International Confectionery

NEW EDITION RELEASED - International Confectionery     Get your free digital copy here: https://lnkd.in/d6XkYHz6 To begin, we take an in-depth look at the role of belts and conveyors in eco-friendly manufacturing, highlighting developments from Ammeraal Beltech, Intralox, Forbo Movement Systems, Wire Belt Company Limited, Mol Belting Systems, Inc., Dorner Mfg. Corp., FlexLink. For a fresh perspective on candy and lollipop processing, International Confectionery Features Editor Hannah Larvin examines how brands are responding to consumer demand for bolder flavours, cleaner ingredients, and more sustainable practices, with a spotlight on Firmenich, Sensient Technologies Corporation, GNT Group, Bühler Group, BOSCH PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. Next, we see how robotics and automation are game-changers for confectionery producers, featuring developments from Endoline-Robotics, BOSCH PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, ABB Robotics, KUKA Robotics, FANUC Europe. I also delve into the challenges surrounding sugars and sweeteners, examining how the industry is navigating the tricky balance between taste, texture, and health goals as it seeks innovative alternatives. This feature includes insights on Cargill, Roquette, Ingredion Incorporated, PureCircle, Monk Fruit Corp, BENEO and Sweegen. Our big interview is with the ProSweets Director, Guido Hentschke, who shares how ProSweets Cologne drives innovation and collaboration, working seamlessly with ISM Cologne to unite the confectionery industry. This exclusive interview also marks our announcement as the official international media partner for ProSweets and ISM. In our Innovator feature, we highlight Maartje Hendrickx MBA, Market Development Manager at GNT Group. Finally, we close the issue with a preview of the upcoming Food Ingredients Europe event, along with our Sweet Talk interview with Mike Navarro, Managing Director of GNAW Chocolate. As always, I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and here’s to more sweet innovation on the horizon! #Food #FoodIndustry Jonathan Pittock

Latest on International Confectionery: Dr. Bronner's new look for Magic All-One Chocolate Bars Dr. Bronner’s, the family-owned, top-selling natural brand has launched a new wrapper design for its line of Dark and Oat Milk Chocolate. The new labels offer improved legibility and brand recognition on retail shelves, with enlarged font sizes to better identify flavors, and differentiate between Dark and Oat Milk varieties. Additionally, the new wrappers boast enhanced colors and simplified flavor names, to ease consumer selection and visibility. All ingredients and flavor options remain the same, with the suggested retail price of $5.99. Dr. Bronner’s chocolate is made from a blend of Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients including cocoa from Ivory Coast, coconut sugar from Indonesia, and cocoa butter from Congo. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d2tDXMZe #Food #FoodIndustry Jonathan Pittock

Latest on International Bakery: Registration opens for Food and Drink Hospitality Week Visitor registration has opened for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025, an event which brings together professionals from across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors. Taking place on 17–19 March 2025 at Excel London, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week offers an unparalleled opportunity to network, discover innovation, and gain invaluable industry insights. IFE With over four decades of excellence, IFE serves as a cornerstone event for food and drink professionals, connecting buyers from retail, hospitality, and wholesale with innovative suppliers. From the Startup Market—a showcase of entrepreneurial brands—to the lively New Products Tasting Theatre, the show highlights the future of food through interactive content and live pitches. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d227C4Qp #Food #FoodIndustry Jonathan Pittock

Congratulations to the Hancocks Wholesale team for these incredible achievements! 💪 👏

Latest on International Confectionery: Systematic review confirms Weight management benefits of chicory root fibres A new systematic literature review with meta-analyses, conducted by Reimer et al[i], demonstrates that chicory root fibre intake promotes a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumference and, to a certain extent, body fat percentage. Based on this review, there is now even stronger evidence to show that supplementation with chicory root fibre can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in body weight and other weight management parameters. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dPYHXyum #Food #Bakery BENEO Jonathan Pittock

🎤 Speaker Alert: Hanni Rützler at ProSweets Cologne 2025! 🍬✨ We are thrilled to announce that renowned nutritionist and food trend researcher Hanni Rützler will join us at ProSweets Cologne with an exciting program you won’t want to miss! 🌟 Session: Moderated Tasting - "On the trail of basic flavours" 📅 Date: Tuesday, 04 February 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:30 AM 📍 Location: Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage In collaboration with Fulda University of Applied Sciences, this interactive session will explore the fascinating world of taste and the fundamental flavors that shape our food experiences. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the science of taste with one of the most influential voices in the food industry! 🍫🧪 👉 Join us and discover how taste trends are shaping the future of sweets and snacks. #ProSweetsCologne #SweetWeek #FoodTrends #HanniRützler #InnovationInTaste

Latest on International Confectionery: Andrea Grandi Appointed General Manager of the SACMI Group SACMI Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrea Grandi as its new General Manager, effective 1st January 2025. A 49-year-old electronics engineer, Andrea Grandi has been a part of the SACMI team since 2001, amassing nearly 25 years of experience with the Group. Over the course of his career, Grandi has held increasingly significant positions and has been recognised for his exceptional technical and managerial expertise in mechatronics and industrial automation. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/djGU5bm8 #Food #FoodIndustry Jonathan Pittock

Appreciation for the Value Chain at ProSweets 2025! Following the success of 2024, the sweets processing magazine’s Guided Tours return! 🚀 On February 3rd & 4th, 2025, we’ll dive into the entire value chain – from ingredients to mixers, fillers, packaging, and sustainable materials. We'll also explore energy-saving potentials and AI-driven production solutions! Don’t miss the chance to network and gain insights into the latest industry trends. 📅 Monday, Feb 3rd & Tuesday, Feb 4th | 12:15 – 13:15 📍 Meeting Point: Hall: Passage 10/11, Stand: SG Stand, A4 Join us for this exciting tour! 🌟 Learn more and register here #ProSweets2025 #GuidedTour #ValueChain #Innovation

Latest on International Confectionery: Wixon Names Chief Financial Officer Today, Wixon announced the appointment of Brad Netzel to the position of chief financial officer (CFO), reporting to Patrick McGarry, chief operating officer (COO). In his capacity as CFO, Mr. Netzel will guide financial strategy in partnership with corporate leaders to align the company’s financial goals with its commitment to quality and innovation. He will also be responsible for ensuring strategic business growth and securing investments that strengthen the organisation’s foundation. “We are thrilled to welcome Brad to the Wixon family,” said McGarry. “His expertise in maintaining financial discipline with long-term business strategy will be integral to achieving our vision for the future. Brad’s leadership will enable us to foster growth, enhance our operational excellence, and most importantly, continue delivering top-tier service to our customers.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d86_GZyC #Food #FoodIndustry Jonathan Pittock

Latest on International Confectionery: Why did Cadbury UK lose its Royal Warrant? Cadbury, the iconic British confectionery brand, has lost its Royal Warrant after 170 years of association with the British monarchy, marking the end of an era that spanned six reigns. The decision, attributed to King Charles III, means the Birmingham-based chocolate manufacturer can no longer boast its official endorsement from "The Firm," a globally recognised mark of excellence. The Daily Mail reported that the warrant's revocation follows broader concerns over the company’s direction since its acquisition by the American snack giant Mondelez International in 2010. Critics have accused Cadbury of "betraying its heritage" by outsourcing production, shrinking product sizes, and introducing contentious recipe changes. These moves have reportedly soured the brand’s once-strong ties to the Royal Family. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dYvCV_W6 #Food #FoodIndustry Jonathan Pittock