Tony’s Chocolonely says ethical sourcing helped sustain cocoa-hit sales growth. Its 2024/25 FAIR report cites 32,133 farmers covered by its sourcing principles, and 99.9% verified deforestation-free cocoa, as the brand expands direct supply chains while maintaining product specs.
CoBank’s Brian Earnest outlined poultry constraints at IPPE 2026 forum. He said labour remains tight, chicken demand is still rising, and processors are leaning harder on heavier birds, further processing, and automation.
McCain will trial regenerative potato farming on 202 hectares locally. A new research partnership will test circular nutrients, low-input rotations, and publish annual performance data.
GNT is pitching functional Exberry colours for confectionery reformulation now. At ISM Ingredients 2026 in Cologne, it showcased fruit gum concepts pairing plant-based colours with added actives such as vitamins, caffeine, and botanicals for “better-for-you” sweets positioning.
Milk prices are falling as UK processors confront oversupply today. Arla, Müller, and First Milk have announced sharp cuts into early 2026, with some contracts moving into the mid-30ppl range. Farming bodies warn prolonged losses will accelerate exits and weaken future supply resilience.
Cocoa prices eased in January, but long-term volatility persists globally. ICCO’s composite daily price fell from $5,984/tonne on 5 January to $5,103/tonne on 14 January, yet manufacturers are still treating cocoa as a high-risk input as EU deforestation compliance clocks keep ticking.
IFT sees Value 3.0 steering drinks, alongside GLP-1 shifts behaviour. The Institute of Food Technologists says affordability remains dominant, while weight-management drugs continue to reshape consumer expectations around portion size, nutrient density, and functional benefits.
China lifts Ireland’s beef ban, restoring a key export route. Dublin says the 2024 suspension has been dropped, and a Chinese customs database shows imports from Irish exporters resumed on Monday after the Taoiseach’s Beijing visit.
USDA’s January outlook nudges citrus up, cotton down, stocks swell. All-orange utilised production is forecast at 2.399 million tons, while cotton output is pegged at 13.918 million bales and Dec 1 corn stocks at 13.282 billion bushels.