Candy Industry articles from June 2007

Candy Industry archives from June 2007

It's not easy being green ... but start getting used to it.(OPENING SHOTS)
June 1, 2007... I'm going to date myself with this, but who can forget the irascible Kermit the Frog from the Muppets singing, "It's not easy being green,"? At the risk of overusing the blast from the past, I couldn't resist applying it to this month's...

Cadbury Schweppes pleads guilty to health violations.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... The fallout from Cadbury Schweppes' salmonella outbreak continues, with the company pleading guilty to three health violations during a 10-minute hearing in Birmingham Magistrates Court, UK. Birmingham's City Council has brought forth the...

Warner Candy and Blueberry Hill Foods merge.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... Elk Grove Village, Ill-based Warner Candy, a leading repackager of candy and snack products since 1927 and a portfolio company of Chicago-based Mars Equities and El Paso, Texas-based Blueberry Hill Foods, one of the largest suppliers of...

Teamsters' Hoffa attacks Hershey's cost-cutting efforts.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... Teamsters General Union President Jim Hoffa criticized the Hershey Co.'s cost-cutting efforts to reduce its North American workforce and move production to Mexico, accusing the confectionery company of betraying the "blue-collar, middle-class...

Judge orders additional time for rival Topps bid.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... Judge Leo Strine, vice chancellor of the Delaware Court, postponed a June 28 shareholder vote on a buyout of Topps by a private equity group led by former Disney chief Michael Eisner. Strine's order ensures that stockholders are not...

ADM to build cocoa processing plant in Ghana.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) announced that construction on its cocoa processing plant in Ghana will begin this year. Mark Bemis, president of ADM Cocoa, said "Our strategy includes the geographic expansion of our food processing and...

Ivorian cocoa processors accused of funding feud.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... UK-based advocacy group, Global Witness, accused chocolate companies such as Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill and Barry Callebaut of providing millions of dollars in revenue for the Ivory Coast's feuding factions. The Global Witness issued a...

Added capacity pays off for Ukrainian confectioner.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... In the year's first quarter, Ukrainian confectionery company, Roshen, produced more than 80,000 tons of confectionery and earned $140 million in total sales, reaffirming its leading position in Ukraine's sweets market. Exports, which totaled...

Moonstruck Chocolates expands into malls.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... By 2009, Portland-based Moonstruck Chocolate Co. will open eight more chocolate cafes nationwide. The cafes serve espressos, chocolate drinks, milkshakes and coffee-chocolate blends. Inspired by last year's successful indoor mall opening, all...

Report finds organic foods may not differ in nutritional value.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... Despite different production methods, there is not enough evidence claiming organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally produced foods, says Claire Williamson of the British Nutritional Foundation. In an article published in the...

Chinese confectionery fair to gain power with merger.(NEWSLETTER)
June 1, 2007... International Sweet & Snack Tec China, hosted by Koelnmesse in Shanghai from Sep. 5-7, 2007, will become China's most important and largest trade fair with the merger of the Confectionery Manufacturing Show (CMS) and the Snack Manufacturing...

Cadbury Schweppes buying, selling, slashing.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... In a whirlwind of activity prior to its June 19 announcement regarding the selloff of its beverage business, London-based Cadbury Schweppes Plc swashbuckled its way through cost-cutting measures, acquisitions and divestures as part of a plan...

Mandalay Bay's Pilon captures U.S. Master Chocolate awards.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Vincent Pilon, executive pastry chef at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, walked off with both the "National Taste Award 2007" as well as the "National Chocolate Master" award in the World Chocolate Master competition, which were held in...

Mentos sets 'geyser' record.(NEWS)(Perfetti Van Melle USA)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Working together with the performance artists of Eepybird, Perfetti Van Melle USA, the Erlanger, Ky.-based manufacturer of Mentos mints, made Mentos Geyser history in Cincinnati last month. Eepybird, with the help of about 500 Cincinnatians...

Madelaine promotes Sweeting, hires Butler.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Rockaway Beach, N.Y.-based Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, Inc. has promoted Joan Sweeting to v.p.--sales & marketing. It also appointed Richard Butler to fill her former position as national sales manager. Sweeting will oversee the...

Plavin joins Koko's as product development manager.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Cockeysville, Md.-based Koko's Confectionery and Novelty has hired Ben Plavin to oversee its product development. Plavin, who has worked with companies such as Mattel, Toy Max (Candy Planet), A.C Coin Slot and Frankford Candy and Chocolate,...

NCA hires new vice president.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Vienna, Va.-based The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has hired Cassie Folk as the association's new vice president of federal government affairs. Folk will be responsible for the government affairs communication efforts both on...

We request the pleasure of your company for the 62nd ... Kettle Awards.(KETTLE INVITE)
June 1, 2007... Candy Industry Magazine, the chairman and members of the Kettle Committee will present the 62nd Kettle Award at a gala reception on September 18, 2007 during the All Candy Expo in Chicago, The event will be held in the Renaissance...

2007 Kettle Award nominees.(KETTLE BALLOT)
June 1, 2007... JORGE FARBER President & CEO Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, Inc. Rockaway Beach, N.Y. Jorge Farber joined Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, Inc. in 1984, when he answered the call of the company's founders to help grow...

One sweet world: demand in developing nations drives global confectionery revenues and creates a platform for future growth.(SPECIAL REPORT: GLOBAL STATE OF THE INDUSTRY)(Industry overview)
June 1, 2007... From a demand standpoint and on a global basis, you almost can t go wrong in any sector of the food business these days. This planet is in the midst of a massive dietary shift: As incomes rise in less developed countries--which, by the way,...

The peak of fruition: the surge in health-concerned consumers who crave on-the-go goodness has positioned fruit snacks as a major competitor in the confectionery and snack food industries.(CATEGORY CLOSE-UP: FRUIT SNACKS, ROLLS, JELLIES, ETC.)
June 1, 2007... One doesn't have to smell, squeeze or eyeball fruit snacks to know that the category's ripe for harvesting. Cliche aside, the fruit snack sector (which includes fruit bites, rolls and jellies) has taken giant leaps to diversify its...

Sweetly spoiled: today, chocolate isn't limited to labels of dark, milk and white. As more consumers become connoisseurs, they expect purity, authenticity and plenty of variety.(Candy R&D: TRENDS & APPLICATIONS IN INGREDIENT TECHNOLOGY)
June 1, 2007... Innovation is the key to consumer happiness. Sounds simple enough, right? But as the old saying goes, it's easier said than done. However, chocolate suppliers have been brimming with big ideas during the past five years. In fact,...

Health/wellness dominate food technologists' agenda: the Institute of Food Technologists' annual meeting and exposition features health-promoting ingredients, regulations.(PRE-SHOW COVERAGE: IFT 2007)
June 1, 2007... The largest annual food science forum and exposition in the world will be on display at the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting & Food Expo, July 28 to Aug. 1 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. More than 23,000...

Cargill, Incorporated.(PRE-SHOW COVERAGE: IFT 2007)
June 1, 2007... Responding to consumer and customer demand for health-oriented, great-tasting and convenient food and beverage products, Cargill will showcase more than a dozen prototypes from the bakery, beverage, cereals and snacks, confections and dairy...

Centerchem, Inc.(PRE-SHOW COVERAGE: IFT 2007)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Centerchem's Capol line of surface treatment agents is world-renowned for quality and functionality. Centerchem is the exclusive North American supplier and distributor of these superior, ready-to-use ingredients that deliver results for all...

Fortitech, Inc.(PRE-SHOW COVERAGE: IFT 2007)
June 1, 2007... Fortitech is the world leader in the development of custom nutrient premixes for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Fortitech premixes integrate functional ingredients from a comprehensive selection of vitamins, minerals, amino...

Creepy Peeps.(Candy & R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)(Just Born Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Just Born, Bethlehem, Penn. THE PRODUCT: Peeps Spooky Friends THE HOOK: Among the most recognizable and playful seasonal candy brands, Peeps recently released new products for the 2007 Halloween season. Of the new...

Chuao ChocoPod.(Candy & R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Chuao Chocolatier, Carlsbad, Calif. THE PRODUCT: Caramel-filled ChocoPod THE HOOK: Inspired by the shape of the cacao pod, Chuao Chocolatier's new ChocoPods combine pure Venezuelan chocolate with sweet and spicy caramel...

Hershey Co.(At a glance)
June 1, 2007... In honor of the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, the Hershey Co. will release the Reese's Elvis Cup. The cup, which combines the candy's traditional peanut butter with a layer of banana creme, features Presley's favorite flavors....

Barbara's Bakery.(At a glance)
June 1, 2007... Barbara's Bakery, a forerunner in the natural and organic food movement, introduced 100 Calorie Organic Mini Cookies. The new cookies, which capitalize on consumer desires for healthier, portion-controlled snacks, are available in Oatmeal,...

Perfetti Van Melle.(At a glance)
June 1, 2007... Commemorating this summer's release of the animated film, Surf's Up, Erlanger, Ky.-based Perfetti Van Melle launched a special package for its AirHeads pars. The Surf's Up promotional includes an AirHeads six-pack that features New Wave, a...

Lindt & Sprungli.(At a glance)(Lindt und Sprungli Aktiengesellschaft Chocoladefabriken offers chocolate)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Anticipating the 2007 Halloween season, Lindt & Sprungli have lined up some spooky offerings with a premium chocolate taste. Lindt's Lindor truffle will be available in Jack-o-'Lantern and Ghost varieties. The Jack-o'-Lantern truffle features...

Sconza Candy.(At a glance)
June 1, 2007... Oakland, Calif.-based Sconza Candy recently presented its first line of Christmas Jawbreakers. An ideal stocking stuffer, the old-fashioned jawbreakers are offered in speckled green, red or white--with each featuring different fruity flavor...

Mints with a twist.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Oral Fixation Mints, Hopewell, N.J. THE PRODUCT: Mojito Mint THE HOOK: Capitalizing on the rising popularity of the Mojito flavor in confections, Oral Fixation added the cool variety to their line-up of high-quality...

Early buzz for Valentine's Day.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: R.M. Palmer, Co., West Reading, Penn. THE PRODUCT: Bee and Cow Valentine's Day Combo THE HOOK: Known for its seasonal specialties, R.M. Palmer, Co., released its 2008 Spring lineup, which includes a hollow milk chocolate...

Sugary sin.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)(Caramel Sin Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Caramel Sin Inc., Sherman Oaks, Calif. THE PRODUCT: The Sin Line THE HOOK: Created by foodie and award-winning filmmaker David Hahn, Caramel Sin Inc. recently introduced its Sin Line. Caramel Sin, the line's first treat,...

Sweet fall forecast.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington, Vt. THE PRODUCT: All-natural gifts for autumn THE HOOK: Gathering inspiration from the natural fall colors that dazzle Vermont's landscape every year, Lake Champlain Chocolates...

Sethness' organic caramel color.(Candy R&D: CREATOR'S BRIEFS')
June 1, 2007... Sethness Products Co. has introduced OC234, the world's first certified organic powdered caramel color. The label-friendly organic color improves visual appeal for baked goods, seasonings and other applications that are limited to using only...

Healthy fruit snacks from Danisco.(Candy R&D: CREATOR'S BRIEFS')
June 1, 2007... Inspired by consumers' desires for healthier confectionery options, Danisco launched a line of fruit snack prototypes that offer convenience, indulgence and nutrition. Containing GRINDSTED Pectin, Litesse Ultra Polydextrose, and Danisco...

New freeze-dried ginger.(Candy R&D: CREATOR'S BRIEFS')
June 1, 2007... The Ginger People recently expanded its offerings to include freeze-dried ginger. The Monterey, Calif.-based company, which is North America's leading ginger manufacturer, released the product in powder, ginger cubes and other specialty cuts....

New chocolate/cream machines spur wafer innovations.(PPPT)
June 1, 2007... Tanis Food Tech (TFT) has developed a machine that replaces traditional bookmaking and cream-spreading lines for the production of big bubble chocolate (density 0,6 kg/lt.) filled wafer bars. The system features a special, quick-set...

Gentle cooking delivers high quality toffee.(PPPT)
June 1, 2007... Klockner Hansel Processing (KHP)'s reputation for engineering processing machines and lines that produce the highest quality toffee, chewy candy, fudge and other masses reflects its commitment and dedication to excellence. The Rotomat...

SFX Depositing System handles latest 'better-for-you' hard candies.(PPPT)
June 1, 2007... Baker Perkins has developed an innovative process to enable confectioners to maximize value from the growth market for candies with a healthy image. The SFX Depositing System produces a full range of sugar-free hard candies;...

Allen McKie retires from Georgia Nut Co.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Allen McKie, sales manager for the Upper-Midwest region for Skokie, Ill.-based Georgia Nut Co., and former president of Milwaukee-based Chocolate House, has retired. McKie has been with Georgia Nut Co. since it acquired Chocolate House...

Cognis Nutrition & Health names Howard market development manager.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Wayne Howard, a 20-year veteran in the research, production, sales and marketing of food ingredients, takes over as market development manager-functional food and food technology for La Grange, Ill.-based Cognis Nutrition and Health. ...

Savage Bros.' Walter Turza dies.(NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Walter Turza, a key member of Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Savage Bros. Co., and long-time friend of the confectionery industry, passed away May 16, 2007, at the age of 83. Up until the time of his death, Walter continued to work one day...

Fortitech's new facility in Ontario, Calif. to boost premix output dramatically.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... Scheduled to be completed this summer, Fortitech's new Ontario, Calif. facility will increase the company's overall North American premix production dramatically. The 53,000sq.-ft., state-of-the-art plant--350% larger than the current...

Sweet profile.(CANDY WRAPPER)(The Chocolate Fetish )(Interview)
June 1, 2007... In western North Carolina, if you are looking for fine chocolate, the place to go is The Chocolate Fetish in downtown Asheville. As the scenic mountain town's reputation has grown, so has that of the small European-style shop owned by Sue...