INDUSTRY NEWS Fairtrade calls for new PM to clean up the UK’s supply chains


Fairtrade Foundation has called on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government to introduce mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) legislation, urging action within its first 100 days. The charity said stronger rules are needed to address risks across global supply chains, including unfair pay, forced labour, deforestation and climate damage, while supporting farmers and workers in the Global South. Marie Rumsby, Advocacy Director at the


Fairtrade Foundation, said: “The people working hard every day to grow our food deserve fair pay, safe working conditions and protection from the growing risks in global supply chains. “In his first 100 days, the Prime Minister


clarity they need to act.” Fairtrade said mandatory due


diligence would help prevent harm before it occurs, close gaps in existing legislation and bring the UK closer to emerging international standards. Its research found 76% of UK


should set out a clear path to a new Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence law. Done right, this would stop the UK from becoming a dumping ground for unethical products, protect people and planet, strengthen UK trade and resilience, and give responsible businesses the


SuanNutra expands product portfolio with new acquisition


consumers believe businesses should be required to demonstrate that they protect human rights and reduce environmental harm, while the charity’s campaign petition has reached 100,000 signatures. “Other economies are already moving


ahead. The UK must not fall behind,” Rumsby added. “A strong HREDD law would improve the UK’s international reputation on human rights and the environment, while helping responsible businesses compete on a level playing field.”


Bühler’s new Lucent cocoa roaster reduces energy use by at least 20%


Bühler has launched Lucent, a new industrial cocoa nib roaster designed to cut energy consumption by at least 20% per tonne while increasing throughput by up to 20% within the same footprint. Manufactured in Switzerland, Lucent combines


heat recovery, predictive roasting controls and a fully sealed product chamber to address energy efficiency, productivity and food safety in cocoa processing. A redesigned drum and optimised fill levels reduce gas


SuanNutra has agreed to acquire a portfolio of specialty natural ingredient businesses from IFF, in a deal designed to create an enlarged global group spanning science-backed nutraceutical and food-enhancement ingredients. The transaction is expected to complete by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition will add clinically


supported branded ingredients, botanical extracts, fermented vitamins and minerals, alongside plant-derived natural colours, antioxidants and flavours.


to invest in R&D, innovation and commercial capabilities. Anthony Weston, Group CEO


of SuanNutra, said: “Together we will build, grow and transform this group into a stronger partner for our customers offering manufacturing at source, clinically proven ingredients, and a broad natural portfolio across nutraceuticals and


food


enhancement.” The deal strengthens SuanNutra’s


The


combined manufacturing network will span botanical extraction facilities in Spain, Slovenia and Peru, and fermentation in the US. The enlarged group will employ


around 700 people, serving more than 1,200 customers across 60 countries, with SuanNutra continuing


Visible Health strategy while positioning the business to capitalise on demand for natural and clean-label alternatives to synthetic colours, preservatives and flavours. Yoni Glickman, Non-Executive Chairman, said the expansion puts SuanNutra “at the forefront” of the


shift towards scientifically


substantiated natural ingredients across food and health.


consumption, while a hybrid roasting option combining convective and conductive heat transfer can deliver up to 40% energy savings in specific applications. “Roasting is where flavour is created. It is one of


the steps our customers care about most, and it has historically been the step where the most energy was wasted,” said Isabelle Kirckof, Product Manager Market Segment Cocoa & Malt at Bühler. The roaster’s self-learning control system


automatically adjusts temperature, airflow and process speed to maintain consistent results. Its enclosed chamber also separates cocoa from combustion air, while stainless-steel construction and accessible service openings support hygiene and maintenance.


6 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • JULY 2026


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