Pick & Mix: Haribo ‘racist’ sweets, Kit Kat IP battle and Baker Perkins R&D
Confectionery news in briefs from around the globe.
- Haribo has pulled a line of licorice sweets in the shape of distorted black faces after racism complaints from social media users in Scandinavia. The German firm has removed part of its Haribo Skipper Mix in Denmark and Sweden.
- A UK judge has referred an intellectual property dispute between Nestlé and Mondelez International over the Kit Kat shape to the EU Court of Justice. Cadbury owner Mondelez is attempting to prevent Nestle from registering a trademark for the Kit Kat bar shape.
- Equipment supplier Baker Perkins has enhanced its development capabilities with a new innovation center in Peterborough, UK. It can now handle hard candy; lollipops; and soft candies including jellies, gums, toffee, caramels and fondant.
- Skittles maker Mars-Wrigley has made one Canadian consumer a millionaire by delivering 5,500 full-size bags of Skittles – the equivalent of one million pieces of candy. Chelsea Middleton of Victoria won the Get Skittles Rich program by sharing a Skittles promotional video on social media.
