INDUSTRY NEWS Cargill Wins 2026 BIG Innovation Award
Cargill has been named a winner in the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards and recognised as a Top 10 Innovator by the Business Intelligence Group, highlighting its disciplined, large-scale approach to innovation across the global food and agriculture system. The company was honored in the ‘Innovative Organizations’
category, alongside 159 companies, products and leaders transforming industries through applied innovation and measurable real-world impact. The recognition underscores the breadth of Cargill’s innovation
strategy, including its use of automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to address global challenges such as food security, climate change, labor constraints and waste. These technologies are already delivering tangible results, including a 30x return on investment from Cargill’s Port Optimizer initiative, more than $15 million in documented benefits from manufacturing analytics, and a reduction of 31,500 metric tons of CO emissions in 2024 through vessel optimization and energy- saving upgrades. “Innovation at Cargill is not just about what’s next — it’s about
what’s needed,” said Florian Schattenmann, chief technology officer at Cargill. “By embedding AI and advanced analytics into our operations, we are reimagining how food is made and moved around the world to build a more resilient and efficient food system.” Judges praised Cargill’s work as serious, large-scale innovation embedded into real operations, supported by robust data and outcomes. Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at the Business
Barry Callebaut flags slow start as cocoa prices ease
Barry Callebaut reported a weaker-than-expected start to its 2025/26 financial year, with chocolate volumes hit by high prices, cautious consumers and a temporary factory shutdown in Canada. In the three months to November 30, group sales volumes fell
9.9% to just over 509,000 tonnes. Global Chocolate volumes dropped 6.8%, broadly in line with a 6.1% decline in the wider confectionery market. Performance was further weighed down by a production pause at the company’s St. Hyacinthe plant in Canada, which has now been resolved. Global Cocoa volumes fell sharply, down 22%, as Barry
Callebaut deliberately shifted away from lower-margin business amid weak demand. Despite lower volumes, sales revenue rose 8.9% in constant
currency to CHF 3.7 billion, reflecting higher cocoa pricing. However, the company said pricing has now peaked and is beginning to stabilise as cocoa bean prices fall. The group confirmed its full-year outlook, expecting conditions
to improve in the second half. Management said easing cocoa prices are an encouraging sign for stabilising the chocolate market and restoring customer confidence.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025/26 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 7
Intelligence Group, said the winners demonstrate that innovation today is about building intelligent platforms, automating workflows with purpose, and making trust, privacy and resilience foundational. The BIG Innovation Awards honor organisations that demonstrate
measurable performance, responsible implementation and the ability to shape the future of global business.
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