After the pound hit a record low against the US dollar at the end of September, the Fairtrade Foundation is warning of the potential impact of the market volatility, both on farmers in low-income countries and the UK shoppers who buy the food they grow.
Special Edition: Consumer friendly confectionery packaging unwrapped
White packaging is on the rise globally, but it will be interesting to see how this plays out within the retail space, according to an industry commentator.
Premium chocolate will help the Ukrainian confectionery market return to growth despite sugar confectionery currently proving the more popular category, according to an analyst Leatherhead Food Research.
Japan’s second biggest confectioner Meiji Holdings has reported a steep decline in its first quarter (Q1) confectionery profits as its chocolate sales fall and it suffers from a “shrinking” gum market.
European aluminium foil (alufoil) output fell in 2011 as the economic downturn and a surge in imports from China combined to give the industry a tough 12 months.
Amcor has predicted it will see strong growth in 2013 thanks in part to an extra A$200m (€148m) in its coffers as result of synergies flowing from the recent acquisitions of Alcan and Ball Plastics.
Take up of robotic technology in the food sector is set to steadily increase as processors are forced to seek further efficiency gains and demand could challenge that of the automotive industry within a decade, said the head of a leading trade body.
Cocoa futures in New York hit their lowest price since September yesterday on signs of increased production in Ivory Coast, which is the leading global supplier.
Food firms looking to trim costs in the recession must be sure to complete due diligence in their ingredient sourcing and not compromise the long-term image of their brands by reduced quality, warns a food chain consultant.
Clear signs that falling consumer demand for chocolate is starting to impact the supply chain with Mars' chocolate business in France announcing contracted production in Alsace.
Focusing on health and wellness and building brand awareness are the most successful strategies for weathering the global economic storm, according to a Frost and Sullivan analyst.
Newly de-merged Finnish confectionery company Fazer Konfektyr has announced plans to expand into Sweden while underlining its environmentally friendly credentials.
