The Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association (PMCA) hosted a chocolate short course at the University of California-Davis last month to increase its presence on the West Coast.

Cocoa organizations in Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana are reviewing the status of all cocoa sustainability and certification programs to put greater emphasis on implementing the living income differential the countries established in July.

Jason Harty, Theo’s chief marketing officer, recently spoke with Candy Industry about the thought process behind the brand’s latest redesign, as well as the importance of supporting cocoa farmers.

The United Nations Development Programme and the FairChain Foundation have created The Other Bar, a chocolate bar that challenges consumers to take direct action against poverty.

Barry Callebaut Group has launched two varieties of chocolate sweetened with cacaofruit as part of its mission to advance cocoa sustainability and drive innovation in the category.

The Coconut Coalition of the Americas has launched an initiative to remove coconut from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s list of tree nuts, which are considered major food allergens under federal legislation.

Alter Eco has gathered a coalition of eco-conscious brands to help protect the Amazon and drive awareness about how to counter the effects of deforestation.

Bensdorp, a Barry Callebaut premium cocoa brand, has introduced Natural Dark, a 100% natural dark cocoa powder with a superior taste experience. 

The Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association will host a symposium this fall covering all aspects of developing and producing cannabis-infused candy and snacks.