Sweets & Snacks

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2024 – For over a century, Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG has been a beacon of excellence in the chocolate industry. Founded in 1912 by Alfred Eugen and Clara Ritter, the family-owned company has remained true to its core values of quality, sustainability, and innovation, becoming a beloved brand not only in Germany but around the world.

A Commitment to Sustainable Cocoa

Ritter Sport, the company's flagship brand, is renowned for its iconic square chocolate bars, available in over 40 varieties. But what truly sets Ritter Sport apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainable cocoa production. As the first major chocolate manufacturer to exclusively use certified sustainable cocoa for its entire range, Ritter has set an industry standard for ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing.

Partnerships for Progress

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2024 – Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG reports a slight increase in both volume and sales for 2023. Sales rose by five percent to 565 million euros (2022: 538 million euros). This means that the family-owned company continues its positive development of recent years in a challenging market environment.

While Ritter had to accept a slight decline in sales in its domestic market of Germany due to temporary delivery stops, numerous foreign markets such as Austria, Italy, Denmark, and Great Britain continued to develop well. The company's export quota from Waldenbuch in Swabia thus rose to around 60 percent in 2023.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2024 – Cologne, Germany – In a world increasingly conscious of animal welfare and sustainability, Katjes has emerged as a beacon of delicious change. This German candy company has defied expectations, proving that plant-based sweets can be just as exciting and flavorful as their traditional counterparts.

A Sweet Legacy, A Modern Twist

Katjes's roots stretch back to 1950, a time when confectionery was a far cry from its current incarnation. Yet, even then, the company displayed a knack for innovation. Fast forward to 2010, and a pivotal shift occurred – Katjes made the groundbreaking decision to transition to 100% vegetarian production, becoming a pioneer in the field. And they haven't looked back since.

Veganism Reimagined

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 20, 2023 –

• Official inauguration of the CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™ center New York, the best platform for chefs and artisans to develop and showcase their talent and skills
• The CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™ center NYC is located in the heart of New York City, one of the world’s most influential cultural centers and a destination for elevated confection training

The Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is proud to launch its second CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™ center in the United States, located in the heart of New York City. This new facility serves as a creative space where chefs and artisans can develop their talent and skills. The CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™ center NYC is part of the wider CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™ center network which now has 27 academies across the globe.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 19, 2023 – Rebel Kitchen®, part of sustainable snacking and beverage business Nurture Brands, is set to launch a reformulation of their popular Organic & plant-based Mylk Shakes® as Non-HFSS, Nut-Free and will introduce two new flavours of Strawberry & Vanilla. The 250ml range will go live from mid-February as it rolls out nationwide.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 19, 2023 – The Primal Pantry part of sustainable snacking and beverage business Nurture Brands are re-launching their plant-based protein bars with a new better than ever recipe. Available in Cocoa Brownie 55g and Chocolate Orange 55g, the reformulation includes a new vegan chocolate coating and a move away from hemp protein to pea protein in line with consumer feedback.

“We are excited to bring innovation that fulfils consumer demand for a protein bar that delivers on taste while remaining entirely plant-based," says Adam Draper, Managing Director of Nurture Brands. “We also know that consumers continue to go crazy for chocolate orange, so with the introduction of natural orange oil, we’re confident our Chocolate Orange protein bar will be a hit,” adds Adam.

Both bars are available now in Waitrose and Amazon.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 19, 2023 – Vegan confectionery maker, Doisy & Dam, has become the latest addition to the Nurture Brands range, adding their premium range of sustainable, premium chocolates to Nurture Brands’ expanding portfolio. 

“Doisy & Dam is a real disrupter because it brings the excitement and formats from the dairy milk category into plant-based chocolate” said Ben Arbib, Founder of Nurture Brands. “Doisy & Dam will broaden Nurture Brands into the confectionery sector whilst also complementing our better-for-you and sustainability led proposition”.

Doisy & Dam founder, Richard Wilkinson, comments: “We look forward to seeing our brand grow under Nurture Brands and wish them every success for the future.”  Doisy & Dam was certified a B Corp in 2016 and makes chocolates that are 100% plant-based, made with ethically sourced cocoa and are 100% palm oil free.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 17, 2023 – FINE SELECTION TASTING BOX – TREE to BAR

DARK, MILK & WHITE GOLD CHOCOLATE

Antananarivo, Madagascar - A tasting journey selection box containing 12 off 5g tablets of award winning fine “Tree to Bar” chocolate of Madagascar, grown and crafted all at origin like a fine wine, cheese or beer, capturing more of the authentic fresh cacao flavours. The cacao origin is the Grand Cru de Sambirano, north west Madagascar, recognised for its fine fruity flavours.

The fine chocolate is crafted without chemicals and without added flavourings.

The tasting box consists with White Gold Chocolate 45% cacao, using pure undeodorized natural cacao butter , cane sugar and milk. Fine milk chocolate 50% cacao and a dark milk with 80% cacao with very low added sugars. Fine dark chocolate 65%, 85% and the Academy of Chocolate Golden Bean winner dark 100% cacao.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 17, 2023 – Antananarivo, Madagascar – Chocolat Madagascar , a world class tree to bar fine chocolate and cacao grower, is excited to announce the launch of – Raw Coarse Ground Dark 70% unroasted cacao & nibs . This 75g product brings fresh new flavours, texture and more flavanols (antioxidants) and wins the Academy of Chocolate award as well.

Freshly crafted from unroasted (or raw) single estate Mava cacao, provides a different tasting experience to roasted cacao, offering brighter fruity citrus flavours. More mouthfeel texture is provided by grinding the cacao more coarsely and mixing with unrefined cane sugar of Faharetana, Madagascar and larger unroasted cacao nibs.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 17, 2023 – Antananarivo, Madagascar – 12 April 2023 – Chocolat Madagascar , a world class tree to bar fine chocolate and cacao grower, is excited to announce the launch of our latest innovation – Raw Mava Estate Fine Dark 100% unroasted cacao . This 75g product brings fresh new flavours and more flavanols (antioxidants). Flavanols can help to protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

In addition to their antioxidant properties, flavanols have been shown to have a number of other potential health benefits, including improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing cognitive function.