Mars European snack factories now fully powered by renewable energy
All 10 of the confectionery giant’s European snacking factories, which includes Twix, Snickers, M&Ms, Skittles and Extra gum, now run on renewable sources.
Confectionery & Snacks
Cocoa in crisis: Can chocolate survive without it?
Against the backdrop of climate change, Food Manufacture’s editor speaks with Win-Win’s CEO about its groundbreaking chocolate alternative that tastes, acts and looks just like the real thing.
Private equity firm takes majority stake in Lakrids By Bülow
IDG Capital has purchased a majority stake in Danish confectionery brand Lakrids By Bülow for an undisclosed fee.
Aldi seeking new official ‘crisp taster’ for 2025
Aldi is accepting applications to become its official crisp taster’ for 2025, a year after launching the role.
The hard sell: Datekin founder on its UK debut
Michael Epstein, co-founder at Datekin – the healthy pitted date snack brand – talks about the start-up challenges the business faced before its UK launch earlier this year.
Cadbury’s Reveal to Chill – a clever way to boost summer sales?
Cadbury has launched four limited-edition Dairy Milk bars for the summer, alongside a new Iced Latte flavour – but will this gimmick work to boost a lull in big chocolate bar sales as the weather heats up?
Swizzels celebrates Refreshers’ 70th anniversary with new product launch
Sweet maker Swizzels is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the iconic Refreshers brand with the launch of a new Tropical Chew Bar.
Vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw saved from administration
Vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw has been acquired by European plant-based food manufacturer Smart Organic AD for an undisclosed sum.
Nestlé Confectionery UK & Ireland names new managing director
The arm of Nestlé which manages brands including Milkybar, Smarties, KitKat and Quality Street has appointed a new managing director.
Senior appointments at Fairfields Farm
Snack manufacturer Fairfields Farm has strengthened its leadership team with a duo of senior appointments.
Reese’s launches new white chocolate bar into UK stores
Reese’s is expanding its range of confectionery with the launch of the Reese’s Peanut Butter White Bar.
Ferrero appoints new managing director for UK and Ireland
Ferrero UK & Ireland has appointed Craig Barker as its new regional managing director.
Fairfields Farm launches new limited-edition crisp flavour
Artisan crisp producer Fairfields Farm is expanding its product portfolio with the launch of a new limited-edition flavour, Chorizo & Red Wine.
Taylors Snacks creates jobs with M&S deal
Scottish crisp manufacturer Taylors Snacks is creating new jobs as part of a deal to supply Marks & Spencer (M&S) stores across the UK and Ireland.
New date snack brand launches in UK
Pitted dates snack brand Datekin says it’s looking to ‘disrupt’ the sector and challenge ‘over-processed’ dry fruit alternatives.
Small stone contamination sparks Tony’s Chocolonely recall
Tony’s Chocolonely is recalling batches of two specific chocolate bars due to a risk of small stones being present in the product.
ChatGPT ‘taste tests’ chocolate brownies
AI could soon replace human taste testers, saving manufacturers time and money during the development of new products.
Taylors Snacks launches three new flavours exclusively to Lidl
Scottish crisp manufacturer Taylors Snacks is launching three new flavours exclusively into Lidl stores this month ahead of a nationwide rollout later this year.
Fudge Kitchen MD: ‘The future of the business into the hands of the people who built it’
Fudge Kitchen MD Richard Parson speaks on the importance of building a strong community within the business in this month’s episode of the Food Manufacture Podcast.
Cocoa prices to ease but market set to remain volatile
The last year has seen a steep fall in global cocoa production, driving prices to record highs.
Baileys chocolate egg gets minty twist for Easter
Irish chocolatier Lir Chocolates is adding a minty twist to its Baileys Chocolate range this Easter as it capitalises on popular flavour trends.
Moo Free: the real life IT crowd
If you’re a free-from consumer Moo Free is most likely among your pantry staples. But did you know that the Devonshire free-from chocolate manufacturer was founded by two IT specialists?
Nestle ‘immune’ to tariffs, CEO claims
Food and beverage giant Nestle has claimed it is ‘immune’ to tariffs thanks to its localised manufacturing footprint.
Chocolate brand opens new UK headquarters
German chocolate brand Ritter Sport has opened its new UK headquarters in Leeds.
Cocoa industry hits out at EU sustainability simplification plan
Confectionery firms have urged the European Commission (EC) to focus on preparations for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), or risk failing to protect human and labour rights within the cocoa industry.
TRIBE raises £2.4m in latest funding round
Energy snack brand TRIBE has raised £2.4m in a funding round led by Mercia Ventures to support growth and several senior appointments.
Valeo completes acquisition of I.D.C. Holding
Valeo Foods Group has completed its acquisition of independent confectionery manufacturer I.D.C. Holding.
Hershey on the hunt for next CEO
US chocolate giant The Hershey Company is on the hunt for its next chief executive following the announcement that Michele Buck plans to step down from the role.
Why chocolate makers are looking at cocoa alternatives
Higher cocoa prices are said to be moving chocolate makers’ attentions to alternatives, including lab grown cocoa.
Quality Street top pick for consumers as Christmas
Brits will be giving the gift of chocolate this Christmas as Quality Street is named to top brand shared among 25-34 year olds this December, according to new research by OnePoll.
Taylors Snacks MD: ‘Destined’ to lead
Food Manufacture spoke with Taylors Snacks managing director James Taylor to hear more about his food and drink industry ‘destiny’ and the success of the brand since its split from Mackie’s of Scotland last year.
Banned American candy floods the UK, posing serious health risks
Banned snacks, sweets and beverages from the US popularised by social media influences on platforms such as Tik Tok are flooding into the UK, posing serious health risks to children.
Cadbury producer takes another stab at Hershey’s
Mondelez International is reportedly looking at the acquisition of chocolate producer Hershey following a previous attempt in 2016.
Rainbow Dust makes strategic acquisition
To complement its existing expertise in cake decorating, Preston-based Rainbow Dust has added fellow cake topping and sugar crafters Squires Kitchen to its fold.
One Rock Capital Partners completes purchase of Burts Snacks owner
One Rock Capital Partners has completed its acquisition of crisp manufacturer Burts Snacks owner Europe Snacks.
News
Burts Snacks suffers £5.2m pre-tax loss
Burts Snacks has reported a pre-tax loss of £5.18m for the 13 months ending 31 January 2024.
News
Revenues rise at Premier Foods as branded demand grows during H1
Premier Foods saw headline revenue increase by 4.6% in the 26 weeks ending 28 September.
News
Consumers share distrust in food companies
Consumers don’t trust food companies to make their products healthier, according to new polling data from YouGov, as Recipe for Change pens an open letter to government calling for a more ambitious plan for a healthier food industry.
News
Cadbury sharing bars to be wrapped in 80% recycled plastic
Mondelēz’s Cadbury core sharing bars sold in the UK and Ireland will now be wrapped in 80% certified recycled plastic packaging, the highest percentage of recycled flexible plastic used within the brand globally.
News
KP Snacks to acquire Whole Earth Foods
UK food manufacturer KP Snacks has agreed to acquire Whole Earth Foods from Ecotone.
News
Boka Food invests £2m into factory
The UK cereal bar brand has taken manufacturing in-house, building a facility in Hampshire, UK.
NPD
Halloween food and drink product launches
The boys and ghouls will soon be out trick or treating, but what treats will consumers be raising their spirits with this Halloween? Food Manufacture rounds-up some of the spookiest new product launches this holiday season.
News
The biggest food and drink trends of 2024 so far
What are the top trends that have been guiding the food and drink sector during 2024? Food Manufacture takes a closer look.
News
Kestrel Foods acquires Indie Bay Snacks in strategic growth move
The premium snack and granola manufacturer has purchased Indie Bay Snacks for an undisclosed sum, as it sets sights on becoming major player in snacking category.
Jobs
The latest food and drink industry vacancies
Ready to make a move in your food and drink industry career? We round-up the latest vacancies available on FoodmanJobs to help you on your job hunt.
News
Nestlé moves to 'leaner' board as new CEO reshuffles team
Food giant Nestlé has announced a series of changes to its executive board, in addition to publishing its Q3 financial results.
News
Quality Street goes plastic-free this Christmas
Tubs of Quality Street will be ditching the plastic this Christmas in favour of an all paper tub in a move that has the potential to significantly cut CO2 emissions for the brand.
News
Demand for British brands on the rise in the US
British brands are growing in popularity in the US, with more than a third of consumers likely to purchase UK products, but price pressures are hindering their growth of the market.
News
Private label chocolate manufacturer Natra acquires Gudrun
European chocolate manufacturer Natra has agreed to acquire Belgian firm Gudrun.
News
PepsiCo agrees to $1.2bn acquisition of tortilla chip business
Global F&B firm PepsiCo has entered into an agreement to acquire Siete Foods for $1.2bn.