COVID-19

Olam remains confident it can weather the Covid crisis. Pic: Olam International

Financial results

Olam reports resilient performance in H1 2020 with 44.4% growth

By Anthony Myers

Global food and agri-business, Olam Group, has reported strong results for the first half of 2020 and claimed to make good progress on its Strategic Plan (2019-2024) and Re-organisation Plan announced in January 2020.

A still from the Extra Real Friend Request ad. Pic: Mars Wrigley

In brief

Mars’ Extra Gum ad highlights need for friendship during shutdown

By Anthony Myers

Extra gum has launched a new creative advertisement as part of its on-going ‘Give Extra, Get Extra’ campaign to inspire the value of relationships, even through a small gesture, especially during lockdown scenarios caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With travel on hold, backyard fire pits and s'mores treats have become popular. Pic: Gettyimages

Coronavirus

More s’mores please: Sales of American classic soar during COVID pandemic

By Anthony Myers

Hershey has reported a record-breaking demand for s’mores during the coronavirus crisis, with sales of its six-pack bars skyrocketing by 40% - even higher in some US states with stricter lockdown regulations. Monday 10 August is ‘National S’mores Day’...

Open for business in 2021? ProSweets says industry is ready to get back to normal. Pic: ProSweets

Events

ProSweets Cologne reports keen interest in 2021 event

By Anthony Myers

Supplier industry for sweets and snacks is placing its bets on a re-start after the coronavirus pandemic and is already looking at numerous bookings from firms in Europe and beyond.

The NCA's Sweets & Snacks Expo has moved online, following the cancellation of this year's event due to COVID-19. Pic: NCA

Online

Sweets & Snacks Expo launches digital On Demand platform

By Anthony Myers

Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the confectionery and snack industry’s hugely successful and world-class event that is held every year in May at the McCormick Place in Chicago.

Germany's ice cream lovers are having to consume at home, until lockdown restrictions ease

in brief

Chocolate ice cream still the favourite with German consumers

By Anthony Myers

The above-average sunny weather in June and the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic have led to a significant increase in ice cream sales in Germany, according to the Association of the German Confectionary Industry (BDSI).

Getty | KIWIS

How will COVID-19 impact health food perceptions?

By Nikki Hancocks

Health food and drink experts have revealed what they believe will be the biggest purchase drivers and the biggest innovation pitfalls post-COVID and how brands can cater to emerging needs.

The manufacturer of Jaffa Cakes has urged retailers to go back to basics with biscuits. Pic: pladis

Consumer insights

Biscuit sales surge in the UK

By Anthony Myers

UK manufacturer pladis announced sales of biscuits grew by £66m (2.5%) - the category is now worth £2.7bn ($3.42bn) - and said it was on its way to unlocking a £264m opportunity within the coming three years.

Flashback to the WCF's last partnership Meeting in Berlin. Pic: WCF

Coronavirus

WCF’s 2020 Partnership Meeting goes virtual

By Anthony Myers

The World Cocoa Foundation’s (WCF) 2020 Partnership Meeting, set to be held in Bogotá, Colombia, on November 18 and 19, has been switched to an online-only event due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organization has announced.

Calico Cottage is one of the world’s largest provider of fudge making ingredients. Pic: Calico Cottage

Coronavirus

Fudge maker Calico Cottage secures coronavirus loan from bank

By Anthony Myers

Cambridgeshire manufacturer and supplier Calico Cottage has secured a six-figure funding package from Lloyds Bank, via its Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, to support its operations through the covid-19 pandemic, the company has announced.

Harold Poelma. Pic: Cargill

Appointments

Cargill’s Poelma elected as new ECA chairman

By Anthony Myers

The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has announced Cargill president of Cocoa & Chocolate, Harold Poelma, as the new chairman of the Association for the next two years, effective immediately.

EU-UK trade talks are set to resume next month after disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Pic: European Union

Brexit

CAOBISCO calls on EU and UK to extend FTA talks

By Anthony Myers

CAOBISCO, the Association of the Chocolate, Biscuits & Confectionery Industries of Europe, has called on the EU and UK authorities to extend free trade agreement (FTA) talks fearing a balanced trade agreement could be jeopardised because of the COVID-19...