Confectionery

Cocoa must come from a certified source for a chocolate confectionery to be carry a Fair Trade USA logo, but the sugar does not - unlike Fairtrade International rules. Photo Credit: WCF

Fair Trade USA: Draft policy changes no hoax

By Oliver Nieburg

Fair Trade USA claims that draft changes to its labeling policy allowing brands with 20% certified ingredients to carry its logo are justified in composite products like chocolate because components like sugar are mainly sourced domestically in the US...

Thompson Brands: Novelty chocolate doesn’t have to be cheap & nasty

Big Interview: Gene Dunkin, CEO Thompson Brands

Thompson Brands CEO: Novelty chocolate doesn’t have to be cheap and nasty

By Elaine Watson

Founded in the same year that Edison created the first functioning light bulb, Thompson Brands is one of America’s oldest chocolate companies. But it hasn’t stayed in business this long by resting on its laurels, CEO Gene Dunkin tells Elaine Watson.

Ethical Business: Women’s rights on cocoa farms

Special Report

Ethical Business: Women’s rights on cocoa farms

This is the story of how an initiative from Oxfam prompted assurances from leading chocolate companies to improve the lives of women cocoa farmers. How did each firm react? Were they quick and effective enough?

Are thresholds too low for products to carry the Fairtrade USA seal on the pack?

NGO questions Fair Trade USA chocolate labeling ‘hoax’

By Oliver Nieburg

Not-for-profit organization Fair World Project has criticized changes to Fair Trade USA's labeling policy, which allows chocolate to carry the seal when it contains a high percentage of other ingredients like sugar that are not fairly traded.

Easter and Christmas compete for the top spot in seasonal gifting in most global markets, according to Mintel

Where are the emerging Easter markets?

By Oliver Nieburg

Brazil has one of the largest markets for Easter confectionery and has had more Easter launches than anywhere else, but the Chinese have yet to look beyond the religious nature of the season as they have for Christmas, according to an analyst.

Sticky problem: Degradable gum offers solutions

Mondelez moves to patent degradable gum

By Oliver Nieburg

The number two gum player Kraft (now Mondelez) has filed a patent for a degradable gum composition that is similar to one currently being assessed for novel foods approval in the EU.

Hershey has committed $600,000 to CocoaLink, which sends SMS messages to farmers providing ethical and practical advice

Hershey defends commitment on sustainable cocoa

By Oliver Nieburg

Hershey has called attacks on its text messaging tips for farmers program CocoaLink “disingenuous” after a group of NGOs questioned the effectiveness of the project.

Choco Treasure claims to be only toy-filled chocolate egg safe for sale in US

Toy-filled chocolate egg approved for sale in US

By Oliver Nieburg

New Jersey-based Candy Treasure has overcome a US ban on toy-filled chocolate eggs dating back to 1938 after its Choco Treasure surprise eggs were deemed safe for sale.

Desert Lab's 'Snack Less' 10-piece hoodia gum packs in three flavors (cinnamon, mint and strawberry) and retail at $2.99 each (typical gum retails at around $1.75).

Desert Labs launches hoodia weight management gum

Hoodia gum maker defends satiety effect

By Oliver Nieburg

The maker of a newly launched appetite suppressant gum claims to be the first to have self-affirmed GRAS status for hoodia in the US and hopes to overcome the negative image of the plant as a weight management ingredient.

NCA provides a taste of what to expect at its Sweet & Snacks Expo in May

Sweet & Snacks Expo Preview

Affordable gourmet confectionery flourishes at NCA’s Sweet & Snacks Expo

By Oliver Nieburg

Affordable gourmet confectionery is on the rise in the US, according to the National Confectioners Association (NCA) which has seen a hike in demand from exhibitors wanting to showcase products in the Gourmet Marketplace at the 16th Sweet & Snacks...

Hershey joins Sustainability Accounting Standards Board

Hershey backs industry-wide sustainability standards

By Kacey Culliney

The Hershey Company has joined the advisory council of a new non-profit organization – the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) - that aims to develop industry-wide standards on sustainability.

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