Candy Industry articles from September 2004

Candy Industry archives from September 2004

Waltzin' in Washington.(Opening Shots)(Column)
September 1, 2004... The timing was bad. Magazine deadlines loomed threateningly at the end of the week. Moreover, the Labor Day holiday had shortened the workweek by a day. Still, having missed last year's Fall Forum sponsored by the National Confectioners'...

Hershey wins first Zone Diet court fight ...(Newsletter)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns denied ZonePerfect's injunction against Hershey Foods last month, which would have prevented the Hershey, Pa.-based candy maker from marketing its SmartZone nutrition bars in September. In addition, Stearns...

... But Abbot vows to have its 'day in court' ...(Newsletter)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Abbot Laboratories, which acquired Sears' company, Eicotech Corp. in 1996 by outbidding Hershey Foods for it, insists that Sears had given up his rights to use the Zone trademark for nutrition bars and other products. Hershey and Sears point...

... While Wrigley lawsuit alleges gum patent violation.(Newsletter)(GumRunners LLC)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Chicago-based Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. has sued Hackensack, N.J.-based GumRunners LLC, claiming that its Jolt Caffeine Energy Gum infringes on a Wrigley patent. The federal lawsuit alleges GumRunners has caused "irreparable damage to Wrigley," even...

AdvantEdge nutrition bar maker up for sale.(Newsletter)(Experimental and Applied Sciences Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... EAS Inc. in Golden, Colo., one of the leading manufacturers of snack and energy bars was placed up for sale by its parent company North Castle Partners, reports the New York Post. The AdvantEdge brand nutrition bar maker, which has seen its...

Brazil wins trade battle against subsidies for EU sugar.(Newsletter)(European Union)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Brazil, Latin America's agricultural giant, won a trade victory against farm subsides after the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed that government assistance for European Union (EU) sugar beet growers has harmed Brazilian farmers. Brazilian...

Two low-carb Nestle brands launched in Ireland ...(Newsletter)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Nestle Irland has said it has introduced low-carbohydrate versions of KitKat and Rolo onto the Irish market. The low-carb versions, which cost more than their traditional counterparts, have hit supermarket shelves in Ireland, where the company...

... While France takes child obesity problem out on candy.(Newsletter)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Candy distributors in France's public schools are the first to come under attack in the country's fight against an alarming rise in childhood obesity. After a series of parliamentary debates, a decision was reached to remove approximately 8,000...

Manufacturer offers low glycemic values for chocolate.(Newsletter)(Miada ChocoLite)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... New Zealand-based Spherix Inc. announced that the world's first tagatose-sweetened chocolate, Miada ChocoLite, is very low in Glycemic Load (GL) and estimated relative Glycemic Index (GI), according to its new studies. Research commissioned by...

UK company reports growth and changes retail strategy ...(Newsletter)(Thorntons PLC )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... United Kingdom-based Thorntons posted a 25% surge in underlying profits, despite two takeover attempts and the end of 93 years of family management. The results halted the trend of declining profits over the last five years. The company said...

... As chocolate sales rank fifth in UK's market.(Newsletter)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The United Kingdom's appetite for chocolate was confirmed by a report published in August by the trade magazine Marketing. Supermarket shoppers spent more than 1.3 billion pounds on chocolate placing the treat fifth on the list. Alcohol, which...

UK's top selling bar last year Dairy Milk.(Newsletter)(Cadbury Ltd.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Cadbury's Dairy Milk overtook Nestle's Kit Kat as the United Kingdom's best selling chocolate bar last year. The two UK candy giants are now competing with new ad strategies for the top spot. Cadbury currently holds a 28.4% share of the...

Summer's end heats up candy acquisitions.(Candy News)(candy industry acquisitions)
September 1, 2004... Within a span of two weeks in mid-August, two major players within the U.S. confectionery industry and an up and coming manufacturer of diversified health products, dug into their corporate pocketbooks to snatch up brands, market segments and...

SweetWorks closes St. Augustine plant.(Candy News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... SweetWorks Inc. announced early this month that it will close down its production facility located in St. Augustine, Fla., and move all production to the company's headquarters plant in Buffalo. The plant, which employed 50 people, produced...

Georgia Nut picks up Sophie Mae Candy.(Candy News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Skokie, Ill.-based Georgia Nut Co., an affiliate of Family Brands has purchased the assets of Sophie Mae Candy Co. Based in Atlanta, Sophie Mae produces peanut brittle, cashew brittle and honey-toasted peanuts under the Sophie Mae brand. ...

Greg Ziegler receives Marie Kelso Memorial Award.(Candy News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Bethlehem, Pa.-based PMCA has named Greg Ziegler, associate professor of food science at Pennsylvania State University, as the eighth recipient of the Marie Kelso Memorial Award for his paper, Oil Migration in Fat Based Confectionery, which was...

Fasttrack appoints North American agents.(Fasttrack Engineering, Varick Enterprises, Crosio Associates)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Fasttrack Engineering, a Pagewood, Australia-based manufacturer of starch moguls, sugar sanders, oiling machines as well as starch drying and cooling systems and custom-designed pallet transport storage systems, has enlisted Crosio Associates...

Petra Foods establishes Delfi Cocoa USA.(Petra Foods Pte Ltd.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Asia's largest and the world's fourth largest independent cocoa ingredients manufacturer, Petra Foods Pte Ltd., has signaled its intent to have a greater presence in the United States with the establishment of an American subsidiary, Delfi...

Roquette invests in polyol production.(Supplier News)(planning to build a facility)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Keokuk, Iowa-based Roquette Group will invest in a completely new polyol production unit in Keokuk as well as expand capacity at its Gurnee, Ill., facility site during the next 18 months. These supplemental capacities for key polyols aim at...

J Holland Corp. to represent FIMA srl.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Following the acquisition of Nuova Fima srl by Italy's OPM Group, the new subsidiary, which now operates under the name FIMA srl, has selected Tampa-based J Holland Corp. as its U.S. representative. J Holland, which currently handles OPM's...

Aarhus United.(Jim Feeney promoted)(Jeffery Fine, Mark Moisey appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Port Newark, N.J.-based Aarhus United announced the following personnel changes: Jim Feeney promoted to technical sales manager while Jeffery Fine and Mark Moisey hired as director of new products and technology and national accounts manager...

Accraply.(David Hanson promoted)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... David Hanson has been promoted to vice president of sales for Accraply, Plymount, Minn.

A.M. Todd Co.(John Finley appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... John Finley has joined A.M. Todd Co. based in Montgomeryville, Pa., as its chief technical officer.

TIC Gums.(Greg Andon promoted)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Belcamp, Md.-based TIC Gums has promoted Greg Andon to business development manager.

Orion Packaging Systems Inc.(Robert Karstulovich appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Robert Karstulovich has joined Orion Packaging Systems Inc., Collierville, Tenn., as its regional sales manager for central Canada.

H&N Packaging.(Roger Scott appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... H&N Packaging in Colmar, Pa., has appointed Roger Scott as supply chain and purchasing manager.

Sweet on Annabelle: into the third generation, family-owned Annabelle Candy Co. continues to capture cross-generational consumers with its range of distinctive candy bars.(Company Profile)
September 1, 2004... Not everyone gets to have a candy company named after him or her, much less the opportunity to run the concern later in life. It's even rarer to pass the reins over to offspring whereby each have the chance to individually oversee the...

Truffles on the half shell: with the Ocean State calling, Rhode Island's Hauser Chocolatier fills the confectionery, hospitality and restaurant industries' needs for moulded dessert cups and truffle shells.(Chocolate Trendsetter)
September 1, 2004... The allure of ocean waves breaking on the shore has continually drawn people to the coasts, washing up ideas and initiatives for the taking. Even a landlocked chef from Switzerland can surface in Rhode Island making truffles similar to those...

Sugar-sweetened hard candy resurgencies: despite high U.S. sugar prices and lagging sales, niche markets create unique avenues for hard candy manufacturers that show ingenuity.(Hard Candy)(Butterfields)
September 1, 2004... With sugar prices in the United States ranging from four times and above the international sugar price per pound, many hard candy manufacturers have taken their production out of the country. But, some hard candy manufacturers are taking a...

Success for compressed: compressed gum powders have introduced a new technology into the chewing gum field, generating a wealth of new product introductions.(Candy R&D: trends & applications in ingredient technology)
September 1, 2004... More and more consumers are realizing how chewing gum can fit into their daily dental care. In recent years interest has been growing in developing innovative products that, apart from tasting great, provide a health benefit to consumers....

Colorful chocolate bars.(New products)(Masterfoods USA)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE COMPANY: Masterfoods USA, Hackettstown, N.J. THE PRODUCT: Peanut Butter and Crunchy M-Azing bars THE HOOK: Milk chocolate with the added crunch of M&M's Minis Chocolate Candies take on two new flavors Peanut Butter and Crunchy....

Chocolate fruity.(New products)(Impact Confections Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE COMPANY: Impact Confectioners Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo. THE PRODUCT: Chomppers Chocolatey Crunchy Fruity Candy THE HOOK: These tiny pieces of fruity crunchy candy wafers dipped in a chocolatey coating are a circus of fun flavors...

Buzz thrill.(New products)(Vroom Foods Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE COMPANY: Vroom Foods Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif. THE PRODUCT: Foosh Energy Mints and Buzz Bite Chocolate Energy Chews THE HOOK: These products have the caffeine equivalent of a full cup of coffee plus five B vitamins, ginseng and...

Nutty confectionery.(TasteTech Ltd. new nut flavoring)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Almond pistachio triangles, Brazil nut caramel crunch and nutty fudge are just a handful of delicious products that can now be recreated without containing any nuts, but which still taste authentic. England-based TasteTech Ltd. developed...

Heightened taste.(Takasago Corp. introduces new flavors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Rockleigh, N.J.-based Takasago's Vivid Flavors, a new line of flavors, capture the nuances that are not identified through traditional analytical tools. Takasago's central R&D labs in Japan, initiated the development of these flavors, using...

Trans fat solution.(Aarhus United aims on developing products)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... In anticipation of the FDA's requirement to list trans fatty acids, Aarhus United has focused on developing products that contain zero trans, are low in saturates and are non-hydrogenated. The Port Newark, N.J.-based fat supplier is introducing...

Russian delights.(New Products)(A. Korkunov introduces milk chocolates)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE COMPANY: A. Korkunov, Englewood Cliff, N.J. THE PRODUCT: A. Korkunov Milk, Dark, Dark with Whole Almonds, Milk with Whole Hazelnuts, Milk with Whole Almonds and Milk with Raisins and Hazelnuts THE HOOK: A. Korkunov, a Russian...

Conversation gum.(New Products)(NECCO)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE COMPANY: NECCO, Revere, Ma. THE PRODUCT: NECCO Sweethearts THE HOOK: Sweethearts Gum is heart-shaped, sugar-free, zero net carb chewing gum that sports unique assorted colors, assorted flavors and is printed with sayings on both...

Veritas Chocolatier.(At a glance)(new truffles, toffee and flats)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Glenview, Ill.-based Veritas Chocolatier launches a new premium chocolate line of truffles, toffee and flats under the True brand name. Made with fresh cream, True Truffles are available in espresso, latte, praline, caramel, green tea, mint,...

Fran's Chocolates Ltd.(At a glance)(new dessert sauces)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Apex Cellars and Seattle-based Fran's Chocolates Ltd. unveiled the most recent addition to the line of Fran's indulgent dessert sauces--the rich, dark, Fran's Apex Cabernet Chocolate Sauce. Fran Bigelow, master chocolatier at Fran's, created a...

Grammy Lammy Handmade Candies.(At a glance)(new bite-size chocolate)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Grammy Lammy Handmade Candies in Portland, Maine, released Millie's Delights, a new bite-size chocolate. Millie's Delights have a tasty bon-bon look and come in Peanut Butter, Amaretto, Triple Chocolate Delight, Maple and Mint. The confections...

Lake Champlain Chocolates.(At a glance)(new product)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Lake Champlain Chocolates, a gourmet Burlington, Vt., chocolate maker, added two more chocolate bars to its Small World Chocolates line--the complex Grenada (60% cocoa content) and fruity Sao Thome (70% cocoa content) in 3-oz. bars. These...

Fruity goodness.(new products from Ferndale Confectionery)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE COMPANY: Ferndale Confectionery, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia THE PRODUCT: Jols pastilles THE HOOK: Fresh squeezed, sugar-free and low-carb can be found in the Jols pastilles, a healthy small chewable candy. The guilt-free snack...

Fresh and clean.(New Products)(Inhale Solutions Inc)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE COMPANY: Inhale Solutions Inc., Los Angeles THE PRODUCT: ElimiTaste Zapp Intense ElectraMint THE HOOK: The latest innovation in the sugar-free gum category Zapp Intense ElectraMint provides a stronger intense breath freshening...

Ongoing investments enhance chocolate mould master's capabilities.(Hans Brunner GmbH & Co.)
September 1, 2004... As the world's largest chocolate mould manufacturer, Glonn, Germany-based Hans Brunner GmbH & Co. continues to re-invest in technology, thus enhancing flexibility and productivity for its customers. Specializing in the manufacture of...

FrozenCone's fifth generation.(Aasted-Mikroverk ApS introduces a cooled pressing device)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Aasted-Mikroverk, based in Farum, Denmark, has recently launched its new innovative FrozenCone V technology, which focuses on attaining the highest possible production capacity through a super-compact arrangement of plungers at the cooled...

Innovations in packaging add getting chocolate into shape.(Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology)
September 1, 2004... It's not surprising that Rupperswil, Switzerland-based Max Riner AG, which celebrates its 60th year of designing and producing chocolate moulds, offers confectionery manufacturers an extremely broad range of moulds for every need. The key...

Tomric Plastics to distribute Chocolate World moulds.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Buffalo-based Tomric Plastics, Inc., has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Chocolate World, NV, a Antwerp, Belgium-based producer of confectionery moulds, to handle Chocolate World's extensive line of polycarbonate molds,...

Putting starch-based processing on the fast track.(Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology)(Fast Track Engineering Pty. Ltd)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Despite being a relatively new company, Fast Track Engineering Pty. Ltd. out of Pagewood, Australia, combines years of manufacturing and design experience with a comprehensive knowledge base in soft-boiled candy processing. According to Heinz...

Doboy helps solves pouch packaging for Hawaiian Host's snack packs.(Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology)
September 1, 2004... Honolulu-based Hawaiian Host, the leading U.S. exporter of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and the fourth largest exporter of chocolate, recently started producing one- and two-piece snack packs in stand-up pouches to broaden market appeal....

Lake Champlain Chocolates updates its bar wrappers.(Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Lake Champlain Chocolates (LCC), a gourmet Vermont chocolate maker based in Burlington, has updated the wrappers on the four varieties of its Five Star Bars, and re-branded the point-of-purchase dispenser. The chic, bolder wrappers & dispenser...

Seal-it introduces holographic shrink bands.(Plant, Processing and Packaging Technology)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Farmingdale, N.Y.-based Seal-It, Inc., which produces heat shrink labels, sleeves and tamper-evident bands, has introduced holographic shrink bands and labels that cannot be copied or simulated. The heat shrink bands and labels with a...

Sweet profile.(Candy Wrapper)(Brief Article)(Interview)
September 1, 2004... For more than 35 years, Lore's Chocolates has been producing fine confections in the heart of Philadelphia's historic district. In 1988, Tony Walter Jr., together with his wife Maureen, purchased the business. Exchanging industrial chemicals...

Bubble gum cigar sales--a harbinger for the White House.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Concord Confections, the makers of Dubble Bubble and a subsidiary of Chicago-based Tootsie Roll Industries, is campaigning consumers to try the company's new John Kerry and George W. Bush El Bubble Presidential Favorites Bubble Gum Cigars. ...