Results from independent evaluators assessing the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI)’s efforts to eradicate abusive child labor practices in Ghana reveal that the programs are working.
After years of sustained growth in the United States, an Innova Market Insights report suggests that the $2-billion snack/cereal/energy bar sector is slowing down, akin perhaps, to so many consumers who purchase the bars.
A recent survey of confectionery and snack food manufacturers revealed that most will significantly increase the number of new products launched in 2010.
To offer consumers relief in tough economic times, Mars Snackfood US has introduced a nationwide program that would give full-sized samples of Mars chocolate products, product discounts and coupons to millions of consumers.
The French Pastry School at City Colleges of Chicago plans to double in size by adding an 11,000-sq.-ft. hands-on teaching kitchen, two theater-style kitchens, a research and development center and administrative offices to the school.
Cocoa, sugar and corn sweetener prices are near historic highs. Consumer spending has declined and commodity prices have risen. Thanks to the worldwide recession, confectioners are not only presented with new challenges, but also with opportunities.
Melissa Joan Hart, best known for her acting in “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” and “Clarissa Explains It All,” has opened her own candy store called SweetHarts.
According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database, the number of new product launches in the United States food and drink categories dropped 51% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the first quarter of 2008.
The Warrell Corp., which sells candy under the Pennsylvania Dutch Candies and Katherine Beecher brands, has acquired the assets of York, Pa.-based Classic Caramel Co.
Mars, Inc., including its five business groups – chocolate, pet care, Wrigley, food and drinks – has partnered with eco-friendly company TerraCycle to reduce its waste.
After closing five Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge locations last summer, Mars Retail Group will close five more in the Chicago area by the end of this month.
As of Feb. 16, 2009, Erika Kuehner joined Spangler Candy’s marketing team as brand manager. Her responsibilities include managing the Circus Peanuts and Saf-T-Pops brands, while also working in the areas of marketing research, strategy and the company’s giveaway distribution channel.
Barry Callebaut Brasil S/A, a subsidiary of Barry Callebaut, and Bunge Alimentos, a subsidiary of Bunge Limited, have signed a distribution agreement making Bunge the exclusive distributor of Barry Callebaut’s artisanal chocolate products in the food service market in Brazil.
