Gourmet chocolate continues to capture the attention of shoppers despite cost cutting caused by concerns about the economy. A new market research report released by Packaged Facts, Premium Chocolate in the U.S.: Mass, Gourmet, Prestige and Super Premium, 4th Edition, explains how it is that premium chocolate is thriving despite grim economic times, with a 9% gain over 2007 gourmet chocolate sales. It seems that Americans, while scaling down consumerism generally, are permitting themselves indulgence... ...Read more »
Chocolate is seen as a comfort food. During troubled times, consumers often turn to chocolate for comfort, but European shoppers are likely to carefully consider what they are buying this year, according to Rabobank Confectionery Analyst Maria Castroviejo. According to a recent UK survey, the best performing chocolate category in the first half of 2008 was chocolate tablets and the worst hit were boxed chocolates, indicating a trading down within the segment. “When chocolate is purchased for... ...Read more »
Chocolates, lollies and other sugar-rich foods will be off the menu next year in Victorian government schools under new changes to be introduced by the state government.Victoria’s Education Minister, Bronwyn Pike, said that, from the start of 2009, chocolates and lollies such as chocolate bars, marshmallows, jellybeans and sherbet will be banned from government school canteens and vending machines. “Research shows that around 37 per cent of a child’s total energy intake is consumed... ...Read more »
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced that Britain’s leading confectionery company Cadbury has become its latest Tier Two Supporter. Cadbury will assume the role as the Official Confectionery and Ice Cream Supporter for London 2012, rights to use the London 2012 marks on product as well as marketing rights to Team GB (Great Britain) and Paralympics GB. At Games time, Cadbury will supply all confectionery and packaged ice cream sold... ...Read more »
Mars, Incorporated reported on Friday that they are to become the first confectionery company to voluntarily implement Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) nutrition labeling on all of its chocolate, non-chocolate confectionery and other food products. “All packages will be redesigned to feature new graphics on the front and back of packages, which contain consumer-friendly, clear and easy to understand nutrition information that will help consumers make informed choices at the point of purchase.... ...Read more »
Cadbury has announced third quarter revenue growth of 6 per cent, in-line with expectations, as the caution of consumers fails to dampen their profit expectations. Australian results, dragged down by a 5% decline in beverage sales, were not as impressive. Cadbury reported a renewed focus on strengthening their global chocolate, gum and candy divisions and new initiatives in their Vision into Action (VIA) strategy. They will change their structure, with four regions to become seven; including Asia-Pacific... ...Read more »
Mars, Incorporated announced overnight that it has successfully completed its acquisition of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, following approval of the transaction by Wrigley stockholders on September 25, 2008 and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Upon completion of the US$23b acquisition, the Wrigley Company becomes a subsidiary of family-owned Mars, Incorporated and will retain its current headquarters in Chicago, Ilinois. Wrigley will operate as a separate business segment, alongside... ...Read more »
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (NYSE: WWY) announced overnight that its shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the adoption of the merger agreement with Mars, Incorporated.The combination of two of the globe’s most famous companies, will create a $27 billion food company and the world’s largest confectionery company. “We are pleased with the outcome of today’s vote,” said Bill Wrigley, Jr., Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. “On behalf of the Company’s... ...Read more »
Snacking is a behaviour that is entrenched in the daily routine of American lives, according to a recent report by The NPD Group, a leading market research company. According to the report, ‘Snacking in America 2008′, after experiencing a period of decline between 1996 and 2002, consumption of snacks has grown steadily and is forecast to grow by 14 per cent by 2017. “A generation ago most Americans believed they should ‘avoid snacking entirely,’ but today snacking is more... ...Read more »
The iconic Mars bar is getting a healthy makeover, with Mars Snackfood UK launching a ‘raising the bar’ campaign highlighting a range of nutritional improvements to their range of snackfood throughout Europe. Recipe modifications to the Mars bar and other leading chocolate products, coupled with packaging alterations, will be completed within weeks. Mars, Snickers, Milky Way and Twix will all become free from artificial preservatives, flavours and colours, with each product... ...Read more »