Candy Industry articles from February 2007

Candy Industry archives from February 2007

You've got to act global!(OPENING SHOTS)
February 1, 2007... Seriously, how does a photo of yours truly wearing Chicago Bears paraphernalia the day of the Super Bowl (and prematurely toasting to victory) work with a headline that talks about acting globally. Well, I could shrug that off with the old...

Wrigley acquires Russian chocolate company.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... Wrigley Jr. Co. purchased 80% of Russian chocolate company A. Korkunov for $300 million in an effort to expand its premium chocolate and global marketplaces. Wrigley said available cash will fund the purchase and a "modest" amount of debt. The...

Hershey expands healthier confectionery options ...(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... In an effort to offer healthier products, the Hershey Co. will introduce three new candy products by the middle of this year. The new products, whole-bean chocolate, antioxidant milk chocolate and organic chocolate bars, were created in part...

... And also delves into the Chinese market ...(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... The Hershey Co. and Lotte Confectionery Co., South Korea's leading confectionery and ice cream manufacturer, announced a joint venture that will move Hershey's into a potentially huge market while offering Lotte a partnership with the world's...

... While planned supply chain restructuring trims 1,500 jobs.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... The Hershey Co. recently announced a comprehensive, three-year supply chain transformation program that when completed, will result in the total net reduction of approximately 1,500 positions. The program, which will be implemented in stages...

Masterfoods to cut advertising aimed at children.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... Masterfoods, a division of Mars, announced that it will cease marketing its core products to children under the age of 12 in response to consumer concern. The new policy, which covers all advertising, is expected to take effect by the end of...

Fujiya looks to rebuild with Yamazaki.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... Seeking support after a devastating scandal involving contaminated ingredients, Tokyo confectioner Fujiya Co. turned to Yamazaki Baking Co. to help revive its confectionery operations. Fujiya will seek technical help in quality control, as well...

Georgia hopes to outlaw drug-inspired candy.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... Georgia lawmakers hope to ban the state's retailers from selling marijuana-flavored confections. Some businesses in the state are selling products with drug-inspired names such as "Kronic Kandy" and "Pot Suckers" that are infused with hemp oil,...

Programs promote West African cocoa communities.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... New programs supported by the world's cocoa and chocolate industry will help families in West African cocoa farming communities this year. The programs will focus on responsible labor practices, creating greater access to education for children...

USDA report shows potential in French sugar-free market.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... A report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that French consumers are following global trends toward sugar-free, low-carbohydrate and functional confectionery products, and that these areas can be explored further by non-domestic...

Nestle may scrap Lion bar.(Newsletter)
February 1, 2007... Swiss-based Nestle is considering cutting its Lion bar brand after a change in consumer trends toward healthy eating. Repeated relaunches have failed to revitalize sales of the caramel and crisp confection. Nestle is looking for a buyer for the...

Thousands experience spring fever at Philly Candy Show.(NEWS)
February 1, 2007... From January 7-9, gourmet retail confectioners, manufacturers and wholesalers gathered in Atlantic City for the 115th Philadelphia National Candy Gift & Gourmet Show. Over 3,000 attendees and 220 exhibitors featuring an array of unique new...

Stylin' in New York: fashion and food merge into one glorious chocolate exposition at the Big Apple's Chocolate Show.(NEWS)
February 1, 2007... One of the surprising new trends to emerge from the 2006 Chocolate Show didn't involve chocolate. It was French-style macaroons introduced to the market by Mad Mac, the creation of former Fauchon Executive Pastry Chef Florian Bellanger, and by...

Western Candy conference.(NEWS)(Calendar)
February 1, 2007... March 21-25, 2007 Paradise Point Resort & Spa, San Diego Wednesday, March 21 1:00-4:30 p.m. Registration 6:00-7:30 p.m. Opening Night Suppliers' Reception Thursday. March 22 7:30-8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast ...

Hershey promotes West.(People news)
February 1, 2007... The Hershey Co. named David J. West its new executive vice president and chief operating officer. West, who was the company's former senior vice president, chief financial officer, will take over both positions until his successor is found. His...

Barnes steps down from Walkers.(People news)
February 1, 2007... Scotland-based Walkers Shortbread Limited announced that Norman Barnes will retire from the company effective July 2007. Barnes led the significant growth of the U.S. subsidiary Walkers Shortbread Inc. for the past 12 years. During Barnes'...

Edwards retires from Quality Candy.(People news)
February 1, 2007... Quality Candy Co., Inc announced the retirement of Charles Edwards. Edwards served as special accounts manager for the company and was instrumental in developing the King Leo and Gilliam lines of hard and soft candy and chocolate specialties....

Just Born promotes McLaughlin.(People news)
February 1, 2007... Bethlehem, Pa.-based Just Born appointed Mark McLaughlin to vice president of supply chain. McLaughlin has been Just Born's vice president of human resources and corporate affairs since 2004 and will continue to report to Just Born president...

Clasen expands with new facility.(Supplier news)
February 1, 2007... Madison, Wis.-based Clasen Quality Coatings, Inc. hopes to begin production this summer at a new manufacturing facility in Watertown, Wis. Clasen broke ground on the new plant in September 2006. The facility, which will include state-of-the-art...

FONA promotes McDonald.(Supplier news)
February 1, 2007... Geneva, Ill.-based FONA International, a leading flavor developer and manufacturer, promoted Amy McDonald to vice president of sales. Through her development skills and her business process improvement programs, McDonald has improved customer...

Golden Peanut launches peanut oil refinery.(Supplier news)
February 1, 2007... Golden Peanut Co. LLC, a major supplier of peanuts and peanut products to the food industry, announced the start up of their new multimillion-dollar peanut oil refinery. The new peanut oil refinery is located on site of their existing peanut...

From toys to truffles: in transforming himself from "toy boy to candy man," Cherrydale's new owner Larry Rosen remains passionate about competing in an industry ripe with opportunity.(Cover story)(Company overview)
February 1, 2007... When Larry Rosen, together with his brother, Jeff, sold the Rose Art Industries for $350 million in 2005, he didn't expect to be overseeing a confectionery concern a year later. Still, after having helped grow a third-generation, toy and...

A chocolate think tank: fresh off its 20th anniversary, Chocolates a la Carte looks ahead to 2007 with a new line of pastries, a booming retail business and, of course, more extraordinary chocolate designs.(CHOCOLATE TRENDSETTER)
February 1, 2007... When marketing manager Diane Rudman reflects on the countless chocolate designs that Chocolates a la Carte has created since joining the company back in 2003, one specifically comes to mind. It all started when Procter and Gamble approached...

Breathing 'excite 'mint into the category: today, mints serve a greater purpose than to simply freshen breath. As this sector gets revamped, chocolate-coated and energized, consumers can expect big things from this old-fashioned candy staple.(CATEGORY CLOSE-UP: MINTS AND BREATH FRESHENERS)
February 1, 2007... The mint and breath freshener category has experienced a true innovative awakening. Through clever packaging, energy-boosting claims and even the incorporation of other confectionery trends like dark chocolate, the mint segment has proven...

Sweet and low: serious health issues have popularized usage of low-glycemic index and low-calorie sweeteners, which give consumers a sugary taste but leave the not-so-sweet side effects behind.(Candy R&D: TRENDS & APPLICATIONS IN INGREDIENT TECHONOLOGY)
February 1, 2007... Sweetener innovations that incorporate some of today's health-conscious trends have steadily taken away sugar's high. Prompted by heightened consumer concerns over well-being, sweeteners that pack nutritional claims like low-calorie, low...

Dynamite fudge.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)(Flippin Fudge)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Flippin' Fudge!, Canton, Ga. THE PRODUCT: Dark chocolate fudge THE HOOK: Flippin' Fudge!, named after Napoleon Dynamite, combines the health benefits of dark chocolate with unique, indulgent flavorings. Each one-inch...

NutraBella's new addition.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: NutraBella, Palo Alto, Calif. THE PRODUCT: Burstin' Chocolate Bellybar THE HOOK: The Burstin' Chocolate Bellybar, the most recent product to join NutraBella's Baby Needs Chocolate, Berry Nutty Cravings and Mellow Oat bars,...

Sweet Candy Co.(At a glance)(introduces gourmet taffy)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Sweet Candy Co. of Salt Lake City launched a new signature line of gourmet taffy. The first offerings in the series include Watermelon, Eggnog, Candy Cane, and Old School (peppermint, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate and cinnamon). The taffy also...

Kimmie Candy Co.(At a glance)
February 1, 2007... Reno, Nev.-based Kimmie Candy Co. expanded their product line with new Gold Nugget ChocoRocks. The chocolate nuggets coated in gold candy come packed in a delightful burlap bag, making it appealing to children. Each 1.5-oz. bag retails for...

Mars Inc.(At a glance)
February 1, 2007... College students across the country will soon get to munch on snack food inspired by boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Through G.O.A.T., a company hearkening back to Ali's reputation as the "greatest of all time," Mars Inc. will produce fruit...

Hershey Co.(At a glance)
February 1, 2007... Expanding on its Cacao Reserve line, the Hershey Co. introduced Premium Drinking Cocoas in Mildly Spiced Aztec and Classic Chocolate Mayan varieties. Both flavors feature natural cocoa, making them sources of flavanol antioxidants. Inspired by...

Hawaiian Host.(At a glance)
February 1, 2007... Honolulu, Hawaii-based Hawaiian Host recently introduced the Pure Aloha Organics line, the world's first of its kind. The macadamias, which employ chemical-free growing techniques, have been certified organic by the Hawaii Organic Farmer's...

Seemingly sinful, yet sugar-free.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Eleanor Joseph Confections, Los Angeles THE PRODUCT: Sugar-free chocolate truffles THE HOOK: Eleanor Joseph Confections recently released a new line of sugar-free truffles that claim to share the same gourmet taste as the...

Hershey.(At a glance)
February 1, 2007... Hershey's expanded its Cacao Reserve premium chocolate line with the new Single Origin Collection. The Single Origin Collection features chocolate made from cacao beans in the world's largest cacao-growing areas. The collection includes Java...

Dorval Trading Co.(At a glance)
February 1, 2007... Under its Sour Power candy brand, Nanuet, N.Y.-based Dorval Trading Co. launched Sour Power Rollin' Rockers. The rolled up tangy candy belts come in two flavors--Blue Raspberry and Quattro, a multi-colored peelable candy featuring Strawberry,...

Responding to the growing consumer demand for healthier products, Hershey's introduced three varieties of 100-calorie bars.(At a glance)(The Hershey Co. Hershey Chocolate U.S.A.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Responding to the growing consumer demand for healthier products, Hershey's introduced three varieties of 100-calorie bars. The line, made with Hershey's chocolate, includes 0.74-oz. Pretzel Bars (two chocolate-covered pretzels), 0.67-oz. Wafer...

Warrell Corp.(At a glance)
February 1, 2007... The Katherine Beecher Candies brand of the Warrell Corp. released a new line of 11 premium bulk candies. The new products fit into three categories--honey toasted items (blanched peanuts, pecans and a premium nut mix), chocolate snack items...

'Centennial edition' debuts.(PMCA CONFERENCE PREVIEW)
February 1, 2007... In conjunction with PMCA's centennial year (it was founded in 1907), the association's 61st annual production conference, which will be held April 16-18 in Hershey, Pa., will feature a special centennial conference program. The centennial...

Think Spring.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington, Vt. THE PRODUCT: Chocolate gifts for spring THE HOOK: Gourmet Vermont chocolate maker Lake Champlain Chocolates announced its spring line of chocolates. The gifts, ideal for spring...

Organic flavors.(CREATORS' BRIEFS)
February 1, 2007... Flavor, fragrance and raw material supplier Robertet launched a new line of natural flavors. The company, which headquarters its U.S. flavor division in Piscataway, N.J., created the sweet and fruity flavors specifically for use in organic...

A nod to nutrition.(CREATORS' BRIEFS)
February 1, 2007... Tate and Lyle recently debuted ENRICH, the latest service launched in its CORE offering. The new service improves the nutritional quality of products, while keeping the taste in tact. The service focuses on three platforms: digestive health and...

Solution protects nuts and seeds.(CREATORS' BRIEFS)
February 1, 2007... Markovci, Slovenia-based Vitiva released Inolens 4, a solution that protects nuts and seeds from oxidation and extends shelf life up to 70%. Because of their high amount of unsaturated oils, nuts and seeds are susceptible to oxidation that can...

Multi-faceted cartoner.(INNOVATIONS IN PACKAGING)
February 1, 2007... Kliklok Woodman International, which has headquarters in Decatur, Ga. and Bristol, UK, has just introduced its high-speed end load cartoner, CELOX. Featuring an ergonomic design, robust stainless steel construction, and many highly innovative...

Automatically create point-of-purchase hanging bag strips.(INNOVATIONS IN PACKAGING)
February 1, 2007... Designed to work with any bagmaker, Ishida's new Flexible Strip-Pack system automatically produces ready-to-display hanging strips of small candy and snack packages at up to 80 bags/minute. Flexible Strip-Pack handles a variety of bag sizes and...

Chocolate shop sweetens its decor.(INNOVATIONS IN PACKAGING)(Wilmar Chocolates)
February 1, 2007... When Wilmar Chocolates in Appleton, Wis., underwent a full interior remodeling, the owners wanted a look that would reflect the old-fashioned ambience of the 19th century building. Rich in tradition, this award-winning specialty chocolatier...

Extruder improves confectionery processing.(PPPT)
February 1, 2007... Confectioners have turned to using twin screw extrusion because of the extruder's ability to perform multiple functions, including mixing, decrystallization, venting and cooling. This continuous processing technology can be used in the...

Chocolate depositor uses electronic controls.(PPPT)
February 1, 2007... Monticello Alba, Italy-based OPM Chocolate, the Division of OPM created in 2001 to supply turn-key solutions for the chocolate industry, has developed an electronic piston-type forming machine for depositing fat cream or sugar-based chocolate...

Gravity flow metal detector developed.(PPPT)
February 1, 2007... Mettler-Toledo Safeline, Inc., the worldwide leader in metal detection and x-ray inspection equipment, has introduced a new, cost-effective gravity flow metal detector. Designed for dry processing applications, the new GF metal detector can...

Sweet profile.(CANDY WRAPPER)
February 1, 2007... Omar Tatum began his confectionery career at the early age of 65--"shades of Colonel Sanders," he says--and in a very unique manner. "My wife's brother owned a 'tourist attraction' in Louisville, Ken., known as The Cloister," he explains. It...