Bakery

Universal Pictures and Walmart today announced a retail program tied to the upcoming live action/CG-animated comedy Hop, the second film from Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me) that hits movie theaters across the country on April 1. Walmart customers can build their Hop-themed Easter baskets, and visit the movie-inspired “Candy Factory,” with great values on 100 exclusive licensed products, including candy, toys, activities and apparel. …

Partnering with Global Bay Mobile Technologies, a leading provider of mobile retail software, to create a consumer facing iPhone application, CRUMBS Bake Shop is the first national bakery to launch its own iPhone App. Satisfying fans’ sweet tooth “on-the-go,” the CRUMBS iPhone App will enable customers to enjoy interactive experiences, live news updates as well as purchase CRUMBS gift certificates via a mobile coupon function. …

U.S. baked-goods and candy manufacturers pinched by rising sugar prices are pressuring the government to increase imports of the sweetener. …

Canada Bread Company, Limited today announced plans to close a fresh bakery facility located in Delta, British Columbia on November 30, 2011, in order to increase efficiencies and provide new capacity at another bakery for its fast-growing tortilla category. …

Cocoa may rebound as much as 14 percent should an extended political standoff in Ivory Coast, the worlds biggest supplier, prolong an export ban into May, Macquarie Group Ltd. said. …