Mars gets green light for Kellanova acquisition
Mars has been given approval from the European Commission for its merger with Kellanova.
Confectionery & Snacks
What Dubai chocolate reveals about the future of food manufacturing
From TikTok trend to production reality: Keith Thornhill, head of food and beverage at Siemens Great Britain & Ireland, reflects on the viral success of Dubai Chocolate and how manufacturers can bake in the agility to capitalise on future food crazes.
Unilever sells Graze for an undisclosed sum
Unilever has signed an agreement to sell the Graze business to German confectionary company Katjes International for an undisclosed sum.
How speed-controlled conching boosts large-scale chocolate production
The fact that chocolate feels so indulgent with every bite has a lot to do with the fineness of the sugar and ripeness of the cocoa beans - but even more comes from conching.
Chocolate haggis makes a comeback
Chocolate haggis is back on the menu for Hogmanay and Burns Night as Simon Howie’s brings back its famous chocolate haggis product.
Major UK snacking manufacturer hires new CEO
Mike Hancox has been appointed chief executive officer at the UK’s third largest savoury snack producer, Tayto Group.
Made Uncommon acquires Love Cocoa and H!P
Made Uncommon has acquired both Love Cocoa and H!P Chocolate for an undisclosed sum.
Could shoppers soon be eating ‘brewed’ chocolate?
UK consumers could be eating chocolate that is produced in the same way as beer, a marketing consultancy has revealed.
NPD: Terry’s Chocolate in new festive launches
Terry’s Chocolate is further strengthening its Beyond Orange strategy with the launch of a new Chocolate Mint Tablet and Mint Truffles to cater to the festive season.
Mr Whippy expands into sweet treats with new £15M factory
Mr Whippy is to expand its reach into the sweet treat market with the opening of a new £15 million manufacturing site in Sheffield.
Historic sweets manufacturer moves into new 60,000 sq ft site
Lancashire-based confectioner, Stockley’s, has invested into a new facility as part of ambitious growth plans.
Whitakers Chocolates invests in new nut facility
The North Yorkshire chocolatier has announced the investment alongside a new product launch.
Ritter Sport expands convenience reach with Booker listing
Ritter Sport has secured a national listing with UK wholesaler Booker.
Mars European snack factories now fully powered by renewable energy
All 10 of the confectionery giant’s European snacking factories, which includes Twix, Snickers, M&Ms, Skittles and Extra gum, now run on renewable sources.
Cocoa in crisis: Can chocolate survive without it?
Against the backdrop of climate change, Food Manufacture’s editor speaks with Win-Win’s CEO about its groundbreaking chocolate alternative that tastes, acts and looks just like the real thing.
Private equity firm takes majority stake in Lakrids By Bülow
IDG Capital has purchased a majority stake in Danish confectionery brand Lakrids By Bülow for an undisclosed fee.
Aldi seeking new official ‘crisp taster’ for 2025
Aldi is accepting applications to become its official crisp taster’ for 2025, a year after launching the role.
The hard sell: Datekin founder on its UK debut
Michael Epstein, co-founder at Datekin – the healthy pitted date snack brand – talks about the start-up challenges the business faced before its UK launch earlier this year.
Cadbury’s Reveal to Chill – a clever way to boost summer sales?
Cadbury has launched four limited-edition Dairy Milk bars for the summer, alongside a new Iced Latte flavour – but will this gimmick work to boost a lull in big chocolate bar sales as the weather heats up?
Swizzels celebrates Refreshers’ 70th anniversary with new product launch
Sweet maker Swizzels is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the iconic Refreshers brand with the launch of a new Tropical Chew Bar.
Vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw saved from administration
Vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw has been acquired by European plant-based food manufacturer Smart Organic AD for an undisclosed sum.
Nestlé Confectionery UK & Ireland names new managing director
The arm of Nestlé which manages brands including Milkybar, Smarties, KitKat and Quality Street has appointed a new managing director.
Senior appointments at Fairfields Farm
Snack manufacturer Fairfields Farm has strengthened its leadership team with a duo of senior appointments.
Reese’s launches new white chocolate bar into UK stores
Reese’s is expanding its range of confectionery with the launch of the Reese’s Peanut Butter White Bar.
Ferrero appoints new managing director for UK and Ireland
Ferrero UK & Ireland has appointed Craig Barker as its new regional managing director.
Fairfields Farm launches new limited-edition crisp flavour
Artisan crisp producer Fairfields Farm is expanding its product portfolio with the launch of a new limited-edition flavour, Chorizo & Red Wine.
Taylors Snacks creates jobs with M&S deal
Scottish crisp manufacturer Taylors Snacks is creating new jobs as part of a deal to supply Marks & Spencer (M&S) stores across the UK and Ireland.
New date snack brand launches in UK
Pitted dates snack brand Datekin says it’s looking to ‘disrupt’ the sector and challenge ‘over-processed’ dry fruit alternatives.
Small stone contamination sparks Tony’s Chocolonely recall
Tony’s Chocolonely is recalling batches of two specific chocolate bars due to a risk of small stones being present in the product.
ChatGPT ‘taste tests’ chocolate brownies
AI could soon replace human taste testers, saving manufacturers time and money during the development of new products.
Taylors Snacks launches three new flavours exclusively to Lidl
Scottish crisp manufacturer Taylors Snacks is launching three new flavours exclusively into Lidl stores this month ahead of a nationwide rollout later this year.
Fudge Kitchen MD: ‘The future of the business into the hands of the people who built it’
Fudge Kitchen MD Richard Parson speaks on the importance of building a strong community within the business in this month’s episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Cocoa prices to ease but market set to remain volatile
The last year has seen a steep fall in global cocoa production, driving prices to record highs.
Baileys chocolate egg gets minty twist for Easter
Irish chocolatier Lir Chocolates is adding a minty twist to its Baileys Chocolate range this Easter as it capitalises on popular flavour trends.
Moo Free: the real life IT crowd
If you’re a free-from consumer Moo Free is most likely among your pantry staples. But did you know that the Devonshire free-from chocolate manufacturer was founded by two IT specialists?
Nestle ‘immune’ to tariffs, CEO claims
Food and beverage giant Nestle has claimed it is ‘immune’ to tariffs thanks to its localised manufacturing footprint.
Chocolate brand opens new UK headquarters
German chocolate brand Ritter Sport has opened its new UK headquarters in Leeds.
Cocoa industry hits out at EU sustainability simplification plan
Confectionery firms have urged the European Commission (EC) to focus on preparations for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), or risk failing to protect human and labour rights within the cocoa industry.
TRIBE raises £2.4m in latest funding round
Energy snack brand TRIBE has raised £2.4m in a funding round led by Mercia Ventures to support growth and several senior appointments.
Valeo completes acquisition of I.D.C. Holding
Valeo Foods Group has completed its acquisition of independent confectionery manufacturer I.D.C. Holding.
Hershey on the hunt for next CEO
US chocolate giant The Hershey Company is on the hunt for its next chief executive following the announcement that Michele Buck plans to step down from the role.
Why chocolate makers are looking at cocoa alternatives
Higher cocoa prices are said to be moving chocolate makers’ attentions to alternatives, including lab grown cocoa.
Quality Street top pick for consumers as Christmas
Brits will be giving the gift of chocolate this Christmas as Quality Street is named to top brand shared among 25-34 year olds this December, according to new research by OnePoll.
Taylors Snacks MD: ‘Destined’ to lead
Food Manufacture spoke with Taylors Snacks managing director James Taylor to hear more about his food and drink industry ‘destiny’ and the success of the brand since its split from Mackie’s of Scotland last year.
Banned American candy floods the UK, posing serious health risks
Banned snacks, sweets and beverages from the US popularised by social media influences on platforms such as Tik Tok are flooding into the UK, posing serious health risks to children.
Cadbury producer takes another stab at Hershey’s
Mondelez International is reportedly looking at the acquisition of chocolate producer Hershey following a previous attempt in 2016.
Rainbow Dust makes strategic acquisition
To complement its existing expertise in cake decorating, Preston-based Rainbow Dust has added fellow cake topping and sugar crafters Squires Kitchen to its fold.
One Rock Capital Partners completes purchase of Burts Snacks owner
One Rock Capital Partners has completed its acquisition of crisp manufacturer Burts Snacks owner Europe Snacks.
News
Burts Snacks suffers £5.2m pre-tax loss
Burts Snacks has reported a pre-tax loss of £5.18m for the 13 months ending 31 January 2024.
News
Revenues rise at Premier Foods as branded demand grows during H1
Premier Foods saw headline revenue increase by 4.6% in the 26 weeks ending 28 September.