deutsch Home News Top News Archive SG Magazine Service Publications ISM ProSweets Cologne Sweets China Sweets Middle East Association   13.11.2008  Kraft Foods to close chocolate factory in Romania   12.11.2008  ProSweets Cologne 2009: All the signs suggest a record attendance   11.11.2008  Lotus Bakeries acquires Swedish company Annas Pepparkakor   11.11.2008  Symrise studies consumers’ everyday eating and drinking habits   10.11.2008  ACTICOA™ helps maintain healthy blood pressure   10.11.2008  14 African nations agree on 30-year cocoa sustainability plan   6.11.2008  Barry Callebaut reports dynamic business growth   4.11.2008  Cadbury identifies Russia as   3.11.2008  Cadbury becomes London 2012 supporter   31.10.2008  Mars products included in Indonesian destruction of Chinese imports   29.10.2008  Natra develops the first range of functional chocolate bars   29.10.2008  Nestle to launch luxury chocolate range in cooperation with Pierre Marcolini   28.10.2008  Cadbury appoints non-executive director   23.10.2008  Nestlé is well above long-term target   21.10.2008  Mars Inc. to launch front-of-pack nutrition labelling globally   13.11.2008  Kraft Foods to close chocolate factory in Romania Hundreds of people will lose their jobs at a chocolate factory after Kraft Foods said Wednesday it would close its factory in Transylvania next year. The US concern which manufactures chocolate bars under the brands Poiana and Africana will lay off its 440 employees by the end of 2009, said Doina Cavache, corporate affairs manager. She said the closure was because the company could not expand in Romania and not due to the global economic crisis. Some of the company's chocolate manufacturing business will move to neighboring Bulgaria, she said. She added that brands would still be produced, but not in Romania. Kraft Foods Romania took over the factory in the Transylvanian city of Brasov in 1994. Built in 1903, it is Romania's oldest chocolate manufacturing plant. Kraft Food Romania had a turnover of € 137.5 m last year.   12.11.2008  ProSweets Cologne 2009: All the signs suggest a record attendance ProSweets Cologne, which will be held for the third time from 1st to 4th February 2009, looks set to attract a record attendance: three months before the opening, registrations have already reached the level of the previous event. "In addition to the exhibitors who already took part in the first events, we're also seeing numerous registrations by new exhibitors, so we're now confident that we will be able to post a new record attendance when the fair actually starts. It's a clear sign of how well ProSweets Cologne has been able to position itself in the market," explains Sabine Loos, Vice President at Koelnmesse. In 2009, for the first time ever, ProSweets Cologne will be held in parallel to the International Sweets & Biscuits Fair (ISM) throughout its entire duration, thus offering optimal synergies to exhibitors and visitors alike. To date, some 275 companies have confirmed that they will be attending ProSweets Cologne. The previous event of 2007 attracted a total of 289 exhibitors from 26 countries. Once again, all the major market players in the four main product segments - Ingredients, Process Technology, Packaging Technology and Packaging - will be present, including FRANZ HAAS Waffel- und Keksanlagen Industrie GmbH, Gerhard Schubert GmbH, MM Graphia Bielefeld GmbH, ROQUETTE FRÈRES S.A. as well as many other returning exhibitors. Among the new exhibitors are leading international companies such as CARLE & MONTANARI S.p.A., Bühler AG, ACMA S.p.a., Klöckner Hänsel Processing GmbH, HOSOKAWA BEPEX GmbH, A.E. Nielsen Maskinfabrik ApS, Cavann S.p.A., M-real Deutschland GmbH, Chesapeake Stuttgart GmbH, Chr. Hansen GmbH, Koenig Backmittel GmbH & Co. KG and C.E. Roeper GmbH. Once again, there will be a strong foreign presence, with around 60 percent of the exhibiting companies coming from outside Germany - a proportion that underlines the position and importance of ProSweets Cologne as an indispensable communications platform in the global trade fair market. ProSweets Cologne is the only event of its kind to feature the full spectrum of goods and products supplied for the production, processing and packaging of confectionery and, together with the leading trade fair ISM, covers the entire value chain in this sector at one single trade fair location. As in previous years, ProSweets Cologne will occupy Hall 10.1 of the Cologne Exhibition Centre, where the net area of exhibition space will grow once again as a result of the increased number of companies in attendance. Although located directly adjacent to ISM, ProSweets Cologne will also have its own separate entrance. Visitors and exhibitors at ISM also have free admission to ProSweets Cologne and can access the event directly from the ISM halls. Furthermore, all preregistered visitors to ProSweets Cologne have free admission. In addition to the exhibitor stands, ProSweets Cologne also features a high-quality supporting programme to provide visitors with additional information and, above all, new ideas and solutions. This will include forums presented by the trade fair's conceptual sponsors: the Federation of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI), Sweets Global Network (SG), the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and the Central College of the German Confectionery Industry (ZDS) on current sector issues and topics. A traditional feature of the event is the "Design Workshop", which is being staged in cooperation with the Berlin company Berndt & Partner Packaging Creality. Entitled "Packaging Experience", this event will show trade visitors what impact packaging can have and how it is perceived by the consumer. With the help of the so-called eye-tracking method, it is possible to track and computer-analyze the eye and pupil movements of consumers when confronted with differently designed packaging. This provides the industry with important information about the impact of packaging at the point of sale. In addition, specialists from the field of packaging will once again be on hand to provide ISM exhibitors with help and advice on how to develop the right packaging. Also in planning is a special international show in the Ingredients segment on the topic of "Healthy Fruits" in the confectionery sector's supplier industry. This will feature a prominent display of cranberries, blueberries, Acerola cherries and raisins along with information on the manifold uses of these healthy fruits in numerous end products. www.prosweets.com   11.11.2008  Lotus Bakeries acquires Swedish company Annas Pepparkakor The Belgian bakery group Lotus Bakeries NV, Lembeke, has announced the acquisition of shares of Annas Pepparkakor Holding AB of Sweden from Accent Equity, a Swedish private equity fund. The initial purchase price paid is based on an enterprise value of SEK 164 million (equivalent to euro 16,5 million). Depending on the year-end results of Anna’s as per 30th of June 2009 an additional amount will be paid on the EBITDA growth. In any case the enterprise value paid will be lower than 8 times recurring EBITDA. The acquisition will be fully financed by an unsecured bank loan to be repaid over seven years. The closing of the acquisition is foreseen at the end of November 2008. The results of Anna’s will be consolidated within the Lotus Bakeries group figures as per 1st of December 2008. Annas Pepparkakor is founded in 1929 and a high quality producer of “Anna's Pepparkakor” a traditional Swedish biscuit. Pepparkakor is a thin and crispy biscuit enriched with cinnamon and ginger spices. The Anna’s products come in different flavours but always based on the same dough and traditional recipe. The company has shown a steady organic growth over the years. The total turnover as per year-end (June 30, 2008) amounts to SEK 172 m (€ 17,3 m). Anna’s has realized a recurring EBITDA of 12 % on turnover. The homemarket and origin of Anna’s is Sweden which represents about 28 % of the turnover. Anna’s is the best known brand of Pepparkakor and the market leader in Sweden. In Sweden, the Anna’s brand will be retained, supported and further expanded.“It is with great satisfaction we note that Anna’s North American volumes have grown from a foothold to the company’s single largest market during Accent’s ownership,” comments Jan Ohlsson, CEO of Accent Equity Partners, advisor to Accent Equity 2003. “Anna’s started as a family-owned business. After expansion to more than 30 countries world-wide, we are pleased to see that Lotus Bakeries with similar origin as well as complimentary products and markets will lead the future development of Anna’s” IKEA is Anna’s single largest customer offering Anna’s products worldwide in its food departments. Total sales to IKEA and exports to countries such as Finland, UK, Japan Australia, Norway and Portugal represent roughly a third of Anna’s turnover. Recently North America became Anna’s largest market which represents 40 % of their total turnover Anna’s two production facilities are located in Sweden (in Tyresö near Stockholm) and Canada (in High River near Calgary). The total number of employees amounts to 67 people of which 50 are employed in Tyresö and 17 in High River. “Anna’s management and staff are enthusiastic about getting a new owner with a family-oriented background like ours,” says Joakim Inaeus, CEO of Anna’s. “We foresee great growth opportunities by becoming part of Lotus Bakeries’ family of branded products. The two companies compliment each other perfectly, both in regards to products and markets.” Lotus Bakeries Group reinforces sustainable growth and profitability by concentrating on authentic specialities within the biscuits, ginger bread, waffles and pastries markets. “The acquisition of Anna’s fits perfectly into the Group’s strategy to focus on high quality authentic specialties compatible with a branded strategy and with international potential,” says Matthieu Boone, CEO of Lotus Bakeries. Furthermore, Lotus Bakeries wants to pursue a brand policy with products that are distinctive in terms of quality and consumer satisfaction, driven dynamically by a strong commercial organization and effectively targeted marketing campaigns. In this way, Lotus wants to strengthen or acquire a leading position for its specialties. The acquisition of Anna’s fits perfectly into the Group’s strategy to focus on high quality authentic specialties compatible with a branded strategy and with international potential.   11.11.2008  Symrise studies consumers’ everyday eating and drinking habits Symrise is taking consumer research in new directions with the ICE (Inside Consumer Experience) project. The global fragrance and flavorings manufacturer is working within an international consortium to study the eating and drinking habits of consumers in real-life situations. The project was presented to the public for the first time at the 2008 European Conference on Sensory and Consumer Research in Hamburg. Nearly 90% of all newly developed food products vanish from the market within one year. Underestimating the role that situational factors play when buying and consuming food is one of the most important reasons why this occurs. While classic laboratory environments make it possible to control and monitor consumer tests under ideal conditions, they fail to take into account the real situations in which consumers select, eat and drink products. Many consumer decisions and habits play out on a subconscious level, and it is this element in particular that traditional consumer research methods are unable to gauge. Symrise is working with Noldus Information Technology, Wageningen University and VicarVision in pursuit of a completely new approach to consumer research. The ICE (Inside Consumer Experience) project combines situational and observational research methods as a means of studying eating and drinking habits in everyday settings such as preschools, secondary schools, parties and festivals. “Before long we’ll be able to analyze the drinking habits of elderly nursing home residents just as we analyze food choices in supermarkets,” says Clemens Tenge, Manager Market & Consumer Research, Flavor & Nutrition. This involves the use of various methods and tools, such as RFID (radio frequency indicator technology) and GPS, to identify where test subjects pause, what routes they follow and what directions they look; new tools such as “FaceReader” can identify whether individuals are happy, sad or angry. Researchers then combine these tools in ways tailored to the research objectives at hand, and can collect and analyze all data on site in a mobile laboratory. The ICE project builds upon the findings that the project consortium has been obtaining since early this year at the “Restaurant of the Future,” an experimental cafeteria at Wageningen University where patrons’ eating and drinking habits are studied in a real-world setting. “Combining such a wide range of research methods the way we do with the ICE project is very new within Food & Life Sciences,” Clemens Tenge explains. “The Restaurant of the Future was already a departure from the classic experimental testing environment – now we’re taking that one step further and observing people in real-life consumer situations. Even though we can’t influence and control these situations as rigorously as we could a traditional setting, that loss is offset by the valuable insights we gain into unconscious decision-making processes.” Within the ICE research consortium Symrise is already working closely with companies in the food industry in order to tailor the new research methodology as much as possible to customer needs. Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavorings while also manufacturing raw materials and active ingredients for the perfume, cosmetics and food industries. Its sales of €1.27 billion in 2007 place the company among the top four in the international flavors and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise is represented in over 30 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States and South America. Registering over 40 new patents each year, Symrise is one of the most innovative manufacturers on the market. Used by manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics and foods, our products are an inseparable part of daily life. At Symrise we combine an awareness of consumer trends with cutting-edge technologies, focusing on innovative fashion and lifestyle products that have additional practical value for the consumer. Symrise – always inspiring more. www.symrise.com   10.11.2008  ACTICOA™ helps maintain healthy blood pressure Barry Callebaut AG, Zürich, presented the results of new research into ACTICOA™ chocolate at Health Ingredients Europe (HIE) 2008 show in Paris. The study, conducted by the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, demonstrates that ACTICOA™ dark chocolate contributes to maintaining a healthy blood pressure. This confirms earlier studies done. Daily consumption of 17g ACTICOA™ dark chocolate (which contains 500mg of cocoa flavanols) for 2 weeks helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Two test groups consumed a small portion of dark ACTICOA™ chocolate every day for two weeks. For the first group, the portion of ACTICOA™ chocolate contained 500 mg cocoa flavanols, for the second, 1000 mg cocoa flavanols. After two weeks, both groups, independent of the dose, displayed significantly reduced blood pressure. A reduction of 7 points was observed in systolic and 5 points in diastolic blood pressure: expressed as a reduction of 7/5mm of mercury. This reduction has a proven, beneficial effect on our health as a reduction in blood pressure of 7/5 mmHg reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is underwritten by cardiologists the world over. 2 ACTICOA™ cocoa and chocolate are rich in antioxidants and have a scientifically proven beneficial effect on human health. ACTICOA™ keeps our natural resistance to oxidative stress intact, maintains a healthy heart and is good for a healthy blood pressure and blood circulation. ACTICOA™ products protect brain function and give us a general, healthy glow. Hans Vriens, Chief Innovation Officer at Barry Callebaut: “ACTICOA™ chocolate is the only chocolate in the world that contains so many cocoa flavanols. The unique production process of ACTICOA™ preserves the very best from the cocoa bean. Dark ACTICOA™ chocolate, for instance, contains three times as many antioxidants (cocoa flavanols) as standard dark chocolate. A small portion of 17g ACTICOA™ chocolate contains all the flavanols you need to maintain a healthy blood pressure. ACTICOA™ lets you look after your health in the most delicious way possible.”   10.11.2008  14 African nations agree on 30-year cocoa sustainability plan Mars, Inc. has announced that 250 delegates from 14 West and Central African countries along with cocoa industry leaders have finalized a first-ever sustainable cocoa farming plan for Africa. Endorsed by Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor, finance, agriculture and commerce ministers from 14 African nations, scientists, farmers, NGO donor organizations and other experts, the plan is designed to help cocoa farmers significantly increase their income by growing trees that are higher quality, more resistant to disease and drought, and consume fewer natural resources. According to the participants, this is the first inter-governmental pledge of its kind and is of enormous significance to the more than two million cocoa farmers in Africa, where 70 percent of the world's cocoa is grown. "The need to transform and modernize our agriculture practices has never been greater," said Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor. "I look forward to leading the effort to implement the new consensus plan, one which helps our farmers not only survive, but flourish under the challenging economic situation we face currently. It is my hope that the sustainable cocoa plan will serve as a model for other commodities farmers in Ghana and throughout Africa." The Mars-sponsored symposium was hosted by the Government of Ghana in collaboration with the Cocoa Producers Alliance (COPAL), and co-sponsored by the governments of Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Togo. The meeting, entitled "Theobroma Cacao: The Tree of Change," was the third in a biennial series sponsored by Mars. Previous meetings were held in conjunction with The National Academies; however the latest was the first held in partnership with the African Science Academies. The event brought to center stage the role of science towards a sustainable regional and world cocoa economy, which includes sustainable cocoa production, socio-economic development through more profitable incomes for farmers, and ensures that the right environmental foundation remains in place to meet tomorrow's demand. "The consensus plan will have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of cocoa farmers throughout Africa," said G.Y. Gyan-Balfour, Ghana's Deputy Minister of Finance. "The measures and infrastructure we have committed to should make it possible for farmers to increase their cocoa production in the near future, and will ensure that cocoa can be farmed from these lands for generations to come. The potential benefit to cocoa farmers is great, and will help strengthen families and communities throughout the region." The 30-year vision for the cocoa industry identifies specific steps necessary to achieve its goals, including: to create avenues for the effective transfer of scientific information,technology and funding; to establish systems that make advances in cocoa science easily adaptableon the farmer level; to provide information channels that will reach farmers with pertinentupdates on current market prices; government collaboration to ensure farmers get a greater portion of the price for cacao; to integrate research outcomes into vastly expanded extension services developed in innovative, community-based and scalable ways; to utilize generated incomes for improved social services and environmental rehabilitation and to put into place public and private sector services to support multifunctional agriculture. The projected outcomes from implementing the new consensus plan include thriving rural communities based on increased entrepreneurial activities building on improved infra-structure, trade, nutrition/health and education, recognition of African producers by chocolate manufacturers and consumers as consistently producing high quality cocoa, transformation of cocoa farming from subsistence to entrepreneurial models leading to diversification within the agriculture value chains and beyond, income of cocoa farming households far surpassing the Millennium Development Goal targets through increased productivity and diversification of income streams, cocoa landscapes with mosaics of land use integrating forests, agroforests and intensified cropping systems in 50 percent of the cocoa belt in Africa. "Mars is proud of our long history as the global leader in cocoa research and the contribution we continue to make to advancing cocoa science," said Howard-Yana Shapiro, Global Plant Scientist, Mars, Incorporated. "For the first time, we have built consensus among the key stakeholders that cocoa farming in Africa must move to a more sustainable model. "For decades, Mars has been at the forefront of forging unique public-private partnerships that create new social, economic and environmental opportunities for the millions of farmers throughout the tropics who depend on cocoa for their livelihood. This is a quantum leap forward in working towards poverty elimination, renewing the fabric of the rural sector and stabilizing the lives of West African cocoa farmers." The cocoa symposium brought to center stage the role of science towards a sustainable regional and world cocoa economy which includes sustainable cocoa production, socio-economic development through remunerative incomes for farmers and ensures that the environment precursors to meet tomorrow's demand remain in place. Presentations from distinguished keynote speakers from around the world and plenary sessions took place on day one. Day two began with the continuation of the plenary sessions and ended with six working groups covering topics of germplasm, multifunctional agriculture, farmer returns, West Africa, national policy frameworks, and farmer organizations. Mars, Inc. is a family-owned company that produces some of the world's leading confectionery, food and petcare products and has growing beverage and health & nutrition businesses. The confectionery division offers a wide range of products that include chocolate, gum, mints, hard and chewy candies. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Mars operates in more than 70 countries and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries. Mars employs more than 65,000 associates worldwide. The company's global sales are over $27 billion annually. Mars is also the global leader in cocoa research. Decades of Mars research has led to major innovations in the areas of sustainable cocoa farming technology; taste and texture of chocolate products; and the health benefits of cocoa-based compounds such as flavanols. www.cocoasustainability.mars.com/   6.11.2008  Barry Callebaut reports dynamic business growth Barry Callebaut AG, Zürich, has successfully continued its dynamic growth in fiscal year 2007/08 (ending August 31). Sales volumes rose 10.1% to 1,166,007 tonnes, driven by additional business with existing and new customers. Sales revenue increased strongly by 17.3% to CHF 4,815.4 million, mostly due to higher volumes and partly due to higher raw material prices. Excluding cocoa price and exchange rate effects, sales revenue rose 14.3%. As communicated in April 2008, the factors that slowed EBIT growth in the first semester did not reoccur. As a result of this and ongoing cost saving programs, EBIT growth accelerated in the second semester. For the fiscal year as a whole, operating profit (EBIT) rose 5.3% to CHF 341.1 m. Net profit for the year, including discontinued operations, increased 65.6% to CHF 205.5 m. Net profit from continuing operations rose by 1.0% to CHF 209.1 m. A loss on the sale of financial assets and higher financial expenses had a negative impact on net profit in fiscal year 2007/08. Patrick De Maeseneire, CEO of Barry Callebaut, said: “I am satisfied with the sales and profit growth generated in the past fiscal year, which was in line with our expectations. Thanks to our robust business model and our ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, we were able to offset record-high raw material costs and accelerate our operating profit growth in the second semester. Additionally, we continued to grow more than three times as fast as the global chocolate market. These achievements, especially in the face of a challenging market environment, underline the effectiveness of our growth strategy.” Outlook Looking ahead, CEO Patrick De Maeseneire said: “The robustness of Barry Callebaut’s business model, the proven success of our growth strategy and our position as the global market leader will enable us to perform in line with our growth targets in the current fiscal year. Additionally, chocolate is a defensive industry and consumption has proven resilient in previous economic downturns. Indeed, we continued to see good growth in the first two months of the current fiscal year. Thanks to our targeted expansion into high-growth markets, we now have an unrivalled global presence. In addition, we benefit from long-term supply contracts, a diversified product offering and a solid financial structure. All these factors, combined with our ongoing cost savings and efficiency initiatives, make us confident that we will reach our four-year financial targets1, barring any major unforeseen events." In the year under review, capital expenditure was CHF 249.9 m (prior year: CHF 153.1 m) to support Barry Callebaut’s global expansion. Despite these significant investments, the return on invested capital (ROIC) remained stable at 14.0% (prior year: 14.3%). As a result, the Economic Value Added (EVA) generated by Barry Callebaut increased to CHF 126.3 m (prior year: CHF 122.9 m). Barry Callebaut has solid long-term committed financing facilities of EUR 1.2 bn (approximately CHF 2 bn) with an average tenor of 7 years. With a net debt position of CHF 1,041.2 m as per August 2008, Barry Callebaut has only used debt in the amount of around 50-55% of these lines. Additional outsourcing volumes in Western Europe and new business in Eastern Europe led to a 6.5% rise in sales volumes to 786,698 tonnes. Sales volumes grew more than three times as fast as the regional chocolate market despite a challenging economic environment. Sales revenue increased by 15.8% to CHF 3,530.5 m, driven by higher sales volumes and higher sales prices related to higher raw material prices. Operating profit (EBIT) decreased by 4.3% to CHF 277.6 m. Profitability in the region was affected by three factors during the first six months of the fiscal year: start-up costs at the new chocolate factory in Russia; high initial fixed costs and low capacity utilization associated with the gradual phasing-in of large outsourcing volumes and a delay in price adjustments in the branded consumer business as raw material prices moved higher. As the preferred outsourcing partner in the chocolate industry Barry Callebaut’s Food Manufacturers business unit in Europe continued to benefit from additional outsourcing volumes from existing and new customers. The implementation of the long-term supply agreements with Nestlé and Cadbury is on track. Barry Callebaut has significantly increased its presence in Eastern Europe. This promising region delivered very good growth rates, especially once the new chocolate factory in Russia was fully operational. The Gourmet & Specialties business unit reinforced its sales teams and launched promotional activities in key markets, which led to market share gains. To strengthen relationships with customers the Gourmet business unit opened a new Chocolate Academy in Zundert, the Netherlands, in May 2008. To meet the growing demand for convenience products, Barry Callebaut built a specialty factory for ready-to-serve decorated frozen desserts in Alicante, Spain, as part of its joint venture with world-famous pastry chefs Paco and Jacob Torreblanca. In September 2008, Barry Callebaut acquired IBC in Belgium, a company that specializes in chocolate decorations. In October 2008, Barry Callebaut also signed a four-year agreement with Nestlé Italia S.p.A for the exclusive distribution of world-famous Perugina-branded professional chocolate products through the Food Service channel. Over the past 12 months, the entire confectionery industry in Western Europe faced a double challenge of extraordinary high raw material prices and a slowdown in consumer spending. The Consumer Products business unit was not left unaffected. The sale of biscuit factory Wurzener Dauerbackwaren in Germany also had a negative impact on the sales revenue of this unit. In Region Americas, sales volumes were driven by deliveries to Hershey’s under a long-term supply agreement signed last year as well as gains in new business with large and mid-sized customers. All business units contributed to a remarkable increase in sales volumes of 20.6% to 292,614 tonnes. Sales revenue rose 23.1% to CHF 931.6 m on higher volumes. Operating profit increased by 18.4% to CHF 79.5 m despite unfavorable exchange rate developments, which led to a negative translation effect into Swiss francs. Barry Callebaut has transformed its manufacturing network in the Americas by acquiring production capacity in Robinson, Illinois, and a cocoa factory in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Its newly built factory in Mexico provides access to new customers in Central America. The improved operational footprint has led to greater customer proximity and strengthened the company’s market position in the region. The significant growth in the Food Manufacturers business unit was driven by additional outsourcing volumes from new and existing large and mid-sized industrial customers. The Gourmet & Specialties business unit also recorded good growth despite unfavorable exchange rates as the strong euro relative to the US dollar increased the cost of Gourmet products that were imported from Europe. In order to strengthen the relationship with artisanal customers, a new Chocolate Academy opened in Chicago in September 2008. The business unit successfully launched a product range produced in the United States under the brand name “Van Leer” to capture opportunities in the price-sensitive market segment. Barry Callebaut’s sales volumes in the region -Pacific and Rest of World grew by 11.8% to 86,695 tonnes – outpacing the growth registered in the regional chocolate market. Sales revenue rose by 17.1% to CHF 353.3 m. Operating profit went up by 57.1% to CHF 51.7 m, driven by the expansion in Asia and one-off effects related to the sale of the consumer business in Africa. Barry Callebaut sold its entire African consumer business to focus on cocoa sourcing and processing in the region. Volumes at the Food Manufacturers business unit grew exponentially during the second half of the year when additional production capacities came on stream in China. Food safety is Barry Callebaut’s top priority. The new chocolate factory in China therefore applies the same high quality standards and quality controls as all other Barry Callebaut factories worldwide. The capacity expansion in Asia is in line with Barry Callebaut’s strategy to strengthen its presence in fast-growing markets to offset slowing growth in mature markets. In Japan, preparations for the initial chocolate deliveries to Japanese confectionery company Morinaga are underway. The Gourmet & Specialties business unit continues to grow. Two new Chocolate Academies in China and in India allow Barry Callebaut to leverage its potential in the region’s promising artisanal market. To capture the price-sensitive market Barry Callebaut launched a locally produced brand, “Van Houten Professional”, earlier this year. The Industrial business segment focuses on selling cocoa and chocolate products to industrial food processors and consumer goods manufacturers worldwide. It consists of the Cocoa and the Food Manufacturers business units. Cocoa products sold to third-party customers in the Cocoa business unit increased strongly. The combined (cocoa) ratio had a positive impact on Barry Callebaut’s operations as of February 2008. Barry Callebaut increased its global cocoa processing capacity by acquiring a factory in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, U.S. and by buying a 60% stake in KLK Cocoa in Malaysia, now renamed Barry Callebaut Malaysia. The Food Manufacturers business unit continues to see good growth momentum as it benefits from a trend towards outsourcing and from additional business with existing and new customers. Food Service/Retail business segment: Focus on service excellence in Gourmet The Food Service/Retail business segment serves a broad range of customers, from local craftsmen (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants, caterers) to global retailers. It consists of the Gourmet & Specialties and the Consumer Products business units. A solid performance by the Gourmet & Specialties business unit was offset by a negative effect related to the delay in passing on high raw material costs at the Consumer Products business unit. Sales prices for branded consumer products could not be raised until January 2008. Sales revenue of the business unit was also affected by the sale of the biscuit factory Wurzener Dauerbackwaren in Germany and the divestment of the consumer products business in Africa. The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting of December 4, 2008 to maintain the repayment to shareholders at CHF 11.50 per share, representing a payout ratio of 28%. Instead of a dividend payment, the Board of Directors proposes to reduce the share capital of the company through the reduction of the par value per share from CHF 62.20 to CHF 50.70. The par value reduction of CHF 11.50 will be paid out to shareholders free of cost and net of withholding tax in March 2009. All Board members will stand for re-election for another term of office of one year. Further, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General of the Shareholders that Mr. James 'Jim' L. Donald, former President & Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation, be elected as new member of the Board of Directors. With 38 years of experience in the U.S. grocery/retail industry, James “Jim” L. Donald (54) is not only a strong retail operator, but he has also a profound understanding of marketing, merchandising and supply chain and the drivers in a commodity business. Mr. Donald was President & Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation from April 2005 to January 2008. From October 2002 to March 2005, Mr. Donald served as President of Starbucks, North America. Under his leadership, Starbucks experienced strong growth and performance. From October 1996 to October 2002, Mr. Donald served as Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of Pathmark Stores, Inc., a USD 4.6 billion regional supermarket chain located in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Prior to that time he held a variety of senior management positions with Albertson's, Inc., Safeway, Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Mr. Donald currently serves as a board member of Rite Aid Corporation, one of the leading drugstore chains in the U.S. with more than 4900 stores in 31 states. James L. Donald graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Century University, Albuquerque, New Mexico. James L. Donald is a U.S. national.   4.11.2008  Cadbury identifies Russia as The British concern Cadbury had identified Russia as "turnaround market", the Uk online angency just-food reported. Russia's confectionery market will grow in the mid-teens percent next year and Cadbury can gain market share, Steve Strachota, managing director for the region, said. "Our projections for next year are fairly robust. They assume we will be able to gain share in gum and chocolate as Russian consumers trade up from traditional Russian brands," he said. Cadbury, which operates two factories in northwest Russia, is looking to drive profitable growth in the Russian market, where it is currently making a loss. The company said that, as one of its 12 focus markets, it has identified Russia a - a country that is currently "loss making" but has "a lot of potential". "The reason we highlighted Russia is because we want to make it more profitable going forward," the spokesperson said. "It is a high potential country and we're in a good position now to turn it around." As part of this turnaround strategy, Cadbury said that it is focussing on improving distribution.   3.11.2008  Cadbury becomes London 2012 supporter 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. The deal will be effective immediately, giving Cadbury the designation of 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 and ParalympicsGB. At Games time, Cadbury will supply all confectionery and packaged ice cream sold at venues and within the Olympic Park. Cadbury was also an official supplier of the Sydney Games in 2000, as well as the Commonwealth Games in Manchester (2002) and Melbourne (2006). The Bournville-based company becomes London 2012’s second Tier Two supporter, following the announcement of Deloitte as Professional Services Supporter at the end of last year. London 2012 CEO, Paul Deighton, commented: "Following the success of Team GB and ParalympicsGB this summer, we all came back from Beijing with a spring in our step and this has been replicated in the commercial sector - there has been a surge of interest in London 2012 and I’m thrilled that Cadbury - another great and trusted British brand - has come on board. They have a great track record supporting both major sporting events and community initiatives and we welcome them to the London 2012 family. This is another fantastic achievement for the commercial programme and with this deal we have now raised over £430m, which is well on our way to our domestic sponsorship target as part of the £2bn required to stage the Games in 2012." Todd Stitzer, CEO Cadbury plc, said: "For nearly 200 years, Cadbury has been part of the fabric of British life so we are extremely proud to be a supporter of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Since John Cadbury opened a chocolate shop in Birmingham in 1824, we have strived to be a company that is both performance driven and values led – a philosophy that is at one with the long held ethos of the Games: inspiration, optimism and community. London 2012 is a huge opportunity for us all to celebrate everything that is great about Britain and to bring local communities together throughout the UK. We look forward to building on all these things through our existing community partnerships. The Cadbury brand reaches every corner of Britain. The Games has the power to excite and inspire, and by working together we can bring a bit of fun and magic to everyone’s lives."   31.10.2008  Mars products included in Indonesian destruction of Chinese imports Mars Symbioscience Indonesia was shocked to read reports that the Indonesian BPOM (Food and Drug Monitoring Agency) has included M&M’s Chocolate Candies and Snickers bars as part of a government decision to destroy all imports of Chinese products containing dairy ingredients. Mars products are understood to have been included in the destruction, even though tests of those products by the BPOM at its own laboratory this past weekend confirmed that the products are clear of melamine and safe for consumption. The apparent decision to destroy the products follows a surprise when the products were confiscated from an authorized Mars distributor’s warehouse in Beskai. Late last month, the BPOM announced melamine test results which contradicted hundreds of test results and analytical data from governmental agencies and independent laboratories across Asia, Australia and Europe, all of which confirmed that Mars products made in China are safe for consumption. Samples from the same production batch of Mars products which led the BPOM to make its initial announcement were also tested at an independent laboratory in Australia, which found all such samples to be clear of melamine and safe for consumption. Based on all the evidence available, BPOM’s initial announcement appears to have been based on flawed test results. The BPOM is the only agency in the world which has reported high levels of melamine in Mars products made in China. In light of overwhelming evidence from other laboratories confirming the safety of Mars products, the BPOM agreed to work together with Mars to retest products. As part of that process, Mars and the BPOM agreed that no Mars products would be destroyed unless the re-tests confirmed that they were unsafe for consumption. In fact, the opposite happened; joint re-tests were conducted at BPOM laboratories in Jakarta over the weekend and in all cases the tests confirmed that Mars products are clear of melamine and safe for consumption. Noel Janetski, President Director of PT Mars Symbioscience Indonesia said that: “If these reports are true, we find it hard to understand why, given the latest results from BPOM’s own lab confirming the safety of our products, our products were still destroyed. Just this past Sunday we were given a certificate signed by BPOM officials confirming that the Mars products which we understand BPOM has now destroyed are clear of melamine. All of the products were legally imported into Indonesia, properly registered with BPOM and proven to be clear of melamine. While we understand the need for the Indonesian government to make this symbolic gesture to the people of Indonesia, we feel that it is inappropriate for our clearly safe products to have been included.” Mars products made in China have been declared safe by the governments of Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and China. Independent laboratories in Australia have tested numerous samples of M&M’s Chocolate Candies and Snickers bars taken from the same production batch of products destroyed by the BPOM in Jakarta, and all were found to be clear of melamine. More than 100 samples of the milk ingredients used to make Mars chocolate products in China during the last 12 months have been tested by the government of China and an independent lab in Germany and all samples were found to be clear of melamine. “We believe that the consumer is our boss – and that the trust that consumers have in our products is our most critical asset and cannot be compromised. It is this commitment to quality that has, in part, made our brands so popular around the globe.” Mars regrets the unnecessary and substantial damage to its brands by this latest action but will continue to work with the relevant Indonesian authorities to resolve any misunderstanding that led to BPOM’s latest actions and ensure that our consumers in Indonesia can continue to enjoy the products they have known and loved for years.   29.10.2008  Natra develops the first range of functional chocolate bars Natra SA, Spanish listed food company specialized in the production and commercialization of cocoa and chocolate products, has developed the first range of functional chocolate bars specially directed to private label brands. With this international launching, the group starts off a new business line with the goal of taking as much profit as possible of the existing synergies with the biotechnological multinational company Natraceutical Group, where Natra owns 50,27% stake. The aim is to create new products with nutritional added values which may allow international retailer groups to have access to innovative quality products at competitive prices. As a result of this collaboration in research and innovation, Natra develops new cocoa and chocolate products with functional ingredients, active principles and nutritional supplements for the final consumer; it is a range of products which adapts to private label brands and is still to be fully developed. The strategy of Natra takes into consideration living an answer to these specific needs of the International private label market, which is increasing its branded products offer in almost all categories and ranges as a differentiation strategy towards the final consumer. The private label share is increasing in Europe and the US, due o the strategies of big international retailers which draw their customers’ attention through their private label brands and push the whole industry into this adaptation. This is the first product launch which is specifically directed towards the final consumer. It is the result of a tight collaboration between Natra and Natraceutical Group. However, both companies have already developed new products within the field of functional cocoa and chocolate ingredients for the food industry and artisans. The Natraceutical goal of working in the prevention of illnesses and the improvement of quality of life, makes this company a perfect ally for Natra -one of the European companies with the widest range of cocoa and chocolate products for the retailer market. The Chocolactive range of chocolate bars contains more natural ingredients with functional properties than traditional chocolate bars. It consists of five inicial products: Premium Plain Chocolate, with a high content of polyphenols with antioxidant effects; Premium Milk Chocolate, milk chocolate with more polyphenols than a traditional bar; Fibre Chocolate, with more sources of fibre; Energy Chocolate, in which 2 squares have the same amount of caffeine than a cup of coffee; and Low-Lactose, suitable for lactose intolerants.   29.10.2008  Nestle to launch luxury chocolate range in cooperation with Pierre Marcolini The Swiss food concern Nestle SA is introducing a range of luxury chocolates in cooperation with Belgian luxury chocolatier Pierre Marcolini to complement its premium coffee business, Nespresso. Les Grands Crus Nespresso and Les Variations Nespresso will be launched on 17 November in select Nespresso boutiques in Paris and Switzerland. The Les Variations Nespresso five filled chocolate varieties include Cardamome Verte, Vinaigre de Framboise, Fruit de Badiane, Caramel Beurre Salé or Vanille Rose. "Through the investment of Nestlé and through the expertise of our coffee and cocoa experts, we were able to identify and develop a truly unique luxury chocolate offering which includes flavour combinations which harmonise perfectly with the specific profiles of our Grands Crus coffees," said Richard Girardot, CEO, Nestlé Nespresso. The new collection is available in two formats: a single-variety case with 18 chocolates called Les Grands Crus Nespresso and a boxed set of 50 chocolate squares, which includes an assortment of five varieties. Over the course of 2009, the chocolates will be available in more Nespresso boutiques in France and Switzerland.   28.10.2008  Cadbury appoints non-executive director Cadbury plc, London, has appointed Sarah Hogg as a non-executive director. Sarah Hogg has been chairman of 3i Group since 2002. She is also chairman of Frontier Economics, deputy chairman of the Financial Reporting Council and a non-executive director of BG Group. Commenting on the appointment, chairman of Cadbury Roger Carr said: "We have strengthened the board with the appointment of an exceptional non-executive director who brings a wealth of corporate experience and expertise to Cadbury."   23.10.2008  Nestlé is well above long-term target During the first nine months of 2008, consolidated sales of the Nestlé Group amounted to CHF 81.4 billion, an increase of 3.4% in Swiss francs over the same period last year. According to the company, reported sales benefited from a very strong organic growth of 8.9%, including 3.4% real internal growth. Acquisitions, net of divestitures, added another 2.5% to Group sales. The currency effect reduced Group sales by 8.0% due to the strength of the Swiss franc compared to most other currencies. The Group`s Food and Beverages business, with sales of CHF 75.8 billion, was the main contributor to growth, achieving organic growth of 8.9%, including real internal growth of 3.0%. The confectionery sector achieved sales of CHF 8.7 billion, 9.1% organic growth and 2.8% real internal growth. Nestlé reported that the relaunch of the “Best Ever” Kit Kat proved to be successful and the launch of Kit Kat Senses in the UK, Germany and France was also showing strong early results. These initiatives, as well as a continued strong performance in emerging markets contributed to this billionaire brand`s double-digit growth.   21.10.2008  Mars Inc. to launch front-of-pack nutrition labelling globally Mars, Inc, has announced it is proud to be the first confectionery company in the US to voluntarily implement Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) nutrition labelling 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. This announcement is part of a global initiative Mars is undertaking around the world. "Our redesigned labels are the latest examples of Mars' commitment to health and nutrition. By providing clear, concise and understandable information to consumers about what's inside all of our products, we will help them to make informed decisions about the foods they eat," said Bob Gamgort, president of Mars North America. "We make every effort to go beyond what is expected of a global food company." The new label, referred to as "What's Inside," is designed to help consumers quickly and easily locate key nutrition information. The new labels will begin appearing in December and are designed to help consumers make informed choices about their diet. They will be on Mars US chocolate, non-chocolate confectionery and other food products by the end of 2010. This voluntary initiative is part of a global effort of Mars to lead the food industry in creating a healthier environment. The "What's Inside" label adopts the GDA graphics that have initially appeared in Europe. GDAs feature the calorie totals in large type on the front of the products and highlight more detailed information in an easier-to-read box on the back of the product, including calories, fat, sugar and sodium. Mars conducted market research earlier this year and found this style and design to be the clear favorite among consumers,contributing to the best information retention rates. The new GDA format forms part of a global commitment to health and nutrition that includes providing clear and transparent information to consumers and bold, innovative product development efforts. Mars has also launched a new educational web site, www.marshealthyliving.com, which provides additional nutrition information about Mars products. Over the coming months, MarsHealthyLiving.com will debut tools to calculate caloric intake and tips for weight management and making healthy lifestyle choices, as well as newsletters and expert advice on healthy living. "Many Americans struggle to make smart decisions when it concerns their diet; it often is difficult to eat thoughtfully and carefully. The more information consumers get, the easier it will be for them to make good choices. I think the Mars program is a wonderful first step in the direction of better labels, more information, and better decisions," said Arthur Frank, M.D., medical director, George Washington University Weight Management Program, Washington, D.C. The nutrition education initiative is the most recent demonstration of Mars' deep commitment to and leadership in health and nutrition.

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