Candy Business articles from November 2004

Candy Business archives from November 2004

Put a toy buyer in your life.(Toy Fair 2005)(candies and toys)(Editorial)
November 1, 2004... IT'S ONLY APPROPRIATE that during this holiday season comes word that the toy industry is recognizing its increasingly close affinity to the candy business. In fact, when it comes to raising kids' smile quotient, I'm hard pressed to think of...

Wrigley buys Altoids, LifeSavers for $1.48B.(NEWS)
November 1, 2004... CHICAGO, IL -- Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. has purchased Kraft Foods Inc.'s Altoids breath mints and LifeSavers candy brands for $1.48 billion. More than 700 Kraft employees are expected to transfer to Wrigley toward the middle of 2005, when the deal...

NCA nixes children's hour at All Candy Expo.(NEWS)(National Confectioners Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... VIENNA, VA -- The NCA will extend buyers' hours at the All Candy Expo by doing away with the Children's Admission Hour on the last day. The change will provide more time for business without distraction, the NCA says. "We're interested in...

Ferrara becomes ICA president.(NEWS)(International Confectionery Association )
November 1, 2004... BRUSSELS -- Salvatore Ferrara II is the new president of the International Confectionery Association (ICA). Ferrara, chief executive of Ferrara Pan Candy Co., served for two years as vice-president of the ICA. He is a member of the Candy Hall...

Dayhoff realigns to build U.S. market share.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CLEARWATER, FL -- Dayhoff, LLC, is realigning its senior management following its total acquisition by Grupo Bimbo SA de CV, which formerly owned 75 percent. The restructuring includes merging with sister company Bimbo Snacks USA to unify and...

Warner Candy purchases Family Sweets.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CHICAGO -- Warner Candy Co. has purchased Family Sweets Candy Co., a North Carolina-based candy rebagger. Warner President Mike Halverson explains: "This accelerates our expansion into the wholesale channel of distribution while following...

Three top RCI officers quit.(NEWS)(Retail Confectioners International)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... GLENVIEW, IL -- Three leaders of the Retail Confectioners International trade association have resigned, citing "ideological differences" with the board and its executive director. Former President Terry Craft says the primary reason for...

SweetWorks division expands production.(NEWS)(Niagara Chocolates)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BUFFALO -- Niagara Chocolates, the Cheektowaga, N.Y.-based division of SweetWorks, is expanding to handle production formerly conducted at its St. Augustine, FL, plant. The new facility, which will employ 65 people, is expected to begin...

Engineering company buys DT & G.(NEWS)(Diamond Precision Engineering Ltd)(DT and G Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BIRKENHEAD, UK -- Confectionery machinery manufacturer DT & G (Specialised Engineering) Ltd. has been acquired by UK-based Diamond Precision Engineering Ltd. The purchase follows the recent retirement of DT & G founder Frank Finn, designer of...

M & M's visit the Dark Side.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... HACKETTSTOWN, NJ -- Masterfoods USA joins forces with Lucas Films with a line of M-pire-themed candies linked to the May release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The line includes M & M's, M & M's Minis, Skittles, Lucas Crazy Hair...

Fannie may reopens 47 stores.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CHICAGO -- Fannie May Confections Inc., a division of Alpine Confections Inc., has reopened 47 retail locations throughout the Midwest. The stores are in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. All are former Fannie May locations. The company's...

Seattle Chocolate continues Frango production.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... SEATTLE -- Seattle Chocolate Co. will continue to produce Frango chocolates for Northwestern department store chain Bon-Macy. An out-of-court settlement recently ended a 16-month legal battle between the retail chain and its former supplier,...

Hershey plans Chicago retail store.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CHICAGO -- Hershey Foods Corp. will open Hershey's Chicago, a 3,600-sq-ft interactive retail store on N. Michigan Avenue next spring. The Chicago store opening marks the company's third retail location, following endeavors at Times Square and...

Pectin supplies, prices keep growing.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CLEVELAND -- With increased sales of functional items said to be driving demand, CP Kelco APS says it will boost production of pectin 25 percent by the middle of next year. Prices, however, are being boosted by six percent, effective December...

Werther's trademark appeal rejected.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BERLIN -- Werther's Original caramel candy's shape and packaging are not distinct enough to be trademarked, Europe's second highest court ruled. Candy maker August Storck AG applied to the European Union for protection of the candy's...

CandyBUSINESS: welcomes Shortridge, Hoehn.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CLEVELAND -- Dan Shortridge and Cathy Hoehn join the CandyBUSINESS editorial staff, responsible for expanded news coverage and feature reports. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shortridge, a native of Delaware, is managing editor. He was...

Cocoa prices volatile as unrest sweeps Cote d'Ivoire.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... NEW YORK -- Cocoa prices reached three-month highs and shipments from Cote d'Ivoire were interrupted as a recent wave of violence swept through the country. Cocoa for December delivery was trading as high as $1,830 a tonne on the New York Board...

Chocolatier honors Julia Child.(NEWS)
November 1, 2004... LOS GATOS, CA -- A California chocolatier has honored the late Julia Child with a new chocolate. Pascal Janiver, of Fleur de Cocoa in Los Gatos, CA, blended milk and dark chocolate ganache with pink peppercorns to develop the chocolate,...

West named Hershey CFO.(NEWS)(Appointments)(Chief Financial Officer)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... HERSHEY, PA -- David West is taking over as chief financial officer at Hershey Foods Corp. as Frank Cerminara retires after 30 years of service to the company. West, currently senior vice-president and global chief customer officer, will take...

Candy stars slated for hall of fame honors.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CLEVELAND -- Eleven of the industry's most influential leaders will be inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in April. Being enshrined are Bill Kelley, vice-chairman, and Mike Bianco, vice-president of plant operations, Jelly Belly Candy...

Barry Callebaut posts solid profits, helped by Brach's purchase.(NEWS)(Barry Callebaut AG )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ZURICH, SWITZERLAND -- Barry Callebaut AG reports strong growth and profits for the year, supported in part by last year's purchase of Brach's Confections, Inc. and Luijckx B.V. Chocolade. The global supplier posted 12 percent higher...

American Licorice will open new plant.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... LAPORTE, IN -- Increased demand for American Licorice Co.'s Sour Punch, Red Vines and other items is the driving force behind the company's decision to open a 289,000-sq-ft production facility in LaPorte, IN. The plant will occupy part of an...

Wrigley moves film strip line to Europe.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CHICAGO -- The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. is moving its breath film production line from Arizona to Europe, a move triggered in part by declining Eclipse Flash strip sales in the U.S. The company also cites high transportation costs and tariffs...

Vanilla prices fall off record highs.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR -- An abundance of beans is causing vanilla prices to drop from last year's record highs of $300 to $500 per ton, according to industry sources. Will Guzman, purchasing manager, U.S. Flavors & Fragrance Co., Inc.,...

Election impact in Western Candy Conference spotlight.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... KONA, HAWAII -- Candy makers and suppliers attending the upcoming Western Candy Conference will get an early look at how recent Republican gains in the House and Senate might affect business in the coming year. Nearly 200 industry...

EU bans gel-forming additives.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BRUSSELS -- The European Union has banned non-konjac food additives widely used in jelly mini-cups after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) ruled they pose a choking hazard. Certain gel-forming additives, both seaweed- and...

Arcor opens flexible packaging plant.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BUENOS AIRES -- Arcor Group has opened a $20 million flexible packaging plant in Buenos Aires. The facility, owned by Converflex Argentina, an Arcor subsidiary, joins two other plants in San Luis and Cordoba. Arcor also says it will open a...

Worth mentioning ...(NEWS)
November 1, 2004... David Beeby is new chief executive of Innovia Films, formerly a division of the UCB Group... Joseph Shalhoub & Son, Inc., won an award from the Kosherfest 2004 New Products Competition for its Joray Sour Apple Fruit Roll... ADM relaunches its...

Non-contact thermometers speed process checks.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)
November 1, 2004... RAYTEK CORP. ADDS two new handheld infra-red (IR), non-contact HAACP temperature measurement devices to its lineup with the introduction of FoodPro and FoodPro Plus thermometers. Water resistant to IP54 standards for light water spray, both...

Jaguar unveils three pouch baggers.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)
November 1, 2004... JAGUAR PACKING, INC. introduces three models of its M7000 Automatic Pouch Baggers to its line of packaging equipment. Said to accept any product, the new baggers automatically open, fill and seal pre-made pouches at speeds of up to 20 bpm,...

Seaweed tapped for gelatin-free gummies.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)
November 1, 2004... CEAMSA INTRODUCES Ceamgel M9252, a seaweed-based gelling agent said to be suitable for the production of vegetable gummies. With usage levels ranging between 1.5 and two percent, the texture and shape of final products can range from soft to...

Hansen's natural red colors withstand heat, light.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)
November 1, 2004... COLORFRUIT IS A NEW LINE of natural red colors from Chr. Hansen, Inc. Made from fruits and vegetables, the Kosher, S[O.sub.2]-free colors include shades of red, pink, violet and purple. According to the company, the line is produced by a...

Low-cost X-ray inspection debuts.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)
November 1, 2004... THE CINTEX SENTRY XR, from Loma Systems, Inc., is said to be the first entry-level X-ray inspection system for items as large as 8-in wide by 3-in high. It features a conveyor length of 51-in, a low-power X-ray source and, according to Loma, is...

Microfilm cooker upgraded.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)
November 1, 2004... APV BAKER PLC has added a number of enhancements to its Microfilm confectionery cooker, including the addition of PLC controls, recipe management, improved product visibility at the point of discharge and other upgrades designed to speed and...

Confectioners converge on capitol hill.(NEWS EXTRA)
November 1, 2004... VIENNA, VA -- More than 75 industry leaders lobbied legislators during this year's NCA Fall Forum. The two-day event, which also included NCA committee and board meetings, saw confectionery manufacturers and suppliers push for sugar reform and...

Head-to-head battle for buyers' time: the NCA is taking on market leader ECRM in the 20-minute sales presentation business by offering a seasonal selling event to complement the All Candy Expo. Candy BUSINESS examines the rival events which are scheduled within two weeks of each other, starting in January.(exclusive report)(National Confectioners Association)
November 1, 2004... THE NATIONAL CONFECTIONERS ASSOCIATION and Efficient Consumer Response Management Inc. (ECRM) are downplaying talk of competition between their two upcoming rapid-round selling sessions, scheduled within two weeks of each other in January and...

All eyes on foil: today's foilers take the worry out of wrapping delicate items. From high speed to high touch, Candy BUSINESS unwraps the latest refinements in foiling technology.(packaging spotlight)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2004... LONG BEFORE THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY DISCOVERED holographics, and decades before the advent of glossy eight-color flow packs, candy and chocolate makers relied on aluminum foil to add sizzling eye appeal to a wide variety of items. From everyday...

Inside the new Harmony Foods: from bulk chocolate, jelly beans and gummi bears to dried fruits and trail mix, Harmony Foods is focused on developing and delivering healthful snacks for every occasion.(exclusive report)
November 1, 2004... GEORGE PAPPAS IS ONE VERY BUSY, and happy, candy salesman. As president of the newly renamed Harmony Foods, Inc., he presides over what likely ranks among the fastest growing, most diversified mid-size candy companies in the U.S. ...

Chinese candy fortune? Steve Forster and Teresa Tarantino report from Shanghai where they joined 12 U.S. candy suppliers at China's first national candy show.(show report)
November 1, 2004... LESS ADVENTUROUS MANUFACTURERS who didn't attend this year's inaugural national candy show in China missed out on a ground-breaking experience. The four-day event in Shanghai went extremely smoothly thanks to the outstanding organization...

Dyer's dollar passion: Dollar Tree is excelling in the candy category under the guidance of Merchandise Manager Janice Dyer. With a willingness to take risks, she's driving sales in this growing trade class.(market intelligence)
November 1, 2004... WITH A PROVEN SALES TRACK RECORD, and not afraid to take risks, Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Merehandise Manager Janice Dyer is described by her peers as fair, efficient and enthusiastic. Recipient of the 2004 PROFESSIONAL CANDY BUYER OF THE YEAR...

Non-chocolates dominate; But some still adding low-carb options.
November 1, 2004... * The non-chocolate sector continues to expand with the introduction of Welch's Berries and Cherries and Fruit Punch Fruit Snacks from The Promotion In Motion Cos., Inc. Both contain vitamins A and E and are fortified with 100 percent of the...

Calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... THIS CALENDAR IS PROVIDED AS A SERVICE TO OUR READERS AND CandyBUSINESS ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS AND TO SUBMIT EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CANDYBUSINESS.COM 2005 JANUARY 16-17 PHILADELPHIA...

Deck the halls with candy.(THE FREAK REPORT)
November 1, 2004... MANY CANDYFREAKS FIND themselves in an odd conundrum when it comes to the so-called "Holiday Season." On the one hand, we get to take long vacations, visit family and friends, load up on gifts, and just generally revel in the spirit of warmth...

Better than flavanols?(CONFIDENTIAL)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BETTER THAN FLAVANOLS? According to F. Kwaku Addai, president of the Ghana Science Association, regular consumption of cocoa products could be a more effective treatment for erectile dysfunction than most drugs. But how on earth would you...

Don't mess with chocolate eaters!(CONFIDENTIAL)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... DON'T MESS WITH chocolate eaters! That's the message from Thailand's Olympic gold medal weightlifter, Udomporn Polsak, who claims a secret diet of chocolate and bird's nest soup 1ed her to the gold. The 22-year-old claims the menu sustained her...

Fly me to the moon.(CONFIDENTIAL)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... FLY ME TO THE MOON. First it was sponsorship of SpaceShipOne, the private rocketship that recently won the $10 million X Prize. Now Masterfoods is teaming with the latest Star Wars flick for a licensed line of "M-pire" items. Hard to say where...

Maybe the NCA should try this.(CONFIDENTIAL)(National Confectioners Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... MAYBE THE NCA should try this. In the midst of legislative gridlock, a Mexican legislator offered fellow parliamentarians a 10 percent discount on chocolate massages to ease the stress of leadership. Don't know if it worked, but if a $43,...

Bad to the bone?(CONFIDENTIAL)
November 1, 2004... BAD TO THE BONE? More like frozen, given the snow and foul weather that dogged these hard ridin' candymakers who blew out of Vegas after the recent NACS show. Braving the elements to ride the Grand Canyon's North Rim were (from left) Goetze's...

Back off, guys, and let chocolate do its thing!(CONFIDENTIAL)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BACK OFF, GUYS, and let chocolate do its thing! An admittedly unscientific survey by Cocoa Pete's Chocolate Adventures shows many women prefer chocolate over sex. While many feel guilty about it, the study concludes most chocolate lovers who'd...

Jelly belly is making a jelly bean replica of Boston's State House, Fenway Park's Green Monster and the Boston Public Gardens.(CONFIDENTIAL)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... JELLY BELLY is making a jelly bean replica of Boston's State House, Fenway Park's Green Monster and the Boston Public Gardens. Destined for display in a Reading, MA, furniture store, the display will feature Red Sox mascot Wally dangling an...

Taking a bite out of crime?(CONFIDENTIAL)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... TAKING A BITE out of crime? A Juneau, AK, woman, ordered off a bus for eating a Snickers bar, settled her suit against the local bus company for $10,000. Booted for violating the bus line's no-eating onboard policy, she sued contending she was...

Cheers & jeers.(CONFIDENTIAL)
November 1, 2004... CHEERS To the NCA for its organization of the U.S. pavilion at Sweets China in Shanghai. JEERS To all the U.S. companies who passed on visiting the China show. Faint hearts won't win new markets. CHEERS To Hershey for...