerns over Coronavirus

By Jenny Eagle

AIPIA, the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association has announced it is postponing its China Summit, due to be held in Shanghai in April, due to concerns about Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China and many other regions.

At the NACS show in Atlanta, Hershey showed off its queue, where shoppers can 'relax' enough to browse and impulse-buy.

Hershey embracing fresh approach to modern retail challenges

By Kristine Sherred

Stand-up packaging, consumer-driven innovation and loyalty data are upending the candy aisle and checkout area. We talked with two Hershey execs at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show to understand how one of the world’s most beloved...

'We're trying to get that data that doesn't exist into the cloud through whatever means necessary,' said Sourcemap founder Leonardo Bonanni. Pic; GettyImages

WCF Partnership Meeting 2019

Is blockchain the answer for sustainability in the cocoa sector?

By Anthony Myers

In light of the The Washington Post article this week that found ‘alarming’ problems with Utz’s auditing processes, a timely session at the WCF Partnership Meeting on blockchain looks at how it can help with supply chain certification – but is the industry...