Latest news with #RainforestAlliance
Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Discover Europe's Irresistible Chocolate & Biscuits Crafted with Ethical and Sustainable Agricultural Practices -- Now Available in Canada
TORONTO, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ -- Canadians looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while staying true to their values can now experience a new standard in premium snacking. The " Premium European Products: Better Knowledge, Better Choices" campaign is proud to bring to Canada a collection of ethically crafted chocolates, biscuits, and confections made with certified ingredients and rooted in sustainability, authenticity, and European tradition. The chocolate and biscuit industry in Europe, particularly in Latvia, is driven by heritage but increasingly future-focused. Latvian producers have responded to rising environmental concerns by transforming supply chains—integrating certified ingredients, improving eco-friendly packaging, and offering traceability every step of the way. Since 2019, sugar used in these products is FSA-certified, meeting high environmental and social standards. Chocolate products Chocolate products comprise a diverse array of delectable treats featuring chocolate as a key ingredient. Cocoa, a key ingredient in chocolate production, highlights a commitment to sustainability through a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance. The cocoa is responsibly sourced, meeting the rigorous standards of the Rainforest Alliance Certified program. This certification ensures ethical agricultural practices, supports human rights, combats deforestation, and aids cocoa farmers. With over 80 percent of the cocoa being certified, chocolate products prioritize ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. In the creation of chocolate and other confections, sugar is a vital raw material, providing sweetness and texture. Since 2019, chocolate products have been produced using certified sugar derived from high-quality sugar beets, meeting the standards of the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA). This dedication to sustainability is evident throughout their production process, ensuring that every indulgent treat is not only delicious, but also, sourced ethically and sustainably. Biscuits Biscuits are a type of baked pastry typically made from flour, sugar, fat (such as butter or oil), and leavening agents (such as baking powder or baking soda). They vary in texture, ranging from crispy or crunchy to softer or chewier, depending on the ingredients and baking technique. Biscuits and wafers are produced using sugar certified by the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA), sourced from high-quality sugar beets. This commitment to sustainability ensures ethical and responsible sourcing practices without implying any health benefits. Why Canadian Consumers (and Retailers) Should Pay Attention Chocolate is a Canadian favourite: Canadians consume an average of 6.4 kg of chocolate per person per year, placing the country among the top 10 globally (Mordor Intelligence, 2024). Sustainability is a purchasing driver: According to Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, 70% of Canadian consumers say they are more likely to buy sustainably produced food. Premium appeal: With beautiful packaging, heritage recipes, and clean-label positioning, these products are ideal for gourmet retailers, gift boxes, and conscious consumers. Canadian-Inspired Recipe: Dark Chocolate & Maple Biscuit Bark Ingredients: 200g Premium European dark chocolate (80% Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa) 2 tbsp pure Canadian maple syrup Crushed European butter biscuits Pinch of sea salt Method: Melt the chocolate gently, stir in maple syrup. Spread onto parchment paper, top with crushed biscuits and sea salt. Chill, break into pieces, and enjoy with a glass of local Pinot Noir or ice wine. Join the Movement: Connect with Premium European Products We invite Canadian food professionals, chefs, retailers, and distributors to explore collaboration opportunities with the "Premium European Products" campaign. For more information on where to find these premium products or to learn how to partner with the campaign, please visit email us to [email protected] or follow us on social media: ETHEAS and LDC invite Canadian importers, distributors, and foodservice leaders to explore these exceptional European products and form collaborations that support shared goals of quality, transparency, and sustainability. About "PREMIUM EUROPEAN PRODUCTS" PROGRAM The campaign:" Premium European Products: Better Knowledge, Better Choices" is co-funded by the European Union and managed by the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC). It aims to promote exquisite added-value products in Canada, South Korea, and Malaysia, including PDO olive oils, table olives, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheese, gum, and gum oil from Greece, as well as dairy products, candied fruits, chocolates, confectionery, and salty snacks from Latvia. Spanning from 2024 to 2026, the program seeks to significantly elevate the profile of European products in these markets through a four-pronged approach: raising awareness, enhancing recognition among consumers, increasing consumption, and boosting exports to Canada, Malaysia, and South Korea. The beneficiaries: The National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS), established by the Greek State Law, coordinates over 300 agricultural cooperatives across Greece, representing about 80% of the total turnover of such cooperatives. It focuses on rural and cooperative development, supports member activities domestically and internationally, issues opinions on agricultural matters, supervises cooperative promotion, and conducts educational activities. The Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC), established in 1995, represents Latvian milk producers and aims to protect their interests. It consists of 17 members producing approximately 80% of industrially produced milk in Latvia.
Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Johnvents Group hosts stakeholders at first investor forum, framing a decade of growth and strategic direction
Johnvents Group, a leading indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing group, hosted its maiden investor forum on Friday, June 28, 2025, in Lagos, welcoming stakeholders from the capital market, agribusiness, and financial institutions. The event spotlighted the company's growth trajectory and its strategic focus on sustainability, value creation, and industrial transformation. From a modest grassroots initiative in 2014 aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, Johnvents has grown into one of Nigeria's most ambitious and integrated agribusiness companies. The forum served as a platform for the company to connect with stakeholders and walk them through a trajectory defined by audacious moves, sustainable expansion, and deep market credibility. At the forum, John Alamu, the Group Managing Director of Johnvents Group, expressed pride in being a Nigerian-grown business that makes a global impact. He stated, 'Since acquiring our first factory in 2021 and transforming into a transnational business group with a presence in Africa, Asia, and the UAE, we have remained dedicated to creating value at the source.' With four factories across four Nigerian states and a growing international footprint through its DMCC-registered global trading subsidiary, Johnvents currently exports premium cocoa derivatives to Europe, the UK, the US, the UAE, and Asia. It boasts an installed cocoa processing capacity of 48,000 metric tonnes annually and sources directly from over 10,000 trained farmers. Johnvents' credibility in the capital market is backed by its BBB+ credit rating from all three SEC-recognised agencies in Nigeria: GCR, Agusto & Co., and DataPro, reinforcing its transparency, governance structure, and consistent performance. In a leadership presentation by Dr. Yemisi Shittu, Group Executive Director of CapitalSage Holdings, the parent company of Johnvents Group, Dr. Shittu highlighted the company's long-term investment in value creation, innovation, and sustainability. 'Through our sustainability initiatives, Rainforest Alliance certification, and collaboration with industry partners, we are ensuring that the cocoa we process uplifts the land, farmers, and the global markets we serve.' The forum concluded with an interactive session and networking opportunities that sparked conversations about inclusive growth, private-sector collaboration, and the future of agribusiness in Nigeria. This event marked a significant step in strengthening Johnvent's engagement with stakeholders and reaffirming its commitment to building a sustainable and globally competitive agricultural value chain.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Assam tea to take centre stage at New York's fancy food show
Guwahati: The enduring fragrance and heritage of Assam's tea will be showcased at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025, scheduled at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from June 29 to July 1, commemorating the 200th year of 'Assam Tea', a significant occasion that celebrates the beginnings, worldwide influence, and financial importance of India's renowned beverage. The India pavilion, which will house a "Tea Lounge", will be jointly inaugurated by Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota and ambassador Binaya S Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York on June 29. The "Assam Tea Lounge" will offer visitors an immersive experience through thoughtfully curated live brewing bars, sommelier-led tasting sessions, and artisan tea pairings with cookies, chocolates, and more. Visitors can explore the evolution of Assam tea through engaging storytelling sessions, video interviews with tea growers, and showcases on sustainability, women-led cooperatives, and certifications like Rainforest Alliance. The space will also be adorned with Assamese design elements — from visuals of tea gardens and local crafts to musical and dance performances that highlight the state's rich cultural tapestry, PRO to the state chief secretary said. This initiative at the behest of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and supported by the Consulate General of India in New York "aims to promote Assam's rich tea heritage and expand trade and export opportunities in the US market.
Time Business News
25-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time Business News
Luxury Flowers Miami: Where Artistry Meets Tropical Glamour
Miami is a city of vibrant color palettes, balmy breezes, and a cosmopolitan energy that draws trendsetters from around the world. Nowhere is this fusion of culture and climate more evident than in its luxury floral scene. From waterfront weddings in Coconut Grove to art-deco penthouse parties in South Beach, high-end florists weave orchids, roses, and rare tropical blooms into living works of art. This guide explores what defines 'luxury' in Miami's floral market, which stems are trending, how sustainability is reshaping design choices, and why discerning clients turn to specialist studios for unforgettable arrangements. In Miami, luxury means more than expensive flowers; it is the artistic vision, service experience, and technical mastery behind each arrangement. Top designers craft custom color stories that echo a client's brand launch or reflect the sunset hues on Biscayne Bay. They import David Austin garden roses from Ecuador, pair them with heliconia straight from the Everglades, and present the final composition in hand-blown Murano glass vases or sculptural acrylic boxes. White-glove delivery in temperature-controlled vans keeps delicate petals fresh despite Miami's tropical humidity. Many luxury studios also offer on-site floral stylists who install and refresh arrangements during multi-day events—ensuring that every petal looks picture-perfect for VIP arrivals and social-media shoots alike. Bloom Why It's Coveted in Miami Seasonal Notes Phalaenopsis Orchid Sleek profile pairs well with modern architecture Available year-round; thrives in humid climate Garden Rose Large, ruffled heads evoke old-world romance Peak from May to October with careful cooling Anthurium Glossy surface reflects Miami's Art-Deco sheen Local growers supply eclectic colors Protea Statement focal flower for bold designs Best from winter through early spring Tuberose Intoxicating fragrance elevates evening events Imported to ensure consistent quality Designers often juxtapose these premium blooms with structural greenery such as monstera leaves or palm fronds, reinforcing the city's tropical DNA while ensuring longevity in outdoor heat. Instead of rainbow palettes, Miami's elite increasingly favor tonal designs—think all-white phalaenopsis cascades at a Bal Harbour gala or an ombré progression of blush-to-fuchsia roses at a Brickell engagement soirée. The limited palette spotlights petal texture and vessel artistry. Eco-conscious clients now request certified Rainforest Alliance blooms, biodegradable foam alternatives, and reusable ceramic containers. Some designers collaborate with local farms in Homestead to reduce carbon footprints while supporting South Florida agriculture. Experiential luxury rules Miami's event scene. Suspended floral tunnels, live 'flower bars' where guests craft mini posies, and AR-enhanced bouquets that reveal QR-coded messages exemplify a shift toward immersive storytelling through flowers. Nothing frames a bayside altar like asymmetric arches draped in cascading orchids and gauzy chiffon. Designers favor salt-tolerant blooms and secure mechanics to withstand coastal breezes. Tech and fashion brands launching in Wynwood rely on large-scale floral sculptures—logo-shaped moss walls, neon-lit 'living' frames—to dominate Instagram feeds and earn organic reach. Compact yet opulent arrangements—roses nested in acrylic cubes, mini orchid gardens with LED uplighting—ensure stability on rolling waves while adding a layer of sophistication to teak decks and marble bars. High-end arrangements in Miami start around $250 for a statement centerpiece and can surpass $10,000 for elaborate installations across multiple spaces. Variables influencing cost include: Rarity of Blooms – King protea and Japanese ranunculus command premium prices. Scale of Design – Larger pieces require more stems, specialty hardware, and setup labor. Seasonality – Valentine's Day and Mother's Day spike demand and wholesale costs. Customization Extras – Hand-calligraphed ribbons, bespoke vases, and overnight importing fees elevate final invoices. When searching for a luxury florist, prioritize portfolios that show versatility across themes—minimalist, opulent, avant-garde. Schedule consultations at least six weeks in advance for events to secure design slots; the most sought-after studios accept a limited number of projects to maintain quality. Evaluate client testimonials, request a mood-board mock-up, and confirm contingency plans for Miami's unpredictable tropical storms. Among the studios redefining upscale floral artistry in South Florida is luxury flowers Miami. Known for combining French floral techniques with Miami's vibrant aesthetic, this atelier sources premium stems globally and locally, offering concierge delivery and personalized design consultations that cater to both private collectors and high-profile event planners. Their signature hat-box roses—meticulously arranged to last for weeks—have become a go-to gift for celebrities and discerning hosts alike. From sunset-inspired orchid walls on Fisher Island to sleek rose-filled sculptures in Wynwood's art galleries, Miami's luxury floral scene keeps pace with the city's reputation for innovation and indulgence. As sustainability, experiential design, and concierge service redefine what 'premium' means, top florists continue to push creative boundaries—turning each bouquet into a sensory celebration of South Florida's unique blend of tropical flair and cosmopolitan glamour. Whether you're planning a lavish waterfront wedding or sending a single, exquisitely crafted arrangement, Miami offers a floral landscape where artistry blossoms as brightly as the city's iconic skyline. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Assam tea's 200-year legacy to shine at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York
Guwahati : The timeless aroma and legacy of Assam Tea will take center stage at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 , to be held at the Jacob Javits Center, New York City, from June 29 to July 1, 2025. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Assam Tea, a milestone that honours the origin, global journey, and economic significance of India's most iconic brew. The India Pavilion , which will house a specially designed 'Tea Lounge', will be jointly inaugurated by Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, and Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, on Sunday, June 29. At the behest of the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and initiated and supported by the Consulate General of India in New York, this initiative follows the success of Advantage Assam 2.0 held earlier this year. It aims to not only promote Assam's rich tea heritage but also to expand trade and export opportunities in the U.S. market. By bringing together established tea companies, small growers, and innovative startups, the event embodies a unified vision of heritage, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration, fostering deeper economic and cultural ties between the two largest democracies in the world. The 'Assam Tea Lounge' will offer visitors an immersive experience through thoughtfully curated live brewing bars, sommelier-led tasting sessions, and artisan tea pairings with cookies, chocolates, and more. Visitors can explore the evolution of Assam Tea through engaging storytelling sessions, video interviews with tea growers, and showcases on sustainability, women-led cooperatives, and certifications like Rainforest Alliance. The space will also be adorned with Assamese design elements — from visuals of tea gardens and local crafts to musical and dance performances that highlight the state's rich cultural tapestry. In celebration of the bicentennial, the booth will also feature a 'Masala Chai Cart,' a tea passport giveaway programme, and collaboration with partners like 'Kolkata Chai Co., Elements Truffles', and celebrated Indian chefs for dessert and cocktail demos infused with Assam Tea. Assam's tea journey began in 1823, when Scottish explorer Robert Bruce discovered the indigenous Camellia assamica plant with the help of the Singpho tribe. With the first commercial plantation starting in 1837 and India's first Indian-owned tea estate founded by Maniram Dewan in 1842, Assam rapidly became a pillar of the global tea trade. Today, Assam remains the largest contiguous tea-growing region in the world, producing over 52% of India's total tea output, including robust CTC, orthodox, organic, and GI-tagged teas. The event will also bring together major industry players, including the India Tea Association, Tata Consumer Products Ltd. , Goodricke Group , Luxmi Tea, HUL , Woolah Tea, and Aromica Tea, among others, with active participation from the Indian diaspora and global food industry stakeholders. Institutions like the Tocklai Tea Research Institute and platforms like the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) continue to support Assam's global competitiveness through innovation and transparent trade.
