Trends

Beyond the initial visual impact, what factors are influencing consumer attitudes to packaging? What attributes do people look for in packaging? And does this impact purchase intent? GettyImages/Tom Werner

GUEST ARTICLE

The top 5 trends driving innovation in packaging science

By Katy Askew, managing director, IFIS Publishing

Packaging is the shop window for your brand, the primary interface through which food and beverage manufacturers interact with consumers. Packaging innovation, therefore, cannot be taken lightly. How are R&D teams leveraging packaging science to develop...

Pic: Lindt

NPD

Lindt debuts new Choco Wafer in its UK outlets

By Anthony Myers

Premium chocolate brand, Lindt has introduced a new Choco Wafer into its UK outlets that after it was recently awarded a ‘superstar’ rating from market researcher, Nielsen Bases.

Pic:  Lindt & Spruengli

Financial results

Lindt warns of further price hikes after posting rise in profits

By Anthony Myers

Luxury Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli has posted stronger-than-expected operating profits in the first half of 2023 and raised its full-year outlook, after hiking up prices for its chocolate easter bunnies and pralines.

GoodSAM Founder & CEO, Heather K Terry. Pic: CN

Brands

A good year for GoodSam chocolates

By Anthony Myers

Sustainable chocolate brand GoodSAM Foods has announced a strong first half of 2023 with a record-breaking first and second quarter, driven by an expanded retail reach into US, and industry awards recognition, while exceeding fundraising goals and sales.

Pic: Swerve

Sugar reduction special

Monk Fruit and allulose-centered products set to be key drivers of innovation

By Anthony Myers

Swerve, one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of zero-sugar, keto-friendly, and plant-based sweeteners, is at the forefront of the sugar-free baking trend. The company’s innovation and expansion into monk fruit and allulose sweetener offerings,...

Love Cocoa & HiP Chocolate Team celebrate the B Corp Achievement. Pic: Love Cocoa

Sustainabilty

Love Cocoa & H!P Chocolate secure B Corp Certification

By Anthony Myers

London-based sustainable chocolate brand Love Cocoa’s mission to drive positive change within the chocolate industry has received an added boost after recognition as a certified B Corporation, achieving an overall B Impact Score of 88.3.

Approximately 70% of the cacaofruit was previously discarded.  Pic: Cabosse Naturals

Ingredients

New breakthrough in cacaofruit reduces refined sugar in confectionery

By Anthony Myers

Cabosse Naturals, established by Barry Callebaut to unlock the potential of the entire cacaofruit, has launched a ‘free-flowing, 100% pure cacaofruit powder’, a new ingredient that can replace refined sugar in food manufacture, which also caters to growing...

NOMO's vegan-friendly Easter chocolate proved popular with consumers. Pic: NOMO

Free From

NOMO cleans up at Free From Food Awards

By Anthony Myers

Top UK vegan and free from chocolate brand, NOMO, has announced it has won four major accolades at the Free From Food Awards including being named the Large Independent Brand of the Year 2023.

A Colombian cocoa farmer peacefully tends to his crop. Pic: Luker Chocolate

Guest post

How cocoa is driving peace in Colombia

By Julia Ocampo

In the rugged landscapes of rural Colombia, where conflict and adversity have cast a shadow for over 50 years, an unlikely hero has emerged: cocoa. Beyond its delectable taste and aroma, cocoa is proving to be a powerful force for driving peace and prosperity...

The scheme was launched in Jakarta earlier this month. Pic: ofi

Sustainability

New $8.2m project launched to support cocoa farmers in Indonesia

By Anthony Myers

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a new project to promote sustainable cocoa and coffee production in Indonesia with The Hershey Company, Rikolto, the Indonesian government, and PT. Olam Indonesia - part of olam...

The extra funding will help Tony's Chocolonely expand into new markets. Pic: CN

Business

Tony’s Chocolonely secures an additional €20m funding

By Anthony Myers

Following a successful year of rapid growth and strong progress on sustainability, Tony’s Chocolonely has raised an additional €20m of capital from its existing shareholders to accelerate the delivery of its mission, the Dutch ethical brand has announced.