sugar
Cadbury goes head to head with Wrigley
Cadbury Schweppes, the world’s largest confectioner, is to enter the UK chewing gum market in the first half of 2007 with the launch of Trident, the world’s fastest growing gum brand. Wrigley has had a virtual monopoly on the sale of chewing gum with about 95% of British sales. The launch underpins Cadbury’s confidence in […]
Tangerine deal creates new confectionery opportunity
Tangerine, the Blackpool-based confectionery firm, has bought the confectionery arm of Burton’s Foods for an undisclosed sum. The deal creates the UK’s largest independent sugar confectionery firm increasing Tangerine’s turnover from around £45 million to nearly £60 million. Commenting on the deal, Tangerine chairman Steven Joseph said,“This is fantastic news for Tangerine, and confirms our […]
Simple labelling prompts food switch
Labelling food products with clear, simple nutritional information produced ‘quite extraordinary’ changes in consumers’ buying habits in just eight weeks, according to a report on a major European conference. Speaking at the Annual Obesity Europe Conference in Brussels recently, Tesco’s European affairs manager Ian Hutchins claimed that consumers switched in a matter of weeks to […]
Chocolate firm establishes health centre
A North American chocolate company has revealed results of ongoing studies at Yale University, linking the consumption of hot cocoa to improved cardiovascular function. The statement also coincides with the company’s announcement of the establishment of the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition. The Hershey Company plan is to direct scientific research to develop products […]
School ban triggers tuck-in trade
Banning junk food in schools in an effort to encourage healthy eating among pupils has backfired, as teachers have discovered a flourishing trade in sweets, crisps and pop. The ringleaders behind the ‘bike-shed’ trading are budding retailers in the form of pupils, who are cashing in on their classmates craving for all things sugary, salty […]
Coca-Cola looks to Oasis
Coca-Cola Enterprises has launched Oasis Fusion, a new range of contemporary still water and fruit juice drinks that marks the latest extension to the growing Oasis brand. Oasis Fusion was created in response to research that revealed a growing demand among female consumers for more contemporary tasting, still fruit flavoured drinks with no added sugar. […]
Soda hybrid launched by Coca-Cola
Vault, the new hybrid energy soda launched by Coca-Cola North America, is said to be neither a soft drink nor an energy drink. Rather, it’s a unique energy soda that delivers attributes from both categories. It features a bold citrus taste with less carbonation than most sodas, and the high-octane refreshment of an energy drink. […]
Cadbury Schweppes steps up investment
Cadbury Schweppes Americas Confectionery has opened its new Science & Technology Center in Hanover, New Jersey. The $40 million investment will create new products for the Cadbury Schweppes worldwide gum business and its Americas confectionery region. The 148,000 sq ft facility will enable the creation and testing of new gum and candies, tasting and evaluating […]
Firms sever sugar sites as EU laws loom
Dutch firm CSM is debating the sale of its sugar division as new reforms for EU exports come into force in July. The changes will affect both the sugar industry and beet growers, particularly as EU agriculture ministers have agreed to cut the price for sugar by 36% in November. CSM Sugar produces up to […]
Firms face challenge from health food fads
The current consumer enthusiasm for healthier eating is creating a challenge for food companies. According to a new report from JPMorgan, firms are unsure whether to continue with high margin products that are not deemed so healthy as the narrow margin wellness foods. A research report entitled Obesity: Re-shaping the food industry, says that profitability […]
Industry initiative backs government guidelines
Masterfoods, in conjunction with Cadbury Trebor Bassett and the Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Association (BCCCA) have joined forces in a major education initiative to help consumers understand better how to enjoy chocolate and confectionery as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy chocolate and sweets as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle. That is […]
Building begins on bioethanol plant
British Sugar has announced the start of building work on the UK’s first bioethanol production facility. Bioethanol is a biofuel that can be mixed with petrol to help reduce carbon emissions. The new plant, at Wissington, near Downham Market in Norfolk, is expected to begin production in early 2007 and should be able to use […]
Confectioner’s sweet reflections
Glisten, a fast-growing confectionery group making chocolate and sugar-based decorations, announced double turnover and good progress on current trading at its recent AGM. Chairman, Jeremy Hamer, said “Glisten has had a very good start to the current year with overall turnover for the first four months more than double last year and, on a like-for-like […]
Industry slims on fat, salt and sugar
The UK food and drink industry is revolutionising the nutritional profile of its products, according to a nationwide survey. In September 2004, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) issued a Food and Health Manifesto which set out a series of commitments ranging from reductions in salt, sugar and fat, to action on portion sizes and […]