Candy Industry articles from February 2003

Candy Industry archives from February 2003

Roadmap realities. (Opening Shots).(Editorial)
February 1, 2003... St. Stephen, New Brunswick, isn't the easiest place to find, must less travel to in winter. Luckily I was able to avoid the President's Day Blizzard that hit the East Coast and didn't have any misadventures a la John Candy in "Planes, Trains...

Italy, Spain lose chocolate court battle ... (Newsletter).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The European Union's (EU) Court of Justice ordered Spain and Italy to drop national rules on what constitutes chocolate, saying they can no longer bar British and Irish confections made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. Both...

... While EU votes for konjac jelly ban. (Newsletter).(permanent ban on use of food additive E425 in jelly confectionery products, Europe)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The EU voted with an overwhelming majority for a permanent ban on the use of the food additive E425, otherwise known as konjac, in jelly confectionery. In March last year, the EU. following other regulatory bodies across the world, suspended...

Ivory Coast crisis heightens cocoa volatility ... (Newsletter).(Barry Callebaut temporarily halts processing in Abidjan due to security issues)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Swiss chocolate producer Barry Callebaut said in a trading statement recently that despite signs of a return to more modest prices during the last two trading sessions, the cocoa market continues to be influenced by the crisis in the Ivory...

... As Callebaut's Stollwerck closes two German factories. (Newsletter).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Callebaut's Stollwerck unit is planning to shut down two German plants at the end of September and lay off around 270 people. The closures are part of Stollwerck's aims to streamline production of its Gubor brands products. Barry Callebaut,...

Danone closes two French biscuit factories. (Newsletter).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... French food group Danone will cease production at two of its biscuit French plants in Calais and Evry at the end of March as part of its ongoing restructuring plan. In March 2001, Danone said it planned to restructure its European biscuit...

Chupa-Chups to sell assets after $21.6-million loss ... (Newsletter).(to reduce holdings in China, may cut back in Russia)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Spanish confectioner Chupa-Chups has reported a loss of $21.6 million in 2002, its worst year since it was founded 40 years ago. The Barcelona-based company announced last week that it would reduce its holdings in China and is reported to be...

... While Bernat family transfers brand ownership. (Newsletter).(Chupa Chups brand owned by the company, Spain)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... In addition to major restructuring, the Bernat family, which owns Chupa Chups, has agreed to transfer ownership of the Chupa Chups brand to the company itself. Until recently, the Chupa Chups name has been owned solely by the Bernat family, the...

ADM buys Pura for $69 million. (Newsletter).(Archer Darnels Midland Co. International acquires Pura)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Decatur, Ill.-based Archer Darnels Midland Co. International (ADM) purchased UK edible oils and fats maker Pura in a $68.6-million deal. Pura is one of the UK's largest makers of edible oil, with some 30% of the market. It supplies companies...

Snack tax draws concern from food industry. (Newsletter).(bill introduced in Nebraska Legislature to tax junk foods, US)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... In January, Nebraska State Sen. Dennis Byars proposed LB 57, which would tax junk foods"--chips, soda, candy and pastries--at the same rate as other consumer products The bill is one of several before the Nebraska Legislature that would place...

Luijckx joins forces with Barry Callebaut. (Newsletter).(to be integrated into Callebaut's gourmet and specialties unit)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Barry Callebaut acquired the Dutch-Belgian chocolate company Luijckx Beheer B.V., which produces high-quality chocolate products and decorations primarily for professional users such as bakeries, pastry chefs and hotel and restaurant catering....

Wrigley still in the hunt. (Candy News).(still interested in acquiring other candy companies worldwide)
February 1, 2003... The fact that Chicago-based Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. didn't succeed in its bid to buy Hershey Foods Corp. last fall hasn't stopped it from wanting to acquire other candy companies. Company president William Wrigley Jr. made his first comments about...

Harry London seeks Chapter 11 protection. (Candy News).(Ohio)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Canton, Ohio-based Harry London Candies has filed a bankruptcy petition to reorganize $33 million in debt. In its Chapter 11 filing, the 80-year-old company said it is profitable, but took on too much debt in building its $13-million...

Wrigley fights trademark battle. (Candy News).(for Doublemint in European Court of Justice)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Wrigley took its Doublemint trademark battle to the European Court (EU) of Justice in a case that some lawyers say could have landmark implications for the ability of companies to use "descriptive" phrases and names as trademarks. Wrigley...

Industry prepares for busy year. (NCA).(National Confectioners Association discusses its plans, US)
February 1, 2003... As 2003 begins to take shape, one characteristic already stands out: it's going to be a busy and important year for the National Confectioners Association (NCA). Naturally, this is always an active period for the association, given that we are...

We request the pleasure of your company ... Kettle Awards. (Kettle Invite).
February 1, 2003... Candy Industry Magazine, the chairman and members of the Kettle Committee will present the 58th Kettle Award at a gala reception on May 14th, during the All Candy Expo in Chicago. The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the...

2003 Kettle Award nominees. (Kettle Ballot).(US)
February 1, 2003... * Domenic M. Antonellis President/Chief Executive Officer New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) Cambridge, Mass. Under the guidance of Domenic Antonellis, NECCO has grown from being a $10-million company to its goal of $100...

Perfect timing: new sales, new products, a new addition and a new generation have revamped this Canadian company's business plan, accenting aggressive growth and sharper focus. .(Company Profile)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2003... In the past, society could mark time through generations; a gentle reckoning that encompassed between 25 and 30 years. The pace of technological advancements during the last 20 years, however, coupled with their impact on society and its mores,...

Long Grove's tour de force: with a 60,000-sq. ft. expansion, Long Grove Confectionery Co. has room to breathe and grow its wholesale business. (Chocolate Trendsetter).(Buffalo Grove, Illinois)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2003... About three years ago, Long Grove Confectionery Co.'s business seams started to show. Prior to a 60,000-sq.-ft. expansion completed just last November, the Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based company shuttled its chocolates between two or three different...

Solidly sour. (Category Closeup).(popularity of sour candies grows, US)
February 1, 2003... Sours have staying power--this is the non-chocolate word from the candy aisles. It is certainly not the passing fad it was once predicted to be, solidified most recently by major players, such as Starburst and Skittles, joining the group with...

Opportunity is in the eye of the beholder; candy product developers are planning to spend in 2003--the question is. "On what?" (Special report: 5th annual Candy R&D survey).(US)
February 1, 2003... What's hot, what's not? Or, more accurately, what's going to be hot and what's not? It's the age-old question every marketer in every industry toils to answer. Get a group of 48 candy manufacturers in a room, ask them, and chances are half will...

`Sense'tional sweeteners: high-intensity sweeteners aren't merely replacements; they enhance flavor. (Sweeteners Part One).(overview of sweetener types and recent products developed, US)(Industry Overview)
February 1, 2003... The universe is expanding. OK, so scientists actually mean outer space is getting larger, and not that our waistlines are growing. And yet, if the XXX size fits... A random snapshot, especially of folks in the United States, reveals more bulge...

Flavor changer. (New Products).
February 1, 2003... COMPANY: The Willy Wonka Candy Factory, Nestle USA, Itasca, Ill. THE PRODUCT: Laffy Taffy Flavor Fl!ppers THE HOOK: Wonka took the traditional flavorful chew of its Laffy Taffy product and created the Laffy Taffy Flavor Fl!ppers, a...

Delivering taste. (New Products).
February 1, 2003... COMPANY: Carbolite Foods Inc., Evansville, Ind. THE PRODUCT: At Last Bars THE HOOK: Carbolite created a new line of candy bars made for people with diabetes that taste just like real candy. This sugar-free candy bar, due to a new...

Sugar-free chocolate. (New Products).
February 1, 2003... COMPANY: Hershey Foods Corp., Hershey, Pa. THE PRODUCT: Reese's Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures, Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate candy, Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate candy with Almonds and Hershey's Sugar Free Dark Chocolate candy...

Adams & Brooks Inc. (Holiday Rollout).
February 1, 2003... Los Angeles-based Adams & Brooks Inc.'s newly added holiday flavor Coffee Rio Holiday Roast brings spice to the line of hard candy caramels. The caramels are made with premium coffee and a blend of pure ground spices such as allspice, aniseed,...

Spangler Candy. (Holiday Rollout).
February 1, 2003... Spangler Candy in Bryan, Ohio, adds a new assortment of Jelly Belly flavored candy canes to its line for Christmas 2003. Buttered popcorn, green apple and lemon-lime make up the newest Jelly Belly assortment available in a 12-count cradle. An...

GNS Foods Inc. (Holiday Rollout).
February 1, 2003... GNS Foods Inc., Arlington, Texas, introduced Filbert & Mclntosh Boutique Boxes, a packaged line designed to appeal to the highest level of premium gift buyers. Four different-sized boxes, ranging from .5 lbs to 3 lbs., contain various...

Illuminated lollipop. (New Products).
February 1, 2003... COMPANY: Malibu Toys Inc., Malibu, Calif. THE PRODUCT: Flashin' Lix THE HOOK: This interactive jelly lollipop lights up from within. Using a specially designed tab, kids can control the lighting effect whenever they choose, adding a...

Easy-to-store menthol. (Creators Briefs).
February 1, 2003... Taste Tech's unique process of controlled-release microencapsulation produces menthol up to seven times stronger than a spray dried or plated equivalent. The Bristol, England-based company's method of encapsulation covers individual menthol...

Cocoa line addition. (Creators Briefs).
February 1, 2003... Philadelphia-based David Michael & Co. has introduced a line of cocoa extenders called Cocoa-Mate. These customized flavors, which take into consideration both the type of cocoa and the total percentage of cocoa used in the finished product,...

Downloadable technical data. (Creators Briefs).
February 1, 2003... Gummies, jellies, chews and marshmallow confections can be manufactured using various types of gelling agents to create different characteristics. In many of these confections, new, alternative gelling agents are finding success in providing...

Marshmallows in Shanghai. (Supplier News).(Cavanna installs automatic wrapping line, China)
February 1, 2003... Shanghai's citizens are proud of showing off their city as "the city of light. "That pride has propelled the city into the forefront, rivalling Honk Kong in commercial development and prompting increased investment in production and transport...

Tray-Pak starts production in new facility. (Supplier News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Reading, Pa.-based Tray-Pak Corp. rang in the Year of the Ram (2003) with the roar of new equipment as production kicked into gear in its new plant in Muhlenberg Township, Reading, Pa. "The addition of this facility, along with our skilled...

Fuji breaks ground on expansion in Savannah, Ga. (Supplier News).(Fuji Vegetable Oil Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Representatives from Fuji Vegetable Oil Inc. and Savannah, Ga., local officials broke ground for the construction of a new $32-million fractionation plant within the city's Georgia Ports Authority Garden City Terminal this month. The new...

PMCA technical tuneup: PMCA's 57th annual production conference, held April 28-30, at the Hershey Convention Center, Hershey, Pa., provides confectioners a broad range of seminars covering formulation basics, processing developments and industry issues. (PMCA Preview).(Illustration)
February 1, 2003... Monday, April 28 MORNING SESSIONS 8:30 - 11:45 BACK TO BASICS--CARAMEL Coordinator: Judy Cooley, Hershey Foods Moderator: Maurice Jeffery, Jeffery Associates PMCA gratefully acknowledges Bottom Line Technology and J Holland...

Deadline approaches for Haute Hazelnut Contest: sponsored by the Hazelnut Council, Wilbur Chocolate, and Candy Industry.
February 1, 2003... Certain ingredients are meant to go together. Strawberries and cream. Lemons and limes. Chocolate and hazelnuts. Within the confectionery world, hazelnuts--often referred to as the aristocratic nut of choice--have held a special place with...

Chocolate auto wrapper. (Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology).(from Carle & Montenari)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Carle & Montenari's CU 954CD/CB2 packaging unit provides complete automatic wrapping for chocolates. The machine features a compact and solid design. A product feed belt and a dial positioning system delivers the products into the area where...

Lighter touch. (Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology).(Haas-Mondomix product information)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The continuous aeration process, well known as a manufacturing technique to produce light confectionery products, can also be used to improve texture and mouthfeel. Haas-Mondomix's (axial) mixing head remains the world standard for such...

Automatic Top-Case Sealer. (Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology).
February 1, 2003... San Jose, Calif.-based K&R Equipment, a leading manufacturer of large scale automatic machinery for bulk-packaging applications and for producers of corrugated shipping containers, now offers its new Automatic Top Case Sealer. Designed to...

`Walking beam' improves robotic trayloaders, cartoners. (Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology).
February 1, 2003... A unique, new servo-driven "walking beam" device for Schubert's latest TLM robotic cartoners and trayloaders allows cartons or trays to be accurately erected, loaded and closed at different rates of speed. Size changeover requires no change...

Sweet profile. (Candy Wrapper).(Daniel Malley, new president of Malley's Chocolates)
February 1, 2003... Daniel Malley, president, Malley's Chocolate Just recently promoted to president of Malley's Chocolates, Daniel Malley is no stranger to sweets; he was brought up in the confectionery business. His grandfather, Mike Malley, founded...

Best pickup bet: chew gum. (Candy Wrapper).(Dentyne Ice's campaign)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... What better way to pick up a guy, or hey, even guys, than with icy fresh breath. That's what Dentyne Ice's 30-second commercial hopes to help its viewers accomplish, which airs during the highly rated reality-based dating show, Bachelorette, as...