Trends

And the winner is ... Crash!. Pic: Cadbury

Seasonal

Crash the cat wins this year’s coveted Cadbury Bunny ears accolade

By Anthony Myers

After receiving an impressive number of votes from animal lovers across the country, Crash the Cat from Boise, Idaho, has been crowned the winner of Hershey’s fifth-annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts, 'Rescue Pets Edition', the company has announced.

Love Cocoa's 2023 Easter collection. Pic: Love Cocoa

Seasonal

Love Cocoa extends eco-friendly egg collection

By Anthony Myers

Luxury sustainable chocolate brand Love Cocoa is adding to its Easter portfolio this year with two delightful, marbled eggs, while the rest of the range has had a seasonal makeover.

Lindt wants to make Easter more memorable with its ‘Hoppiness’ campaign and much-loved Gold Bunny. Pic: Lindt

Seasonal

Chocolate gives a lift to all ages, new survey reveals

By Anthony Myers

A new UK nationwide study by Lindt, to mark the beginning of Spring, has revealed the list of everyday things that give Brits a lift, with a good night’s sleep (51%), a walk on a sunny morning (48%) and a hug (47%) appearing top of the list.

Cadbury's is the favourite Easter Egg brand, according to research. Pic: Mondelez International

Easter 2023

Cadbury's Easter eggs come out tops for UK consumers, research reveals

By Anthony Myers

With Easter in the UK becoming more of a celebration akin to Halloween and Christmas, new research has revealed that 82% of consumers said they'd spend the traditional long weekend with family, with approximately 20% spending it with friends. A third...

Gerald Manley. Pic: ofi

Business

Gerard Manley announces retirement as ofi Cocoa CEO

By Anthony Myers

Gerard Manley, CEO of ofi’s Cocoa business and the group’s Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), has announced he will will retire at the end of June 2023 after 25 years with the company.

Pic: Guittard Chocolate

Free-from

Guittard Chocolates boosts its dairy-free and kosher lines

By Anthony Myers

Guittard Chocolate Company has announced its dairy-free kosher pareve processing capabilities and its new dairy-free product line, which will include three retail baking chips - Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Extra Dark Chocolate Chips, Akoma Organic Extra...

Yowie is set to launch its eighth Baby Animals series this Easter. Pic: Yowie Group

Marketing

Yowie confectionery gives birth to new set of Baby Animals

By Anthony Myers

Yowie’s latest surprise revealed to the confectionery world is an eighth series of its popular ‘Baby Animals’ series. As well as containing sustainably sourced, Rainforest Alliance Certified chocolate the latest collection is designed to shed light on...

Hershey takes plant-based mainstream with alternatives of two classics. Pic: CN

NPD

Hershey launches plant-based milk chocolate into mainstream

By Anthony Myers

The Hershey Company has released dairy-free alternatives for two of its most iconic brands with Reese’s plant-based peanut butter cups going on sale this month, making it the first vegan chocolates sold nationally, followed by Hershey’s plant-based extra...

Central Europe and North America remain key markets for the Group. Pic: Lindt & Sprüngli

Financial results

Lindt maintains global sales volumes but warns of more price rises

By Anthony Myers

Lindt & Spruengli has revealed its 2022 operating profit (EBIT) increased by 15.5% year on year to CHF 744.6 million, from CHF 644.9 million in the previous year, and the Swiss chocolate maker also proposed a higher dividend payout to investors as...

Cote d’Ivoire's cocoa farmers will now be guaranteed the farmgate price for their beans with the new electronic cards. Pic: Mighty Earth

Legislation

Cote d’Ivoire implements electronic payment cards for cocoa farmers

By Anthony Myers

Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa regulator, Conseil du Café Cacao (CCC), has initiated a scheme to distribute electronic cards to cocoa farmers to help track beans from farms to their export ports and ensure the growers are paid a guaranteed price for their produce.

H!P's New Share Pouches. Pic: H!P

NPD

H!P Oat M!lk Chocolate launches share pouches

By Anthony Myers

The brand said it is bringing out a trio of bite-sized oat m!lk chocolate delicacies: H!P Caramel Crunch Peanuts, H!P Peanut Butter Truffle Bites and H!P Creamy & Smooth Buttons.

Chocolove Valentine's Collection 3-Bar Pack. Pic: Chocolove

Seasonal

Chocolove shares its recipe for a sweet Valentine’s Day

By Anthony Myers

Chocolove, the Boulder, Colorado-based premium and ethical chocolatier, is making Valentine's Day sweeter with special heart-shaped bites that are individually wrapped in resealable pouches in Very Cherry and Salted Caramel flavours.