European Union

Deo Perfume Candy enters Europe

Deo Perfume Candy enters Europe

By Oliver Nieburg

Body fragrance candy has hit stores shelves in Europe after DG Imports reached an exclusive sales and distribution deal with Deo Perfume Candy over the Christmas period.

EU food industry competitiveness ‘lagging behind’: Report

EU food industry competitiveness ‘lagging behind’: Report

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

The European Union’s food industry is lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of competitiveness, according to a new report from FoodDrinkEurope, which outlines priorities for new EU-wide industrial policy.

Ajinomoto wins EU chilli extract approval

Ajinomoto wins EU chilli extract approval

By Shane Starling

Japanese supplier Ajinomoto’s chilli extract has won European Union Novel Foods status at various levels in 22 foodstuffs including flavoured waters, meal replacements, baked goods and sugar-free gum.

Provexis winner criticises EU health claims enforcement

Provexis winner: EU health claims enforcement may dish rotten tomatoes

By Steve Morrison

Steve Morrision was the COO at Provexis when the UK start-up won the EU‘s first ever article 13.5 health claim for its blood circulation-boosting tomato extract called Fruitflow in 2009. The now-consultant has serious qualms about how the EU’s health...

Cloetta Q3 hit by weak EU market and Leaf costs

Cloetta feels pinch in several EU markets

By Oliver Nieburg

Sweden’s leading confectioner Cloetta has posted falling profits in the third quarter (Q3) as it struggled in several EU markets and was hit by higher raw material prices and restructuring costs from its Leaf merger.

Haribo and Lindt Gold Bear case

Haribo and Lindt in Gold Bear trademark dispute

By Oliver Nieburg

German candy firm Haribo and Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli are locked in a legal battle in a German court over a trademark for products in the form of a golden bear.

Chr Hansen profits up despite eurozone slowdown

Chr Hansen profits up despite Eurozone slowdown

By Shane Starling

Shares jumped more than 3% to just over €24.05 this morning in Danish enzymes, colours and cultures company Chr Hansen as its yearly revenue hit €699m. Profits improved 10.7% to €131.3m for the 12 month period ended August 31.

European sugar users welcome debate on sugar reform

European sugar users welcome debate on sugar reform

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

The EU Sugar Users Association (CIUS) has welcomed debate on sugar reform scheduled in the European Parliament on Monday, ahead of an EU vote on whether to abolish sugar quotas under Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms.

EU sugar quota supports ‘quasi monopoly’

EU sugar quota supports ‘quasi monopoly’

By Rod Addy

The EU sugar industry benefits from a “quasi monopoly” situation as a result of the current EU sugar quota system, according to the European Starch Industry Association, Association de Amidonniers et Feculiers (AAF).

Nutrient profiling debate reignites

Nutrient profiling debate reignites

By Rod Addy

DG Sanco has reignited the nutrient profiling debate by initiating a consultation with other parts of the European Commission to test support for it to set nutrient profiles under health claims legislation.

Lindt's gold bunny deemed to lack distinctive character

Lindt chocolate bunny trademark gunned down by ECJ

By Oliver Nieburg

Lindt’s chocolate rabbit is devoid of any distinctive character, according to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) which has ruled that the firm’s 3D-bunny-sign cannot be registered as a trademark in the EU.

Commission gives green light for major sugar industry takeover

Breaking News

Commission gives green light for major sugar industry takeover

By Oliver Nieburg

The European Commission has cleared the acquisition of the world’s largest sugar trader ED&F MAN by Europe’s largest sugar producer Südzucker and said it would raise no competition concerns on one condition.

Photo credit: Cavalier

Dispatches from ProSweets 2012

Stevia chocolate bags ISM innovation award

By Oliver Nieburg

Stevia chocolate firm Cavalier has scooped an award for innovation at this year's International Sweets and Biscuits Fair (ISM).

Zetar establishes French subsidiary

Zetar establishes French subsidiary

By Oliver Nieburg

UK-based confectionery and snacks firm Zetar has established a French subsidiary to leverage its position in continental Europe.

Wrigley's Olga Martínez was appointed president of the new Spanish confectionery association PRODULCE

PRODULCE head looking for healthy innovation

By Oliver Nieburg

The Spanish confectionery sector must innovate on a health awareness platform, according to the head of the recently formed national confectionery association.