News

German retail confectionery sales through April of 2022 have greatly surpassed the value of the same period for the previous year. According to the IRI confectionery monitor, revenues increased by 4.4% up to € 5.095 bn. Sales volume rose by 4.7% up to 662,002 tonnes (basis: food retailers + drug stores + hard discounters + gas station shops). SG

In consultation with the conceptual sponsors of ISM and decision-makers in the industry, Koelnmesse has decided to postpone next year's ISM International Sweets and Biscuits Fair from the end of January to the new date of 23 to 25 April 2023, on a one-off basis. SG SP

Swedish agricultural cooperative Lantmännen acquired Finnish milling and bakery group Myllyn Paras which has net sales of USD 64 m. SP

The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has appointed Paul Davis, Head of Cocoa at Sucres & Denrées, as new President for the next two years. SG SP

Four-shift operation at an over 14,000 m² site: The new plant in Kłobuck/Poland marks another milestone in the history of packaging specialist Südpack. SP

Guan Chong Berhad (GCB), the world’s fourth largest cocoa grinder, saw its net profit rise 57.2 % to USD 12.14 m in Q1 2022, from USD 7.72 m in the previous corresponding quarter. SP

Arla Foods has unveiled its “biggest investment to date,” a 55 ha production plant in Germany with the capacity to supply specialized long-life dairy products to 70 countries. SP

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate has opened House of Chocolate in Mouscron, Belgium, home to inspiration, co-creation & innovation with customers. SG SP

Barry Callebaut opened Taycan, the group’s first cocoa bean buying, cleaning, drying, and export facility in Ecuador. It is located in Duran, near the port of Guayaquil, offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean. SG SP

Netherlands-based DSM is set to merge with Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned taste and perfumery company, to form DSM-Firmenich. SP

Consumers have recently demonstrated reserve in their purchases of confectionery in the German retail sector. According to the NielsenIQ confectionery monitor through the 18th calendar week of 2022, revenues dropped by 3.1% down to € 5.334 bn, accompanied by a decline in sales volume of 3.5% down to 619,200 tonnes (basis: grocery retail + drug stores). SG

Joywell Foods, a developer of sweet proteins through the microbial fermentation of plant-derived sweet proteins, has raised USD 25 m series B funding round, which includes the Kirin Health Innovation Fund among its investors. SP

Barry Callebaut has expanded its North American plant-based portfolio with a dairy-free organic chocolate. SP

The Barry Callebaut Group officially inaugurated its Chocolate Academy Center in Casablanca, Morocco. This new facility serves as a creative platform where chefs and artisans can showcase and develop their talent and skills, and learn about new trends, techniques, and recipes. SG SP

Informa Markets is pleased to announce the success of Vitafoods Europe 2022 trade show, which was held recently both online and in person in Geneva/Switzerland. SP