Candy Industry articles from January 2008

Candy Industry archives from January 2008

White spots, dark chocolate.(OPENING SHOTS)
January 1, 2008... It never fails, just as the year is about to close, some last-minute mega-deal surfaces. So, too, this year as the Candy Industry staff furiously worked to finalize our January issue. Lo and behold, Campbell Soup Co. elects to sell its Godiva...

Barry Callebaut closes FPI cocoa factory acquisition ...(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... Barry Callebaut closed its acquisition of 100% of Food Processing International, Inc. (FPI), after announcing the purchase in October 2007. The takeover includes FPI's factory in Eddystone, Pa., which has the capacity of producing 25,000 metric...

... And extends its origin chocolate portfolio.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... Barry Callebaut said it now offers the most extensive range of origin chocolates with more than 40 different offerings. The company attributes its international connections to its ability to provide such a far-reaching portfolio. Origin...

Peltz pressures Cadbury to improve ...(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... Nelson Peltz, the head of the Trian investment group, called on Cadbury to make improvements by setting near-term margin goals, increasing long-term margin expectations, introducing new board members and selling off some beverage assets. Over...

... While strong sales propel its candy sector.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... Cadbury anticipates its confectionery revenue growth to surpass the 2007 4-6% target range. The company attributes the boost to strong UK chocolate and U.S. gum sales. Cadbury also said that despite rising commodity costs (which it curbed by...

Zetar purchases Lir Chocolates.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... UK-based Zetar will expand its portfolio of upscale products with the acquisition of Lir Chocolates in Ireland. The move furthers Zetar's reach across Europe and enhances its presence in the luxury chocolate market, as Lir specializes in...

Buhler purchases stake in G.W. Barth AG.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... The Swiss Buhler Technology Group acquired 51% of G.W. Barth AG's shares. G.W. Barth, a German system supplier to the confectionery and food industries, sold the shares to secure future success for the company. Since G.W. Barth provides...

Natraceutical files counterclaim against Mars in polyphenol battle.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... The patent battle between Mars and Spain-based Natraceutical Group continues on as Natraceutical recently filed a counterclaim against Mars, stating that its patents are invalid and unenforceable. The dispute began in April when Mars filed a...

Hershey may change mint packaging.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... Following accusations that its new Icebreakers Pacs pouches resemble those used to sell illegal drugs like crack cocaine, The Hershey Co. said it is considering changing the packaging. News of the similarity broke when Philadelphia councilman...

Robertet breaks ground on expansion.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... Robertet Flavors commenced construction on a 60,000-sq.-ft. expansion of its Piscataway, N.J.-based flavors facility. The project comes only eight years after the company completed its cutting-edge U.S. flavors headquarters in central New...

Diamond Foods surrenders to chocolate.(NEWSLETTER)
January 1, 2008... Diamond Foods, a manufacturer of typically nut-only products, will introduce a chocolate and almond snack in early 2008, the company said. The new Emerald Cocoa Roast Dark Chocolate Almonds bring together two top confectionery trends--health...

Nestle forms alliance with chocolatier Pierre Marcolini.(CANDY NEWS)
January 1, 2008... In an effort to build on its premium chocolate portfolio, Nestle announced its partnership with Brussels-based luxury chocolate company Pierre Marcolini. Established in 1995, the Pierre Marcolini company manufactures and sells branded...

Hershey unveils new executive team.(CANDY NEWS)
January 1, 2008... In response to a number of executives leaving The Hershey Co. during the past month, newly appointed president and chief executive officer David J. West revealed his executive team, effective December 2007. John P. Bilbrey took the role of...

Spangler hires brand manager.(People News)
January 1, 2008... Mike Rosenblatt as new brand manager on the marketing team in November 2007. Brands Rosenblatt will oversee include Saf-T-Pops, Circus Peanuts and Dum Dum Pops. Additionally, he will run all national consumer promotions, retailer promotions and...

Schneeweiss joins Just Born.(People News)
January 1, 2008... Just Born, Inc. welcomed Chris Schneeweiss in the company's brand development and corporate services division as brand manager for Peeps, seasonal brands and jelly beans. Schneeweiss' new responsibilities will include developing and executing...

Pecan Deluxe appoints Marcus as chef, advisor.(People News)
January 1, 2008... Matt Marcus joined Pecan Deluxe Candy Co. as research & development chef and culinary advisor. Marcus, whose background includes working in world-class restaurants in the U.S. and abroad, earned his Bachelors Degree from The Culinary Institute...

Davis takes Chocolate Graphics' U.S. franchising post.(People News)
January 1, 2008... Dave Davis will take over as vice president of U.S. franchising for Chocolate Graphics International Franchising LLC. Davis boasts over 30 years of global experience in sales and marketing for the food, beverage and confectionery industries....

Just Born's Downs promoted to operations manager.(People News)(Just Born Inc.)(Gayl Downs)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gayl Downs, formerly Just Born's human resources and operations support manager, has been promoted to operations manager at the company's Philadelphia facility. Specifically, Downs will be responsible for Peanut...

Christensen joins Frutarom.(People News)(appoinment of J. Hunter Christensen)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Frutarom USA recently named J. Hunter Christensen national accounts manager. Christensen will work with customers in the Northeast, in addition to selection accounts nationwide. He will sell the Frutarom's full product portfolio, including...

Gascon promoted to Wixon R&D vice president.(People News)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] St. Francis, Wis.-based ingredient manufacturer Wixon, Inc. promoted Mariano Gascon to vice president of R&D. Gascon's new position will include direct product and food technology developments with the company's team...

Schrepfer announces retirement from Buhler.(People News)(Buhler Technology Group)(Georg Schrepfer)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... After nearly 46 years with the Swiss-based Buhler Technology Group, Georg Schrepfer will retire from his corporate communications post in December 2007. Since Schrepfer's position was divided into a food and non-food side, he will have two...

Danisco completes expansion of xylose factory.(Supplier News)
January 1, 2008... The completion of an expansion to the largest xylose facility in the world, the Danisco Sweeteners GmbH factory, secures Danisco's position as the world's leading manufacturer of xylitol. Located in Lenzing, Austria, the expansion will increase...

Brunner finalizes production extension, forms U.S. partnership.(Supplier News)
January 1, 2008... The Hans Brunner Company completed an extension to its Glonn, Germany-based production facilities. The upgrade features cutting-edge technology that allows for new injection moulding capacity with improved flexibility and reduced delivery...

2008 Kettle Award nominees.(KETTLE BALLOT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Edmond F. Opler Chairman & CEO World's Finest Chocolate Chicago Ed Opler currently serves as the ceo and chairman of Chicago-based World's Finest Chocolate, Inc. His family's business was started...

Walking the talk: the Nordic region's leading confectionery concern has stepped up its pace through a combination of strategic acquisitions, intense new product activity and targeted investments in automation.(Cover story)
January 1, 2008... It's been seven years since the two companies Cloetta of Sweden and Fazer of Finland merged to create the Nordic region's leading confectionery player, Stockholm-based Cloetta Fazer. During that time, the newly forged company has quietly made...

Hebert's now Fully Loaded: Hebert Confections' experienced and enthusiastic team is poised to take their 90-year-old New England candymaking tradition into the national spotlight.(CHOCOLATE TRENDSETTER)(England's 90-year-old Hebert's formation.)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To transport a 90-year-old company into the 21st century, one must develop a product with the ability to not only be successful on its own, but also have the spark that redefines its entire company. Developing a...

Always room for more candy.(TOP 100 GLOBAL CONFECTIONERY COMPANIES)
January 1, 2008... Cadbury Schweppes wants out of the beverage business so it can concentrate on confectionery. That has to tell you something about the desirability of today's global chocolate and candy market. Despite the fact that many companies including...

Friend or faux? Though artificial sweeteners offer clear benefits, the pull toward natural ingredients has pitted man-made versus nature-made.(SUGARLESS CHOCOLATE)
January 1, 2008... Consumers today are going back to nature. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's undeniable, the shift toward all-natural and clean labels has infiltrated every sector of the food industry. In fact, market analyst Global Business Insights expects...

Chewy debut.(NEW PRODUCT MARKETPLACE)(Perfetti Van Melle USA, has introduced its new brand products.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Chewy debut THE COMPANY: Perfetti Van Melle USA, Erlanger, Ky. THE PRODUCT: Mentos Gum THE HOOK: The fresh flavor of Mentos mint brand will now be available in a gum. Mentos Gum features a unique round...

Ice strips.(NEW PRODUCT MARKETPLACE)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ice strips THE COMPANY: The Hershey Co., Hershey, Pa. THE PRODUCT: Ice Breakers PACS THE HOOK: Ice Breakers PACS combines dissolving strips with a cool, great-tasting center. The first-of-its-kind...

Flix Candy. (At a glance).
January 1, 2008... Niles, Ill.-based Flix Candy recently launched new Gummy Bands for kids to wear and eat. Each 2.3-oz. pouch contains four gummy bands in Pineapple, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry and Green Apple flavors. The bracelets also feature a word on the...

Just Born. (At a glance).(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Just Born announced the newest addition to its famed Peeps brand--Marshmallow Yellow Tulips for spring. The tulips are the brand's first new spring shape since 1999. Other Springtime Peeps shapes include Chicks, Bunnies and Eggs. Peeps Tulips...

Sunrise Confections.(At a glance)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sunrise Confections of El Paso, Tex., extended its laydown bag line with the addition of Sour Slices, a new mix of fruit-flavored jellies. The most recent launch features a variety of tangy fruit flavors, including...

Hauser Chocolatier.(At a glance)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... A bicycle trip through Long Island vineyards inspired the Hausers of Westerly, R.I.-based Hauser Chocolatier to create the Blueberry Port Wine Truffle. The latest addition to the "Beyond Gourmet" line of specialty truffles, the new Blueberry...

Candyrific.(At a glance)
January 1, 2008... Novelty candy manufacturer, Candyrific of Louisville, Ky., introduced two new M&M'S brand collectibles--an M&M'S Player and M&M'S Etch A Sketch. Combining a play element with M&M'S candy, the Player features a short musical clip, while the...

Halls ProHealth Defense.(New Product Spotlight)
January 1, 2008... Parsippany, N.J.-based Cadbury Adams USA, maker of Halls cough drops, announced its newest innovation--Halls ProHealth Defense. The drops, which will help strengthen the immune system, contain a proprietary blend of herbs and 11 health-boosting...

Robertet's new high-impact flavours.(CREATORS' BRIEFS)
January 1, 2008... Piscataway, N.J.-based Robertet flavors now offers Xtreme Flavors. The true-fruit, multi-dimensional berry flavors, which "lift natural fruit flavors to a new level," feature novel and modern varieties, including Wild Berry, Concord Grape and...

Natural cream flavor by Cargill.(CREATORS' BRIEFS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cargill's newly developed natural cream flavor mimics the taste and quality of real fresh cream with a much lower cost--in some cases as much as 50%. The new flavor builds on Cargill's established line of dairy...

Healthy flax line launches.(CREATORS' BRIEFS)
January 1, 2008... CanMar Grain Products Ltd. recently introduced Flax for Nutrition Golden Roasted Flax Seed. The convenient line features a wide range of flax choices and flavors, including Golden Roasted Flax Seed and Milled Golden Roasted Flax Seed with...

Number of new confectionery products launched globally by sub-category.(NEW PRODUCT MARKETPLACE)
January 1, 2008... Number of New Confectionery Products Launched Globally by Sub-Category Snack/Cereal/ Year Chocolate Gum Energy bars Sugar Confectionery 2006 5,933 902 1,542 4,505...

Number of new confectionery products launched in the U.S. by sub-category.(NEW PRODUCT MARKETPLACE)
January 1, 2008... Number of New Confectionery Products Launched in the U.S. by Sub-Category Snack/Cereal/ Year Chocolate Gum Energy bars Sugar Confectionery 2006 1,241 136 407 ...

Panning for innovation: developing new twists on a tried and true technology.(INGREDIENT INTELLIGENCE)
January 1, 2008... Confectionery manufacturers are developing novel technologies and fresh approaches that push the envelope. Such innovation hasn't necessarily meant conjuring up brand-spankin'-new processes out of thin air. Instead, manufacturers are...

Fundamentals of extrusion.
January 1, 2008... The working method of an extruder is based on the principle of the Archimedes screw technology and was used in the 17th century. In the beginning of the 20th century extruders as production machines were used for manufacturing plastics and...

Four generations--95 years: known throughout the world as a supplier of used confectionery equipment, this fourth-generation, Bronx-based company has embraced a "brick and click" strategy to better serve its clientele.(SUPPLIER SHOWCASE)
January 1, 2008... Jim Greenberg, vice president of New York City-based Union Confectionery Machinery Co., a leading supplier of used equipment to the confectionery industry, recalls his first day on the job. "It was June 18th, 1986, and I was sitting in the...

The countdown begins ...
January 1, 2008... How appropriate that the countdown to Interpack 2008, the 18th International Trade Fair for Packaging Machinery, Packaging and Confectionery Machinery organized by Messe Dusseldorf and scheduled for April 24-30, 2008, at the fairgrounds in...

Lothar Wolf: serving our customers' needs.
January 1, 2008... Founded in 1930 in Nossen near Dresden, Germany, Lothar A. Wolf Spezialmaschinen GmbH is now based in Bad Salzuflen, Germany. The company has traditionally maintained its own international, market- and customer-oriented distribution and service...

Interpack 2008: new logo emphasize flexibility, focus.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... There's a new logo strutting down Dusseldorf's Alstadt. Unlike its precedessor, there's plenty of motion in the yellow stripe now. As it result, Interpack 2008's new design expresses the show's flexibility, energy and focus. As Wilhelm...

Klockner Hansel Processing GmbH: a sweet competency.(Company overview)
January 1, 2008... Klockner Hansel Processing GmbH (KHP) traces its beginnings and legacy to that renowned German confectionery suppler, Otto Hansel, which was founded in 1911. For more than 90 years, KHP has an outstanding success in supplying confectionery...

Caotech: experts in cocoa, chocolate and compound processing.
January 1, 2008... Caotech b.v., based in Wormerveer, the Netherlands, has a worldwide reputation as a specialist in self-developed ball mills and conches within the cocoa and chocolate-related processing sector. At the Upakovka/Upak Italia show in Moscow,...

Roquette: creating better-for-you confections.
January 1, 2008... Confectionery products, traditionally indulgent treats, face growing demands today from consumers to provide nutritional and health benefits as well as indulgent satisfaction. Consumers are increasingly aware of the need to reduce sugar intake...

Lloveras: centered on innovation.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Terrassa (near Barcelona), Spain-based S.A. Martin Lloveras is a family-owned company that specializes in the production of a broad range of chocolate processing machinery. The owners of the company have remained...

Confitech S.r.l.: putting together automation and flexibility in continuous processing of soft chewy candies.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Stimulated by the continuing growth of interest in soft and chewy candy, the Turin, Italy-based producers of cooking and processing equipment Confitech S.r.l. have recently upgraded their well-known Toffee...

Habasit Group: belting for sweets, solutions for candy.
January 1, 2008... The Swiss world leader in belting, the Habasit Group, provides solutions for every facet of the confectionery processing industry. With 60 years of experience in the business, the broadest product range in belting and an unparalleled...

Sollich KG: having the right 'temper' for chocolate.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At the Upakowka 2008 show in Moscow, Sollich KG, together with its representative Anton Ohlert at booth 22-A01/B02, will exhibit its Turbotemper Champ type TCN 1200 Airo tempering machine. The unit can temper...

A.E. Nielsen: engineering reliability and innovation.
January 1, 2008... At Nielsen, there is constant development and improvement of new and already existing machines. Within its broad range of enrobers, the Junior 820 enrober typifies A.E. Nielsen's reliability, reliability that translates into production...

F.B. Lehmann: chocolate and cocoa processing--at its finest.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Aalen, Germany-based F.B. Lehman produces complete confectionery lines for chocolate, compound, fillings, coatings, fat binders, chocolate articles, nut pastes and chocolate spreads. Full-scale cocoa processing...

Union Confectionery Machinery Co.: knowledge and experience for a worldwide customer base.
January 1, 2008... As the world's largest supplier of second-hand, used and rebuilt machinery for the confectionery, food, packaging, processing and biscuit industries, Union Confectionery Machinery Co., a fourth generation family-owned business since 1912, is...

Chocotech: expanding horizons in jelly production.
January 1, 2008... The Chocotech range of machinery for jelly production covers all growing market requirements by providing innovative solutions that promote high quality. The company's modular systems allow various applications for the manufacture of high...

Schubert: using robots at Wernli Biscuits.
January 1, 2008... Wernli AG in Trimbach, Switzerland, currently produces no fewer than 45 different types of biscuits. Although the company already had a robot packaging line in place, it was unable to keep pace with the ever more stringent demands, particularly...

Carle & Montanari: providing turnkey solutions in chocolate.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Carle & Montanari (part of Sacmi Group), which was founded in 1907 to supply turnkey solutions for the chocolate industry, continues to remain a leader in supplying customized solutions, such as: chocolate...

Bosch--Confectionery: single partner for the entire production line.
January 1, 2008... Bosch--Confectionery is combines the competence of Bosch, Hansella, Makat, Togum and Sapal, five leading companies with totally more than 300 years of tradition, in producing and packaging confectionery. The company offers an unparalleled...

Dumoulin: coating technology that inspires innovation.
January 1, 2008... Dumoulin's IDA-X performated drum handles all confectionery coating operations, including hard sugar, sugarless and glazing and/or varnishing. Specially designed for heat-sensitive and brittle products such as chewy centers, licorices and...

Duyvis: continuous refining made easy.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many manufacturers of chocolate, compound, coatings, fillings and bread spreads have relied upon a wide variety of production methods, depending on the recipes used, volumes required and the ultimate fineness,...

Aasted-Mikroverk: ChocoMeter provides portability and accuracy.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The new portable ChocoMeter from Aasted-Mikroverk provides fast and highly accurate measurements of tempered chocolate. It has an integrated computer with a color touchscreen that is compact and sturdy. The ChocoMeter comes complete in a...

Buhler: more fascinating than ever.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you are looking for a solution within the field of cocoa, nut or chocolate processing you should not fail to visit the Buhler booth during the forthcoming Interpack show. From the cocoa bean to the...

A.M.P.-Rose: experts in twist-wrapping for more than 50 years.
January 1, 2008... A.M.P Rose specializes in supplying cut and wrap and preformed wrapping machines for a wide variety of candy products and wrapping styles. The 750 is an extremely versatile yet economically priced cut-and-wrap machine, offering production...

Hebenstreit: global wafer specialists meeting customer needs.
January 1, 2008... HEBENSTREIT supplies production systems for flat and hollow wafers that range from semiautomatic lines with a capacity of about 120 kg/h to fully automatic, high-efficiency lines rated at 1,200 kg/h and more. The extent of the product range...

Ladco Group: extensive expansion of production lines dovetails with new R&D center.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ladco Group, which includes MacIntyre Chocolate Systems, Petzholdt Heidenauer and Beetz Mixing Technology, has extended its range of production facilities this year and has a large program in place for next year....

LoeschPack: solving packaging for confectioners.
January 1, 2008... Altendorf, Germany-based LoeschPack will present a broad range of flexible high speed solutions at the Upakovka show in Moscow under the slogan, "Packaging Your Ideas." Manufacturers of chocolate tablets and chocolate bars, wafers, dry baked...

Max Riner: Swiss chocolate moulds equal strategic development.(Company overview)
January 1, 2008... Founded in 1944, Rupperswil, Switzerland-based Max Riner AG is one of the world's leading producers of chocolate moulds. The company remains completely focused on the confectionery industry. Customers in more than 60 countries have...

The Tanis Group: making confectionery easier and more efficient.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Tanis Group, based in Made, The Netherlands, specializes in customized production lines for all types of confectionery and bakery items. Tanis offers know-how, experience, a trained staff and a well-equipped,...

Winkler & Dunnebier Triple-Shot injection--depositing on another level.(Winkler und Dunnebier Susswarenmaschinen GmbH (WDS))
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Winkler und Dunnebier Susswarenmaschinen GmbH (WDS) develops depositing lines using a third, independent piston axis, which opens ways of manufacturing new, interesting and high-quality chocolate products. ...

Candy wrapper.
January 1, 2008... Keren Speck started Sugar Sugar with her husband Larry after a trip they made to Australia. Inspired by the country's handcrafted lollipops, they knew they had to bring traditional cut rock candy making to the United States. The couple...