In today’s environmentally aware and increasingly socially responsible society, food manufacturers are increasingly being held accountable for more than just quality and flavour.  Consumers are increasingly opting for fairtrade and sustainable products, choosing to vote with their money.  Companies that ignore this trend do so at their own risk. So Nestle found out recently, when they became the target of a Greenpeace campaign fighting to protect the rainforest and biodiversity in Indonesia,... ...Read more »

Chocolate giant Barry Callebaut has announced a plan to improve the quality of Malaysian cocoa and chocolate, in collaboration with the Malaysia Cocoa Board. “Due to current growth limitations in cocoa supply from Ivory Coast – the world’s largest cocoa producing country – and our growing demand for cocoa, we have a strategic need to diversify our cocoa origins. Malaysia and neighboring countries currently produce about 15% of the annual global cocoa harvest and are logical sourcing alternatives... ...Read more »

Lindt & Sprungli would “fight like hell” to stay independent if a takeover bid came in for the Swiss chocolate maker, the company told just-food today (16 March). The company, which suffered in 2009 as weak consumer demand, soaring cocoa prices and a series of restructuring measures hit profits, has been seen by industry watchers to be the next likely takeover target in the chocolate sector following Kraft Foods’ acquisition of Cadbury. However, speaking to just-food in Zurich... ...Read more »

Agribusiness and food giant Cargill said it has produced the first UTZ Certified chocolate for the Dutch market. The chocolate, in the form of Easter eggs, has been developed by Baronie, an Easter egg producer for the European market, the firm said today (15 March). The eggs are now available to buy from Dutch supermarkets. Harold Poelma, managing director of cocoa for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, said: “We are very proud to bring the first sustainable UTZ Certified chocolate to market. It... ...Read more »

Fairtrade is growing in profile in the UK and the supermarkets have been keen to get on board for the past few years, highlighting their growing Fairtrade offering, introducing additional promotions and helping to educate their customers on the virtues of Fairtrade. But, Jonny Steel asks, have the millions of pounds poured into Fairtrade education resulted in increased interest and, ultimately, sales? Have the millions of pounds poured into Fairtrade education resulted in increased interest and... ...Read more »

Nestle-owned candy maker Wonka is to launch its first range of premium confectionery for the US market. The Wonka Exceptionals line are “inspired” by the famous story and include; Wonka Chocolates, the Wonka Scrumdiddlyumptious Chocolate Bar and Wonka Fruit Jellies and Fruit Marvels, the firm said today (19 February). The Wonka Chocolates collection includes three varieties, each available in full-sized tablet bars and bags of individually wrapped minis. They will debut nationwide from... ...Read more »

Chocolate manufacturing giants Mars Incorporated and Barry Callebaut AG yesterday announced a cross-industry partnership to promote the health benefits of cocoa flavanols. Flavanols are a type of flavonoid - chemicals with antioxidant properties, found in green tea, berries, fruits, vegetables and red wine. Cocoa flavanols have been shown to improve blood circulation, protect skin from the effects of UV and potentially improve brain function. The flavonoid group as a whole is also believed to be... ...Read more »

Hershey president and CEO Dave West has stood by the US chocolate maker’s strategy and insisted the company can deliver “long-term value” for shareholders. The business, which generates the bulk of its revenues in the US, has faced questions over its future growth after deciding not to bid for UK confectioner Cadbury. Hershey has ventures in Brazil, India and China but industry watchers have argued the company’s international ambitions - and therefore prospects for long-term... ...Read more »

The world’s largest maker of bulk chocolate, Barry Callebaut, has confirmed a marked increase in the demand for certified cocoa and chocolate products as a number of the world’s largest confectionery players begin showing support for Fairtrade and other certification. Strong consumer demand for ‘responsibly produced chocolate’ lies at the basis of the growth, the Swiss-based group added. Barry Callebaut said they welcomed this evolution and expects the sale of certified products... ...Read more »

Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand today confirmed premium organic chocolate maker Green & Black’s will be going Fairtrade Certified across the vast majority of its block chocolate and beverages range this year. The move continues on a steady push toward Fairtrade by confectioners over the past year, with the likes of Cadbury and Nestlé committing to Fairtrade cocoa for their Dairy Milk and Kit Kat brands, respectively. And, with cocoa production tainted over the past decade... ...Read more »