General News
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iSM: Tunnock’s - a rich history and a bright future
30 January 2020Stand J039, Hall 4.2 Based in Uddingston, Scotland, Tunnock’s have been producing quality products for the food industry since 1890. Headed by the grandson of Thomas Tunnock (b.1865), the family business has been a staple name in the confectionery industry with well-known products names such as Teacakes, Caramel Wafers, Snowballs and Caramel Log Biscuits to name a few. Tunnock’s commitment to investing in the latest innovation and technology has enabled the company to now produce in excess of 500 million biscuits annually - which is just as well given that they now export to over 30 countries. Long established export markets such as Saudi Arabia are now very mature for Tunnock’s and couple that with the fresh retail strategies in Australia, Canada and the USA, there is no doubt that Tunnock’s demand is higher than ever. As a beloved distributor of sweet treats for over a century now, Tunnock’s have been continuing to adapt and expand into the 21st century and are set to bring traditional values with modern approaches to ISM’s 50th anniversary. With their recent innovation of bite size Caramel Wafers performing so well, Tunnock’s have now launched bite size Caramel Logs too. Both of which are now available in eye catching pouches, which will be on display at this year’s iSM. Sir Boyd Tunnock’s Knighthood Becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable confectionery treats, the creator of Tunnock’s teacakes, Boyd Tunnock, received a knighthood at Buckingham Palace on 21st November 2019 for his services to business and charity. The 86-year-old, who runs the family-owned business in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, revealed that The Queen prefers his snack over the caramel wafer, invented by his father. Sir Boyd said: “She said she prefers the teacakes and I said I'll send her some over!” The chocolate-coated marshmallow on a biscuit base was designed by Sir Boyd in 1956.The caramel wafer made up of five layers of wafer, four layers of caramel and fully coated in chocolate, was created by Sir Boyd's father Archie in 1952.Sir Boyd jokes: “I prefer the caramel wafers but only because we make more money from them.” New export manager Thomas Tunnock hired Kevin Hayes as Export Manager in October 2019 as a replacement for the retiring Mr Alan Burnett, who had been at the helm for some 16 years. Bringing over 13 years’ experience in sales functions ranging from the technology sector to textiles and food exports, Hayes has been managing sales of Scottish made goods to overseas markets successfully for over six years, specifically in textile products and Scottish Salmon. “I am incredibly excited to begin my journey at Tunnock’s, to build upon the solid foundations the Tunnock’s family have laid in key markets worldwide and continue to develop our presence on the global stage,” says Hayes. Export sales in Tunnock’s now account for 20% of the company’s turnover with recent growth coming from strong existing markets which have benefitted from now having the ability to better keep up with consumer demand since the factory extensionandfresh approaches in some of the company’s existing markets have led to new high-volume sales channels opening with national retailers in a number of territories. Hayes concludes: “You cannot fail to be impressed with the rich history of success this family business has achieved in export markets, the loyal relationships they have developed over many years with fantastic overseas partners and the drive the company has to develop and grow market share for the Tunnock’s brand.”
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iSM: Hames Chocolate launches first British chocolate range
30 January 2020Stand J031, Hall 4.2 Hames Chocolates is launching its first British chocolate bar range on 1st February 2020. Made with sustainably grown cocoa from Cocoa Horizons and milk from cows who graze in British meadows, the Great British Chocolate range is made in the company’s factory in Lincolnshire. The new range, which consists of a milk, white, 55% dark and 71% dark chocolate bar and come in two sizes (94g and 65g), was developed with the British palate in mind. With its own design, printing and packing facility in house, Hames Chocolates offers bespoke gifting and confectionery solutions and with an option for express delivery, businesses can also place last-minute orders. Alongside the Great British Chocolate range, Hames Chocolates’ also manufactures truffles, filled chocolates, chocolate bars, chocolate Neapolitans, Easter eggs, private label chocolates, bespoke chocolates, moulded chocolates, hollow chocolate figures and chocolate boxes, which make ideal business gifts.
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MFG Tray: Increasing mogul efficiency
30 January 2020MFG Tray starch trays readily integrate with a variety of moguls ensuring unprecedented durability, cleanability, and food product safety. They are interchangeable with wood trays and may be integrated into production lines using both materials. Several confectionery operations using MFG Tray starch trays have noted an increase in production efficiency as composite trays can be run at higher line speeds. The precise sizing and dimensional stability of MFG Tray starch trays contribute to improved mogul efficiency, and the durability of composite construction ensures value and a long service life. MFG Tray manufactures ventilated drying trays, mogul starch trays, gum trays, holding and work-in-progress trays in a variety of designs and sizes to meet the specific needs of confectionery operations. The inherent strength and dimensional stability of MFG Tray composite trays make them exceptionally well suited for confectionery production. Their wide operating temperature range of -60° to 250° F (-51° to 121° C), smooth surface texture, stain resistance, and easy cleaning are critical performance factors contributing to their suitability for confectionery operations. In response to confectionery manufactures desire for a material that is detectable in their finished product should a tray become damaged MFG Tray developed and introduced their patent pending X-DTectTM Compositematerial made from high-strength, glass-reinforced composites specifically formulated for X-ray detection. Thanks to this innovative new material, product contamination can be detected down to one cubic millimeter. MFG Tray Starch Trays Benefits: Expressly designed to integrate with all regular and jumbo-sized moguls Dimensional stability ensures compatibility with high-speed machines Contoured corners will not trap moisture or starch residue Stack without sagging or warping Completely open sides for optimal air flow Space-saving stacking design that eliminates the need for separate drying racks Many sizes and custom designs available Offering X-DTect™; X-ray detectable composite material 6090 All materials used in the construction of MFG Tray products are listed in NSF Standard No. 2 and in the USFDA Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21. MFG Tray confectionery trays have been independently tested and certified per EEC Directives. MFG Tray will be exhibiting their starch trays at Interpack 2020, Stand A144.
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iSM: Gut Springenheide - for lovers of dark chocolate
30 January 2020Stand C050 - C058, Hall 10.2 Gut Springenheide has created a new special filling in natural eggshells for lovers of dark chocolate. Dark Praline Chocolate – a delicious specialty made from carefully refined exquisite ingredients – results in a unique pleasure experience. With an infinitely delicate melt-in-the-mouth and a fine bitter chocolate profile, this is a harmonious composition that nobody should miss. The product comes exclusively packaged in the noble chocolate-coloured single egg packaging where the golden design of the Praline Chocolate Egg comes into its own. Following an old Germany tradition, Munsterland-based Gut Springenheide produce specialities in eggshells for Easter. Hand-made ‘Real Eggshells filled with Praline Chocolate’ are a long-established luxury confectionery item in Germany. The earliest Easter eggs were also real eggshells painted with vegetable dye and charcoal, a tradition that continues around the world to this day.
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iSM: Orchard Valley Food Group set to show biggest range
28 January 2020Stand H021 J020, Hall 4.2 The group brands of Orchard Valley Foods Group (OVF), including recent acquisitions Confection by Design and County Confections, will be exhibiting together for the first time at the ISM Show this year. The combined Orchard Valley Foods Group comprising Confection by Design (now Orchard Valley Foods Harrogate), County Confection (now Orchard Valley Foods St Ives) as well as Candeco (now Orchard Valley Foods Malmo) and the original Orchard Valley based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire will be showcasing its largest range of inclusions, decorations, fudges and honeycombs yet, along with new vegan suitable sugar shapes, mallows, biscuit, fudge, lemon sugar crunch and nonpareils strands. Reflecting the current trend for caramel flavoured products, the Orchard Valley Foods’ team will be available to discuss its expertise in caramel, including fudge, toffee, hard boiled caramel and honeycomb. The company’s latest innovation, ToffeeComb™, a richer, more intense version of honeycomb, developed to be used across a range of ice cream, desserts and sweet bakery applications will be a highlight. Unique to Orchard Valley, Toffeecomb™, is a fusion of the many flavour layers found in toffee or butterscotch with the open bubble structure of a honeycomb or cinder toffee. The product’s aeration means that it has 30% less sugar than standard toffee inclusions, making it an ideal solution for adding texture and subtle sweetness to reduced sugar bakes and desserts. ToffeeComb™ is also versatile enough to be used as the basis for other exciting flavour combinations too such as sweet and salty, Autumn flavours and Black colourways. Also on show will be County Confection’s exciting range of artisan chocolate creations, from Easter Eggs and shaped characters, to coated honeycomb and chocolate bars. Confectionery Confection is skilled – and passionate – about making bespoke chocolate products, whatever the season, applying artisan skills on a large scale. The new Orchard Valley Foods Group and supplies decorations and inclusions to the global ice cream, confectionery, bakery and chocolate industries, along with an assortment of products from high quality manufacturing partners, including fudge, biscuit pieces, toffee chips, mini marshmallows, chocolate pieces and sprinkles. The combination of Orchard Valley Foods’ international sales, marketing and distribution, along with Candeco’s flagship manufacturing site in Malmo, Sweden, makes for a first-class business. Direct from the Malmo site, the new Orchard Valley Foods Group is now able to offer an even wider range of caramel and fudge formats. Cherry Blumberg MD of The Orchard Valley Foods Tenbury Wells said: “Orchard Valley Foods is dedicated to being ‘the ingredient that makes a difference’ for food and confectionery industry customers across The Globe, from large scale manufacturers to food service operators of all size. The scale of our company means that customers can rely on us as a ‘one stop shop’ solution for all their decoration and inclusion needs.”
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iSM: Elizabeth Shaw to showcase new and best-selling ranges
28 January 2020Stand J011, Hall 4.2 Elizabeth Shaw, a leading heritage brand in UK confectionery, will return to ISM 2020. With a British legacy spanning more than 130 years, Elizabeth Shaw is renowned for its now classic After Dinner Mint and Liqueurs range, synonymous with the Christmas season and quality gifting among UK consumers. Recognised as the world’s leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks innovation, ISM will see Elizabeth Shaw celebrate the launch of its ‘Ginspired Tipples,’ the first in-laid boxed chocolate to be brought to market by the brand beyond its established Mint collection. A sharing centrepiece at Christmas and all year-round, ‘Ginspired Tipples’ (178g), developed in collaboration with British craft gin Pinkster, contains 15 contemporary gin-cocktail chocolate flavours, infused with original Pinkster made from real fruit – a ‘gin lovers treat.’ The launch has expanded Elizabeth Shaw’s foothold in the boxed chocolate market, which had a registered total retail sales value of £830m in the UK in 2018, with in-laid accounting for 25% of this value. Elizabeth Shaw’s luxuriously tempting range of Chocolate Biscuit retail and gifts packs will also make a return to this year’s fair. Positioned within the UK’s Top 10 Luxury Biscuit brands, each flavour combines indulgent chocolate with crisp, crunchy and chewy textures; a modern yet classic offering within everyday treats and seasonal gifts. Speaking ahead of the fair, Karen Crawford, Managing Director of Elizabeth Shaw, said: “After a hugely successful attendance at last year’s ISM, we’re back this year to spread the word and educate visitors about our rich British heritage, and the opportunities that come with working with us. “Our strength lies in spearheading product innovation and flavour collaborations – designed to offer UK and international retailers something different at Christmas.” Source: Nielsen 05.01.19 Source: Nielsen Scantrack Total Coverage 52 WE 29.12.18
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Lindt & Sprüngli Travel Retail welcomes Chinese New Year with LINDT China Brand Ambassador Xin Zhilei
27 January 2020Lindt & Sprüngli Travel Retail is bringing more magical moments to passengers for 2020 Chinese New Year with a new promotional campaign starring actress and LINDT China Brand Ambassador (瑞士莲中国区品牌代言人), Xin Zhilei. Xin Zhilei is one of China’s most successful young actresses with leading roles in many blockbuster films, including 2018 China box office hit, Rescue. She is also a highly popular figure among young Chinese millennials, with more than 10.5 million followers on her Weibo social media account. Xin Zhilei will be the face of LINDT Chinese New Year installations appearing at selected China airports and downtown stores and Dubai Duty Free stores. She will also feature in a social media and digital campaign, while Dubai Duty Free customers will additionally be able to have a selfie taken with a virtual version of the star via the LINDT Magical Selfie Mirror from now until March 2020. Lindt & Sprüngli Travel Retail will bring further joy to travellers with its stunning selection of festive LINDT gifts for Chinese New Year. This includes the Chinese New Year Assorted LINDT Napolitains Carrier Box 500g, with the bestselling LINDT Napolitains available in a collectable sharing box featuring an eye-catching fireworks design. A 145g gift box, liveried in an elegant fireworks motif and filled with Lindt Swiss Masterpieces, will also be available. LINDOR Tubes, available in Chinese New Year colours of classic red (LINDOR Milk) and premium gold (LINDOR Milk, Dark, White and Hazelnut), will provide a moment of bliss with the irresistibly smooth-melting LINDOR Balls. LINDOR is the most popular and versatile brand of LINDT, and is growing in popularity among Chinese travellers as it fulfils their need for sharing and self-treat confectionery. All products in the Chinese New Year range are travel retail exclusive, contain no alcohol, and are available across the Asia Pacific region and worldwide. Their launch will be supported with impactful displays augmented with eclectic animated fireworks. These will be located at key travel sites – including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hainan Island, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Melbourne and Sydney – until 5th February. As the Chinese travel market continues to grow, festive celebrations such as Chinese New Year will provide further opportunities to meet consumer demand for gifting products – the second largest purchase driver in travel retail. With its extensive range of premium, travel retail exclusive gifts, Lindt & Sprüngli Travel Retail is perfectly placed to help travel retailers take full advantage of this important seasonal occasion. Peter Zehnder, General Manager of Lindt & Sprüngli Travel Retail, said: “We’re delighted to be working with our new LINDT China Brand Ambassador (瑞士莲中国区品牌代言人) Xin Zhilei on our latest activity celebrating Chinese New Year. As one of China’s leading young actresses, her presence in our new campaign will reinforce the reputation of LINDT as a prestigious global brand and raise awareness among Chinese millennial shoppers.”
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Right on the button: Nestlé announces big Smarties news
24 January 2020There is now a completely new way to enjoy the colour and fun of one of Nestlé’s best-loved brands - with the launch of Smarties Buttons. Smarties Buttons are available in milk, white and orange-flavoured chocolate, all containing mini Smarties. They will begin appearing in shops across the UK and Ireland from this week in both sharing bags and single packs. Alberto Pisanello, Brand Manager for Smarties, said: “We know that Smarties hold special memories for so many people, and they are much loved for their bright colours, taste and texture. At the same time, consumers tell us they like their favourite brands to keep things fresh with exciting innovations and new varieties to try. “Our Smarties Buttons offer all the fun, colour and crunch of Smarties, enveloped in a delicious smooth milk, white or orange-flavoured chocolate button. It’s Smarties reimagined, and we are tremendously excited to introduce this new addition to the family. We hope fans love them as much as we do!” Smarties Buttons are being made at Nestlé’s factory in Fawdon, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The factory is home to some of the UK’s best-known confectionery brands, including Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles and Jelly Tots, Rolo, Caramac, Munchies and Toffee Crisp. Smarties Buttons go on sale over the next few weeks in all major retailers. The milk chocolate variety is available as a single 32.5g pack and a 90g sharing bag; and the white chocolate version as a single 30g pack and an 85g sharing bag. Orange Smarties Buttons, available in an 85g sharing bag, are available exclusively in Asda.
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Bodycare agrees deal to stock sugar free Joe's Mint Balls
23 January 2020Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls has agreed a deal to supply the sugar-free version of its word famous confectionery to national health and beauty retailers Bodycare. Packets of Sugar Free Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls are now available at Bodycare’s 130 stories across the UK to coincide with the upsurge in healthier eating after Christmas. Bodycare already purchases eight other lines from Uncle Joe’s including the traditional Mint Balls, Winter Nips, Herbal Cough Sweets and Throat & Chest Lozenges. The Sugar Free Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls are favourites of the new Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the MP for Chorley, after he was diagnosed with diabetes. John Winnard, Joint Managing Director of Uncle Joe’s, said: “Our sugar free lines have become big sellers as more and more people try to reduce their sugar intake. “The deal with Bodycare allows you to pick up a bag of your favourite sweets without breaking the healthy eating regime which many people embark on at the start of the new year.” Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls are made by Wigan-based William Santus and Co Ltd, a privately-owned traditional sweet company that was established in 1898. The ownership has been passed down through the family generations. The Mint Balls are still manufactured using the same traditional methods as when Mrs Santus originally made the sweets in her kitchen in 1898. Last April, HRH Prince Charles enjoyed a tour of the Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls factory in Wigan to celebrate the centenary of The Toffee Works. He saw how the sweets were manufactured and met Joint Managing Directors Antony Winnard and John Winnard MBE, the great, great nephews of the company’s founder, William Santus. The completely natural “secret recipe” has been passed down through the family generations. Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls contain no artificial additives or colours, they are GM free, gluten free and are suitable for the vegetarian/vegan market.
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Nestlé creates market for food-grade recycled plastics, launches fund to boost packaging innovation
22 January 2020Nestlé has announced that it will invest up to CHF 2 billion (£1.59 billion) to lead the shift from virgin plastics to food-grade recycled plastics and to accelerate the development of innovative sustainable packaging solutions. Building on its 2018 commitment to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, Nestlé will reduce its use of virgin plastics by one third in the same period whilst working with others to advance the circular economy and endeavour to clean up plastic waste from oceans, lakes and rivers. Food quality and safety are paramount, and packaging plays a major role in assuring this. Most plastics are difficult to recycle for food packaging, leading to a limited supply of food-grade recycled plastics. To create a market, Nestlé is therefore committed to sourcing up to 2 million metric tons of food-grade recycled plastics and allocating more than CHF 1.5 billion (£1.19 billion) to pay a premium for these materials between now and 2025. Nestlé will seek operational efficiencies to keep this initiative earnings neutral. Packaging innovation, including new materials, refill systems and recycling solutions, is another key challenge on the path towards a waste-free future. In addition to its significant inhouse research through the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, the company will launch a CHF 250 million sustainable packaging venture fund to invest in start-up companies that focus on these areas. These two initiatives come in addition to Nestlé’s major ongoing efforts in research, sourcing and manufacturing to make its packaging recyclable or reusable and contribute to its goal to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of the company’s packaging commitment and to increase transparency, Nestlé will continue to outline further initiatives and provide regular progress updates. “No plastic should end up in landfill or as litter,” said Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé. “Making recycled plastics safe for food is an enormous challenge for our industry. That is why in addition to minimizing plastics use and collecting waste, we want to close the loop and make more plastics infinitely recyclable. We are taking bold steps to create a wider market for food-grade recycled plastics and boost innovation in the packaging industry. We welcome others to join us on this journey.” "We are pleased to see Nestlé commit a CHF 2 billion investment toward creating a circular economy for plastics, alongside a reduction of its use of virgin plastic in packaging by one third by 2025. By eliminating the plastics we don’t need, innovating in areas like reuse models and new materials, and circulating the plastics we do need -- also in more challenging food grade applications -- we can create an economy where plastic never becomes waste. Achieving the commitments announced today will significantly contribute towards realizing this vision,” said Andrew Morlet, CEO, Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
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