CHOCOLATE & cONFECTIONERY

摘要

BUSINESS NEWS: Topps neutralises threat to board; Green & Black's gets set for growth; Zahor bites into Belgian chocolates; Stollwerck sells chocolate brand; Sweet start to year for Lindt; Serbian sweet makers seal merger. MARKETS: Snack attacks gaining on mealtimes; Early Easter buoys German Ql; Steady sales ahead for US chocolate. COCOA: Ivorian unrest lifts cocoa futures; Andean cocoa exports receive boost. LEGISLATION: EU set for sweeter sugar prices; Health claim rules to be tightened. PRODUCTS& PACKAGING: Galaxy Promises to create category; Kraft to make a mint from Terry's; Sugar-free comes to the Crunch. HEALTH & INGREDIENTS: Nut costs to push up sweet prices; Taxing times ahead in France. ESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT: Sweetener strengthens bones.One of Norway's largest listed companies, Orkla, has announced it is to buy the Finnish company Oy Panda Ab, Finland's market leader in both liquorice confectionery and seasonal assorted boxed chocolates. The deal is the latest in a series of moves by Orkla to expand its confectionery operations.