Alyse Thompson-Richards

Mondelez extends cocoa sustainability program to Cadbury

Cadbury products in Ireland, UK to be sourced through Cocoa Life.

November 23, 2016

Mondelez International has joined forces with the Fairtrade Foundation to extend the snack and confectionery giant’s Cocoa Life sustainability program to Cadbury-branded products.

Dubai trip offers look at world of possibilities

Yummex Middle East continues to grow, showcase innovation.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 16, 2016

Four months ago, I was a small-town newspaper journalist covering city council meetings and community events in rural West-Central Illinois, never dreaming my work would send me beyond the fringes of Northeast Missouri. But last Wednesday I found myself riding a tram out to the edge of the Palm Jumeirah. As the monorail glided past island residences and the city’s ultra-modern skyline, I couldn’t help being in awe.

Ruxton Chocolates breaks ground on suburban Baltimore facility

Company to build 100,444-sq.-ft. facility with help from $8 million in bonds.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 16, 2016

Ruxton Chocolates, the Baltimore-based manufacturer of Mary Sue Easter Eggs, has broken ground on a new 100,444-sq.-ft. facility in the city’s suburbs.

Report: China’s confectionery market continues to grow

Research firm Canadean estimates 5.1 percent CAGR between 2015-2020.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 16, 2016

China’s confectionery market will continue to boom over the next few years, thanks to the population’s increasing disposable income and interest in Western-style sweets, according to a new report.

Barry Callebaut announces second phase of California facility expansion

$20-million investment to increase liquid chocolate, compound production.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 9, 2016

Swiss cocoa and chocolate producer Barry Callebaut Group has announced plans to expand its California production facility following a string of investments in Asia.

Enstrom Candies launches video campaign to boost mail order sales

Campaign focuses on gift-giving as theme.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 9, 2016

Toffee manufacturer Enstrom Candies has launched a digital video campaign emphasizing its tradition as a go-to gift in hopes of boosting its mail-order business.

Study: Peanut skin extract could boost milk chocolate’s health profile

Phenolic compounds in peanut skins have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 2, 2016

New research, published last month in the Journal of Food Science, has revealed a method that could improve the health profile of milk chocolate without affecting its taste.

Yummex Middle East kicks off Nov. 7

More than 350 exhibitors from 44 countries to participate.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 2, 2016

Coordinated by Koelnmesse Group and the Dubai World Trade Center, Yummex Middle East, formerly known as Sweets & Snacks Middle East, will host the sold-out event Nov. 7-9.

WCF, partners announce $12-million investment in second phase of cocoa initiative

Annual partnership meeting draws more than 500 cocoa, chocolate industry representatives.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 2, 2016

The World Cocoa Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development have announced a $12-million effort in cocoa production and services as part of the second phase of the foundation’s African Cocoa Initiative (ACI).

Ghana farmers association OKs partnership strategy with supply chain companies

Cocoa Abrabopa Association endorses “Cocoa for a Better Life” strategy.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 2, 2016

The Ghana-based Cocoa Abrabopa Association (CAA) last week endorsed a partnership strategy with three supply chain companies that aims to boost socio-economic development and bolster sustainable cocoa production and sales.