Candy Industry articles from November 2007

Candy Industry archives from November 2007

PMCA caps centennial year with gala.(CANDY NEWS)
November 1, 2007... The Hershey Hotel's Fountain Lobby had an unmistakeable aura of chocolate elegance on October 20; its Moorish-style entryway busy with guests meandering their way through crowded cocktail stations, wandering waiters and five exhibit stands...

Industry update foresees some pricing moderation.(CANDY NEWS)
November 1, 2007... At its 7th annual commodities seminar held in downtown Chicago, Blommer Chocolate Co. informed clients what they can expect in the coming months from the volatile cocoa, dairy and sugar markets. Chief Operating Officer Peter Blommer opened...

Barbara Luicjkx christens new plant in Poland.(CANDY NEWS)(Barbara Luijckx)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Barbara Luijckx, a Belgian-Polish joint venture, celebrated the grand opening of its new 3,000-sq.-meter (32,300 sq. ft.) production facility in Inowroclaw, Poland on Sept. 27. The company, which produces a wide range of professional...

Just Born reveals new corporate structure.(CANDY NEWS)(reorganization and promotions in Just Born Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... As part of its reorganization pending the retirement of Sam Torrence, president of Bethhelem, Pa.-based Just Born, Inc., the company has promoted Matt Petronio to executive vice president and chief operating officer. In addition, the company...

Stroud Jordan award given to AarhausKarlshamn's Ed Wilson.(CANDY NEWS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ed Wilson, national sales manager for AarhausKarlshamn USA, and his wife, Kathy, are all smiles after Wilson received the Stroud Jordan Award during the American Association of Candy Technologists' recent national...

Rockaway Beach's renaissance man: Candy Industry's 62nd Kettle Award recipient, Jorge Farber, continues to lead family-owned Madelaine Chocolate Novelties toward future growth, despite facing more complex market dynamics as well as a challenging operational environment.(Cover story)(Company overview)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whenever anyone calls Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, something rare happens--a real person answers the phone. One question--instead of the dozen or so encountered on automated screening systems--typically gets the...

Jorge's Jubilation: 62nd Candy Industry Kettle Award Reception.
November 1, 2007... This year, avid Kettle Award observers had to wait a little longer to find out who the recipient would be, the announcement coinciding with the National Confectioners Association's All Candy Expo, which was held in September rather than the...

Mechanized art: Eric Bochner's confectionery gems may look and taste artisan, but this lawyer-turned-chocolatier has an undeniable love of automation.(CHOCOLATE TRENDSETTER)(Bochner Chocolates)(Occupation overview)
November 1, 2007... Eric Bochner drew many lessons from his intensive training at Chicago's French Pastry School. He mastered various techniques for coloring moulds, discovered how to blend intricate flavors and of course, fine-tuned the art of the truffle. ...

Showing more moxie, muscle.(SPECIAL REPORT: 2007 ORGANIC CONFECTIONERY MARKET)(Reprint)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This year's crop of new organic confections are healthier, higher quality and tastier. That's the finding of an analysis of nearly 500 new products undertaken by Vreeland & Associates, a confectionery market research...

Pressing on, post-Atkins: with the subsidence of low-carb craziness, sugarless hard candy has focused on attracting consumers seeking healthier confections.(CATEGORY CLOSE-UP: SUGARLESS CANDY)
November 1, 2007... Sugarless hard candy, despite recent drawbacks, is poised to make a comeback. While the sector took a hit from the decline of the low-carbohydrate trend, the obesity epidemic has led consumers toward candies that deliver the taste they...

Perfectly picked pairings: with health on the brain, consumers opt for wholesome fruit-and-nut-enhanced confections as a smart way to satisfy their sweet tooth.(Candy R&D: TRENDS & APPLICATIONS IN INGREDIENT TECHNOLOGY)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Amazingly, 95% of people believe that products can be both healthy and indulgent, according to the Hazelnut Council's 2006 quantitative research study. The emphasis on health and wellness, while still placing...

Island chocolates.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE COMPANY: Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Berkeley, Calif. THE PRODUCT: Milk Almond and Limited Series Antilles bars THE HOOK: Scharffen Berger announced its two latest bar additions--Milk Almond and...

Big flavor for little ones.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Kathy Chocolaterie, Bruges, Belgium THE PRODUCT: Schokids THE HOOK: Belgium chocolate-maker Kathy Chocolaterie recently introduced Schokids for younger demographics. The individually wrapped milk chocolate eggs feature a...

Moonstruck Chocolate Co.(At a glance)
November 1, 2007... Portland, Ore.based Moonstruck Chocolate Co. announced that its Organic Chocolate Collection will now be available to customers nationwide. The collection, which also includes solid chocolates and hot chocolate, spotlights organic artisan...

Mama Mellace's Old World Treats.(At a glance)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mama Mellace's Old World Treats, based in Carlsbad, Calif., expanded its product line with new 4-oz. gusset pouches of almonds and cashews in signature flavors like Irish Cream Almonds, Tuscany Almonds and Steakhouse...

Norman Love Confections.(At a glance)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Norman Love Confections announced its holiday season offerings, which feature traditional tastes for adult palates. The confections meld premium chocolate with favorite wintertime flavors like Candy Cane, Hot Cocoa, Eggnog, Gingerbread and...

Azar Nut Co.(At a glance)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... El Paso, Tex.-based Azar Nut Co. recently introduced Sweet Trail Mix to its peg bag snack nut line. The blend includes peanuts, raisins and yogurt chips that are ideal for lunch boxes and snacking on the go. Packaged in a bright 3-oz. peg bag,...

Chocolaterie Wanders.(At a glance)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Inspired by the Christmas markets in Germany, Chocolaterie Wanders of Manassas, Va., announced its holiday praline collection. The pralines feature printen (gingerbread-spiced dark chocolate ganache over chestnut...

Dreamy holidays.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE COMPANY: Dream Chocolate, Boise, Idaho THE PRODUCT: 2007-2008 Holiday offerings THE HOOK: Dream Chocolate is offering 10 new 1.5-oz. chocolate bars ranging from 33% to 55% cocoa content. The bars'...

Pre-portioned premium.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2007... THE COMPANY: Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington, Vt. THE PRODUCT: Portion-controlled chocolate squares THE HOOK: Lake Champlain Chocolates has launched eight perfectly portioned flavors of milk and dark chocolate. Available for...

Flavor flurry.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE COMPANY: B.T. McElrath, Minneapolis THE PRODUCT: Holiday Season Line-up THE HOOK: Chocolatier B.T. McElrath offers three chocolates and truffle assortments for this year's holiday season. The company...

Chocophile's caramel.(Candy R&D: NEW PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE COMPANY: Masterfoods USA, Hackettstown, N.J. THE PRODUCT: Dove Flavored Caramels THE HOOK: Dove's newest caramel offerings feature the brand's signature rich milk and dark chocolate wrapped around...

Chr. Hansen launches coloring foodstuffs.(Candy R&D: CREATORS BRIEFS')
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Horsholm, Denmark-based Chr. Hansen recently introduced FruitMax Cranberry WX and FruitMax Blueberry WS, two novel coloring foodstuffs suitable for confectionery. FruitMax Cranberry WS's high concentration from...

Neuravena features functional capabilities.(Candy R&D: CREATORS BRIEFS')(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... New in-vitro investigations have revealed that Frutarom's wild green oat extract, known as Neuravena, improves stress coping abilities and learning functions. The extract contains phytonutrients, which have a connection to cerebral enzymes that...

Danisco announces new Care4U label.(Candy R&D: CREATORS BRIEFS')
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Capitalizing on consumer preference for natural ingredients and cleaner labels, Danisco recently launched Care4U, a label that offers natural food protectants that are suitable for replacing synthetic preservatives....

'To-Go' cup perfect vehicle for snacking.(INNOVATIONS IN PACKAGING)
November 1, 2007... Farmingdale, N.Y.-based Seal-It, Inc., a division of Printpack, Inc., has designed a flexo printed promotional shrink label for a "To-Go" snack cup to demonstrate the power and value of the Printpack/Seal-It combination. The shrink sleeve,...

Compact conveyor reduces product damage.(INNOVATIONS IN PACKAGING)
November 1, 2007... Small size and a powerful drive that accepts a variety of pan sizes make the new FastBack 90E horizontal motion conveyor from Hayward, Calif.-based Heat & Control, Inc. ideal for a variety of product distribution applications. Speed is...

'Revamped' meets automation needs for large and small budgets.(PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY)
November 1, 2007... It wasn't that long ago that people purchased "used cars" as opposed to "pre-driven" ones. Some might argue it's just a question of semantics while others stress--particularly those dealing with luxury cars--that pre-driven infers much more...

Sweet profile.(CANDY WRAPPER)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Funny thing happened to Patrick Stiffler on his way to making a career in food manufacturing; he got "MapQuested" to join a confectionery company. As Stiffler tells the story, his entire working career had been...

Reasons to celebrate.(OPENING SHOTS)(Viewpoint essay)
November 1, 2007... It doesn't take much for me to seek out a reason to celebrate. Consider that first Sunday in November. Turning back the clock a whole hour not only gave everyone an extra hour of snooze time; it also enabled many folks to wake up with daylight...

Godiva peaks Starbucks' interest.(NEWSLETTER)
November 1, 2007... Godiva, which the Campbell Soup Co. put up for sale in August, has attracted plenty of interested parties--Hershey's, Wrigley, and most notably, Starbucks. The Seattle-based coffee chain is reportedly in the second round in the acquisition...

Hershey's global operations v.p. resigns ...(NEWSLETTER)
November 1, 2007... Gregg A. Tanner, Hershey's senior v.p. of global operations, recently stepped down after joining the company less than a year and a half ago. Tanner has been instrumental in Hershey's three-year, cost-cutting manufacturing program, which...

... As West plans his chief executive route.(NEWSLETTER)(David West)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... David West, Hershey's future chief executive, gave investors an overview of his plans to bolster marketing and introduce new products once he takes over the helm on December 1st. West said that Hershey's will increase domestic marketing...

Hershey's posts another quarter of disappointing profits ...(NEWSLETTER)(The Hershey Co.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Noting spikes in competition, dairy costs and restructuring charges, Hershey reported a 66% drop in third quarterly profit. Profit was $62.8 million, compared with $185.1 million a year earlier, the company said. Sales also fell 1.4% to $1.4...

... While Wrigley reports strong third-quarter sales.(NEWSLETTER)(Financial report)
November 1, 2007... Citing strong European and Asian sales, Chicago-based Wrigley Co. posted a 13% growth in thirdquarter sales. For the first nine months of the year, worldwide sales increased 15% mainly due to currency translation. "The benefit from translating...

Natra taps premium and private label markets.(NEWSLETTER)
November 1, 2007... Only two days after acquiring the Belgium-based All-Crump brand, Spanish cocoa company Natra announced plans to launch a new range of Belgium truffles. The product will be sold in four varieties--Cocoa, Champagne, Toffee and Capuchin. The...

Barry Callebaut announces probiotic offerings.(NEWSLETTER)
November 1, 2007... Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut launched a new probiotic chocolate with claims that it is a better carrier of the healthy intestinal bacteria than dairy products. With an increase in health-minded consumers, sales of "traditional" chocolate...

Buffalo confectioner partners with Nordstrom.(NEWSLETTER)
November 1, 2007... Buffalo, N.Y.-based Choco-Logo Confectionery Designs signed a contract with Nordstrom to supply six private-label items for the chain's 63 Nordstrom At Home in-store departments. The deal includes 30,000 1-lb. popcorn canisters and 10,000 boxes...

Study links stomach bacteria to chocolate cravings.(NEWSLETTER)
November 1, 2007... A new study in the Journal of Proteome Research found that people who crave chocolate daily have different colonies of stomach bacteria than those who do not have regular cravings. Scientists from the Nestle Rsearch Center in Lausanne,...

Organic worth the price, poll shows.(NEWSLETTER)
November 1, 2007... While regular organic buyers constitute a small minority, a recent online Harris Poll shows that the market is growing. Most people view organic as safer, healthier and better for the environment. And while consumers realize that it comes with...