CONSUMER REPORTS DARK CHOCOLATE STUDY
Heavy metals found in 'expertly crafted' Lindt chocolates: How safe is your favorite treat?
Lindt & Spr¨¹ngli is under legal scrutiny in the US after traces of lead and cadmium were found in its dark chocolates. Following a 2022 report, the Swiss chocolatier now faces a class action lawsuit. The controversy raises questions about the company's marketing claims, health risks of heavy metals, and the broader issue of consumer protection in food labelling.
Qcomm a hit, FMCG firms dress up to ace screen test
Consumer goods companies are revamping packaging for daily essentials and groceries to attract consumers on quick commerce platforms. Firms like Parle, Godrej, and Weikfield Foods are focusing on visually appealing designs to boost sales, capitalizing on the growing demand for ecommerce.
This Diwali, gifts will mean a lot more¡ spending
This Diwali, consumers may face higher costs for gift hampers as prices of dry fruits and chocolates have surged. An ET study reveals a 14% average increase in prices due to lower supply and rising cocoa costs. Industry executives fear this inflation could dampen consumer demand during the festive season.
Qcomm data and GDP maths; Blinkit, Zepto pilot returns
The government is exploring using transaction data from quick commerce platforms to gauge shifts in consumer spending habits. This and more in today¡¯s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
71% of Indian consumers intend to shop online this festive season: report
According to a survey by market research firm Ipsos Research, commissioned by Amazon India, 71% respondents indicated they plan to shop online this festive season, while 89% expressed excitement about the upcoming festivities.
Chocolate's future could hinge on success of growing cocoa not just in the tropics, but in the lab
California Cultured, a plant cell culture company, is growing cocoa from cell cultures at a facility in West Sacramento, California, with plans to start selling its products next year. It puts cocoa bean cells in a vat with sugar water so they reproduce quickly and reach maturity in a week rather than the six to eight months a traditional harvest takes, said Alan Perlstein, the company's chief executive. The process also no longer requires as much water or arduous labor.
World's biggest terror organisation ISIS now turns to AI for next-gen growth
The Islamic State has started using artificial intelligence to create high-quality propaganda videos and chatbots to recruit members online. This recent development has raised concerns among digital experts, who warn that AI could facilitate extremist activities and cyber-attacks. Regulation of AI is being emphasized to mitigate these threats.
Changing consumer trends: Premium outperforms mass as ¡®new¡¯ India seeks quality of life
Demand for premium products, including hair serums and fabric conditioners, has grown significantly in the last two years, driven by increasing affluence and changing consumer preferences. Companies like Hindustan Unilever and Mondelez India have seen notable growth in their high-end product sales, indicating a shift towards quality and convenience in consumer choices.
Cancer-linked neurotoxic metals found in dark chocolate. Should you worry?
Lead and cadmium are found in dark chocolate, a new study has found. The researchers tested 72 dark chocolate bars.
Heavy metal in most chocolates may not pose health risk, researchers say
Some consumer groups and independent test agencies have previously reported heavy metal contamination in cocoa products such as dark chocolate, with possible causes being the type of soil where cocoa is grown and industrial processing. Researchers at the George Washington University School of Medicine and ConsumerLab.com found that 70 of the 72 cocoa-containing products they analyzed fell below limits set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lead contamination.
Global consumer firms single out India for its investment potential
Leaders of major global consumer companies, including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser, Mondelez, PepsiCo, Domino's, Levi's, and AO Smith, have highlighted India as a key investment market, particularly for urban-centric and discretionary products.
Rural market likely to report 6.1 pc volume growth in FY25: Report
The FMCG sector reported a projected 6.1% volume growth in rural markets for this fiscal, driven by population but hindered by inflation and savings focus. Premium products are increasingly popular, especially via e-commerce.
Why prices for chocolate and cocoa went nuts
For much of the past decade, the price of cocoa in one key global benchmark hovered around $2,500 per metric ton.
Oh dear! The bill for your dinner date just went up. Blame it on pricey cocoa, coffee, palm oil & sugar
The cost of dining out and ordering in restaurants is rising, with bills potentially rising 5-8% starting this month. This is the first increase in about 1.5 years, as prices of cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and sugar have surged over the past quarter. Cocoa prices have reached a record, reaching over $10,000 per tonne, following disappointing harvests in key producing countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast. Cocoa prices have doubled in the January-March quarter from the preceding one, and cocoa butter has risen over 150% in just one year.
Chocolate Day 2024: Exploring the health benefits and culinary uses of chocolate
As Valentine's Week commences, chocolate takes center stage, offering not only sweet gestures but also a plethora of health benefits. From its ancient Mesoamerican origins to its modern-day variations, chocolate has evolved into a beloved treat globally. Rich in flavanols, dark chocolate may lower blood pressure and prevent liver damage. Additionally, it boosts heart health, improves mood, and enhances brain function. With its versatility, chocolate adds a touch of indulgence to various dishes, making it a delightful addition to any diet.
Healthy Bite: Dark Chocolate to be the fastest growing segment in India
A number of local brands now produce high-quality dark chocolate because it is what consumers want ¡ª especially in a post-pandemic world where health dominates people¡¯s minds. California-based Dr Bharat Rakshak DDS, MDS, says high-quality dark can provide antioxidants, improve heart health, and potentially boost mood due to compounds like flavonoids and theobromine.
World Chocolate Master Elias Laderach feels that chocolate is best savoured through five senses
World Chocolate Master and co-owner at L?derach Chocolatier Suisse, Elias L?derach tells ET Panache what it was like living above a chocolate factory and answers our burning question: Is the world running out of chocolate?
Consumption of chips, chocolates and cold drink could increase depression, sadness: Study
A global study conducted by Sapiens Labs found a strong correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and a decline in mental wellbeing. The research, based on data from 30,000 Indian participants, revealed that those who consume UPFs multiple times a day face a nearly threefold increased risk of experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues. UPFs are mass-produced products such as carbonated beverages, packaged snacks, and pre-packaged meals.
89 per cent of Indian consumers are concerned about food inflation: Study
For Indians, snacking is a daily staple as 76% of people in the country snacking at least twice a day. In fact, early morning snacking is quite common with 42% of Indian consumers eating a snack before breakfast, compared to just 24% of global consumers.
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