FROM THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL Editor
Kiran Grewal
kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk Features Editor
Suzanne Callander
scallander@kennedys.co.uk
Production & Design Marc Miller
ADVERTISING
Business Development Manager
Gary Smythson
gsmythson@kennedys.co.uk 01622 699183
Subscriptions Manager Nic Wood
nic.wood@c-cms.com EVENTS
Gary Smythson
gsmythson@kennedys.co.uk 01622 699183
ACCOUNTS
accounts@datateam.co.uk
Trade fairs like interpack remain one of the most important touchpoints for the confectionery sector. They offer something that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere: a complete, tangible view of where the industry is heading. From processing and automation to packaging and sustainability, everything comes together in one place. In our interpack Preview (page 22), we’ve highlighted some of the exhibitors and technologies that are set to be the show- stoppers of this year’s event and, by extension, the direction of confectionery manufacturing in the months ahead.
In Sustainable Cocoa and Ethical Sourcing (page 18), we explore how collaboration, regulation, and greater scrutiny is driving the cocoa supply chain as a practical and developing reality. Meanwhile, Sustainable Packaging Lifecycle (page 62) takes a closer look at how biotech and material innovation are converging to push circularity forward, challenging long-held assumptions about performance and scalability.
Efficiency, too, is under the spotlight. Energy-Efficient Machinery (page 66) examines where meaningful savings can be made across the factory floor, while Continuous Processing Systems (page 72) asks an interesting question: as these systems become more flexible, could they move beyond their traditional applications and unlock new possibilities for product development?
Alongside this, our interviews bring a different kind of perspective. From Ella McKay of FATSO (page 12), who speaks candidly about bold flavour and brand identity, to IFF’s view on cocoa as a multi-sensory experience (page 16), there’s a clear thread emerging — that confectionery is no longer just about taste, but about texture, emotion, and the full consumer experience. These exclusive interviews are the foundation of what we bring to our readers at Kennedy’s, and these insights are ones, we’re proud to say, you won’t find anywhere else.
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Kennedy’s Confection magazine is available by subscription at the following rate for 10 issues: UK £99 • Europe £149
Rest of World £149 • Online £75 All enquiries to
nic.wood@c-cms.com
Published by:
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www.kennedysconfection.co.uk
Kennedy’s Confection ISSN 1474-3841
Set up in 1890, Kennedy’s Confection is the longest– established magazine in the trade and is distributed
exclusively worldwide to manufacturers of chocolate, sugar confectionery and bakery products.
Kennedy’s Publications
Part of the Datateam Media Group Media Director Paul Ryder
Registered in England No. 1771113. Entire contents © 2026 Kennedy’s Publications, part of the Datateam Media Group. Material may not be
reproduced in any form without the publisher’s written approval.
For details on reprints and permissions, contact the director of Kennedy’s
Kiran Grewal, Editor
kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk
APRIL 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 3
And as we look ahead, planning for the London Chocolate Forum 2026 is already well underway. We’re excited to confirm that this year’s event will take place at the London Hippodrome, a venue that feels entirely fitting for the scale and ambition of the conversations we’ll be hosting. There’s much more to come on that in the months ahead, but my excitement is already building. As many of our readers who are previous attendees, or speakers, exhibitors and other partners of the LCF, you’ll know just how invigorating the Forum is, and how each year we’re able to bring you something truly unique and build new and lasting relationships.
For now, though, Düsseldorf awaits. And after a year spent seeing the industry from different corners of the world, I’m ready to see it all come together again in one place.
EDITOR’S LETTER I
n just over a week, the Kennedy’s team will be in Düsseldorf for interpack 2026, and I have to say, I’m genuinely looking forward to it. After almost a year of travelling and reporting from across different regions, there’s something refreshing about returning to the show floor and seeing innovation up close, having spontaneous conversations, and reconnecting with the industry face-to-face.
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