INDUSTRY NEWS Tate & Lyle named among World’s Best Companies 2026


Tate & Lyle has been recognised in TIME Magazine and Statista’s World’s Best Companies 2026 ranking, marking the company’s first appearance on the annual list. The global ingredient solutions business is one of around 50 food and drink companies included among the 1,000 businesses recognised worldwide. Now in its fourth year, the ranking


is compiled independently by TIME’s research partner, Statista, drawing on its global employee satisfaction survey alongside publicly available data covering company growth and sustainability commitments and performance.


performing strongly across these areas. Nick Hampton, Chief Executive of


Tate & Lyle, said: “Our people are our greatest asset and it’s a real privilege to lead them as we embed Tate & Lyle at the centre of the future of food.” He added that the company was “honoured to be recognised as a forward-thinking business providing solutions to many of society’s biggest challenges.” Tate & Lyle supplies ingredient solutions across the food and beverage


The ranking is not open to company


applications, providing an independent assessment of businesses considered to be


Hames Chocolatesreports Christmas orders more than double


Hames Chocolates has reported forward orders for Christmas chocolates at more than double last year’s levels, as the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer prepares for its biggest-ever seasonal range. The company, which has more than 20 years of chocolate manufacturing experience,


is


seeing strong demand for familiar flavours including chocolate orange and salted caramel, alongside growing interest in cherry and matcha. White chocolate is a particular


standout, with Hames expecting to use 54% more white chocolate this year than last, reflecting increased demand for alternatives to traditional milk chocolate across gifting and seasonal treats. Carol Oldbury, CEO of Hames


Chocolates, said: “Christmas is a key sales period for chocolate, when shoppers are looking for products that feel special and deliver on the sense of occasion.” The company’s seasonal


collection includes chocolate bars, truffles, lollipops, sharing bags, hot chocolate stirrers and gift boxes, manufactured at


its Lincolnshire factory using sustainably sourced cocoa. Pouches are expected to be among the stronger-performing formats, with products including Milk Chocolate Santa Shapes and Chocolate Orange Slices. Other lines include White Chocolate Snowman Lollipops,


Salted


Caramel Milk Chocolate Truffles and Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Stirrers. “Forward orders being more than double last year’s gives us a very positive indication of demand heading into Christmas,” Oldbury added.


sectors, with a focus on areas including healthier formulations and improving the nutritional profile of products.


EFSA reaffirms safety of sweetener used in sugar-free confectionery


The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that the salt of aspartame- acesulfame (E 962), a sweetener used in sugar-free and energy-reduced foods, is safe at current authorised exposure levels. Following its re-evaluation of E962,


EFSA’s Panel found no safety concerns associated with the currently reported uses and use levels of acesulfame K (E950), aspartame (E951) or E962. The assessment is particularly relevant manufacturers developing sugar-


to


reduced confectionery, where sweetener systems can play a role in maintaining sweetness while reducing sugar content. EFSA confirmed the previously


established acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame at 40mg/kg body weight per day, while the recently revised ADI for acesulfame K stands at 15mg/kg body weight per day. Current exposure estimates across all age groups remain below both levels. The Panel has recommended updating EU specifications for E962 to ensure they align with those for the aspartame and acesulfame K used in its production. It also recommended reviewing the limits


for arsenic and lead in the specifications for aspartame, in line with the approach applied to other re-evaluated sweeteners.


6 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026


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