Blogs
Emergence of Omicron variant creates further global industry uncertainties
Headlines around the world this past week has been all about the emergence of a certain new strain of coronavirus that has been designated as Omicron.
Plant-based revolution continues as consumers back sustainably produced ranges
As the latest research from Danish-based emulsifier business Palsgaard notes, demand for plant-based products of all kinds is showing no sign of slowing any time soon.
Bakery, Candy & Gum, Chocolate, Functional & Free-from, Savoury Snacks
Global festive retail marketing goes into annual overdrive
With Christmas around the corner, the marketing push from key manufacturers has understandably gone into overdrive, as key confectionery businesses attempt to make up for some of the considerable lost opportunities during the pandemic.
Lidl and Tony’s Chocolonely point the way for how to deliver sustainable cocoa
Who grows my food, are they paid fairly, and do they use eco-friendly farming methods? These are some of the questions being asked by conscious consumers as the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow this month brings issues of sustainability to the foreground.
Will industry respond to an obesity crisis with embracing calls for regulation of product ranges including confectionery?
Few would argue with the proposition that there’s any real issue with enjoying an occasional confectionery treat or snack, so long as part of a wider balanced diet whether you are a child or adult.
Manufacturers set the spooky tone for global Halloween celebrations
With Halloween just under a couple of weeks away, the signs are looking strong for the confectionery sector as far as sales of sweets and snacks are concerned.
The rise of Shrinkflation continues to make its mark as manufacturers feel the strain
Alas, it seems it’s back in town, like the equivalent of the party guest that nobody really wants to see, “shrinkflation” of product portion sizes is on the horizon once more amid major pandemic, Covid-19 and post Brexit pressure on manufacturers.
UK supply chain crisis continues to impact across business sectors
Mounting concerns regarding supply chain shortages across the food and drink sector, including the confectionery, snacks and bakery markets within the UK remains particularly concerning.
Key global confectionery deals herald improving markets
While the past 18 months have proved particularly challenging for many businesses across the confectionery sector, major investments are continuing to be made by some of the sector’s biggest players, which bodes well for the overall market.
Germany’s confectionery sector feels the pinch of Brexit just as equally as the UK
The latest warning from Germany’s BDSI confectionery sector organisation that its exports remain notably challenged due to Brexit offer further evidence that the matter is far from settled across Europe.
Science and technology combining for key solutions for the global cocoa sector
This week has seen Cargill confirm a potentially gamechanging research project with US agricultural business Aerofarms, a specialist in vertical indoor farming, on cocoa research to assist creating more resilient strains of crops.
A welcome return for the humble Opal Fruit is fuelled by consumer nostalgia
A short but hopefully relatively sweet column for you this week in just offering a warm welcome to an old favourite in the confectionery world – the return, albeit slight revival, of classic Opal Fruit sweets.
A fine confectionery legacy left by the late Sara Jayne Stanes
This week’s column is dedicated to the late Sara Jayne Stanes, founder of the UK’s Academy of Chocolate, who had been a great friend to Confectionery Production and major ambassador for the industry.
Fairtrade progress on farmer payment offers hope amid ongoing challenges
The latest analysis from Fairtrade on its achievements on the ground in Ivory Coast offers some potential light at the end of an especially long tunnel.