Global confectioners Mars and Nestle have joined a sustainable
cocoa programme, which aims to establish a traceability system for
all farmers in the Ivory Coast.
Cadbury today launched a fund to aid its cocoa suppliers
in Ghana, after research suggested that average production in
the region is now 40 per cent lower than the potential yield.
New research suggests that regular consumption of chocolate may
weaken bone density and strength, which in turn could increase the
risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and fracture.
The future of research into the potential health benefits of cocoa
should focus on the mechanisms and active compounds, with well
defined clinical trials key to this burgeoning segment, says a new
review by Nestlé.
A new aerated chocolate ingredient claims to allow manufacturers of
baked and dairy goods to cut costs and calories by reducing the
total amount of chocolate in their products without affecting taste
or visual appeal.
Following talks in London today, Cadbury Schweppes has officially
announced its new confectionery strategies, to be implemented
following the separation of its drink division, Americas Beverages.
Leading cocoa producer Barry Callebaut has discovered the specific
bacteria responsible for flavour creation during extensive research
into cocoa bean fermentation - enabling the company to produce
better quality chocolate in the...
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli is continuing its innovation
in premium, dark chocolate with a new range boasting 70 per cent
cacao content and a unique mousse-filled centre.
US based cocoa producer Cargill has developed a new method of
processing cocoa which allows for reduced fat content and greater
dispersibility in cocoa powder.
Chocolate giant Mars has filed a lawsuit against Natraceutical,
alleging that the Spanish company is infringing its patents on
polyphenol-rich cocoa extracts by selling CocoanOX extracts in the
United States.
Italian confectionery supplier OPM Chocolate has developed a new
chocolate depositor which claims to boost efficiency levels on
moulding lines while delivering on accuracy.
Hershey-owned organic chocolate company Dagoba has launched four
new additions to its confectionery range to keep consumers
indulging after the new year festivities.
With Easter fast approaching, UK based gift service Gourmet Games
has devised a new way to combine the consumer trend for single
origin, health-boosting chocolate with novelty confectionery for
the holiday season.
UK retailer Waitrose has become the latest store to target the
mounting number of ethically-minded consumers this Christmas with a
new range of Fairtrade chocolates hitting shelves in time for the
festive shopping spree.
The US based Chocolate Manufacturers Association (CMA) has released
a guide to cacao content labels in order to demystify confused
chocolate consumers.
Barry Callebaut has produced a new website entirely devoted to
promoting the nutritional benefits of cocoa in an effort to
counteract the increasingly unhealthy image of chocolate products
and their unpopularity in a health-conscious...
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) has revised its gloomy
cocoa estimate of a 5,000 tonne deficit to predict a global surplus
of 80,000 tonnes of cocoa in the coming year, assuring
manufacturers of a steady supply.
Four days after announcing the recall of twenty-five chocolate
products due to salmonella contamination, Hershey's and the
Canadian food inspection agency (CFIA) still refuse to reveal the
exact source and cause of the contamination.
A new trend for cocoa-based cosmetics could prove advantageous to
chocolate manufacturers as confectionery giant Nestlé leads the way
- joining forces with beauty group L'Oreal.
Innovation may be key in the premium chocolate market but
traditional products are still bestsellers among manufacturers,
according to equipment supplier Chocolate World.
Cocoa bean producer Pan Sino International has announced plans to
build Singapore's largest cocoa processing plant, increasing cocoa
bean supply for manufacturers.
UK Fairtrade chocolate company, Divine, has launched a new variety
of its signature chocolate bar in a bid to further entice consumers
into the ethical cocoa market.
US based confectionery maker Hershey has launched a new range of
chocolate, designed to offer consumers a more upmarket version of
the traditional indulgence.
A French chocolate industry body has recognised CIRAD for its
pioneering work within the cocoa commodity chain and its
groundbreaking research into cocoa.
Chocoholics rejoice: 2005 was the year it became clear chocolate
really is good for you. But before Christmas ushers in a race to
cram the candy, reflect a moment on where the benefits truly lie,
and where they don't.
ADM Cocoa hopes to enable manufacturers to differentiate products
and deliver uniquely attractive foods through the launch of a
bright red cocoa powder.
Evidence backing the antioxidant powers of natural cocoa could
bring new opportunities for confectionery firms looking to boost
slacking sales in a saturated market, reports Lindsey Partos
.
Evidence backing the health promoting benefits of chocolate
continues to mount, bringing dynamism to slacking sales, reports
Lindsey Partos. Researchers from Spain have discovered that
polyphenols found in cocoa extract influence...
Squeezed margins from 'fierce competition' have hit profits at
Swedish oils and fats firm Karlshamns, which this week announced
job cuts in the context of a cost saving programme.
Chocolate makers could see savings from new research that sets out
to tackle the common problem of fat bloom, an unsightly white
powdery film that forms on the outside of chocolate, writes
Lindsey Partos.
