TheChocolateWire Weekly NewsBrief for June 26, 2020
Valrhona is Now a Certified B Corp
Valrhona announced that, as of January 2020, they are officially a B Corp Certified company.
Top Takeaway
B Corp certification identifies companies that are dedicated to better the world both socially and environmentally.
Sources
https://us.valrhona.com/chocolate-culture-article/b-corp
https://bcorporation.net
Royal Hemp, LLC Launches Vegan and Fair Trade Cannabis Chocolate Line in Oregon
Royal Hemp, LLC announced the launch of their new premium dark chocolate line, Edge Off®. Royal Hemp’s Edge Off® chocolates are vegan, fair trade, gluten-free and soy-free.
Top Takeaway
Royal Hemp uses a proprietary and completely solvent-free cannabis extraction method that does not use conventional solvents (e.g., butane, ethanol, and CO2) which means, according to Royal Hemp founder Lev Kelman, “Edge Off® products contain more healing bio-available cannabinoids and terpenes than other cannabis edibles.”
Sources
https://mjbizwire.com/royal-hemp-llc-launches-vegan-fair-trade-cannabis-chocolate-line-oregon/
https://www.royalhemp.com/
Barry Callebaut’s webinar series educates on chocolate and wellness trends
Typically, Barry Callebaut shares its knowledge of chocolate and confections at trade shows, seminars, meetings, and through individualized interactions.
Top Takeaway
“This year, as trade shows are canceled due to the threat of coronavirus and social distancing has put a damper on face-to-face meetings, Barry Callebaut is doing something different,” said Laura Bergan, the company’s director of brand marketing.
Source
https://www.fooddive.com/news/barry-callebauts-webinar-series-educates-on-chocolate-and-wellness-trends/580074/
FDA Provides Temporary Flexibility for Food Labeling
The FDA has issued a guidance document to provide temporary flexibility with food labeling requirements to manufacturers and vending machine operators. The goal is to minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it provides flexibility for vending machine labeling requirements so they do not have to provide calorie information for foods sold in vending machines at this time.
Top Takeaway
The guidance outlines flexibility for manufacturers to make minor formulation changes in certain circumstances without making conforming label changes, and existing flexibilities in food labeling regulations.
Sources
https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/temporary-policy-regarding-certain-food-labeling-requirements-during-covid-19-public-health
https://www.specialtyfood.com/news/
COVID-19 Puts More Emphasis on Supply Chain Visibility and Data Quality: A Conversation with Angela Fernandez of GS1 US
Top Takeaway
As food retailers and their supply chains experience significant increases in product demand, transparency and strong supplier relationships are more important than ever.
Source
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