For food manufacturers and product developers, the pH of cocoa powder is an important factor in product formulation, consistency and performance. From controlling colour and flavour to optimising functionality across different applications, understanding pH can help you select the right…
September is officially National Organic Month, a time to celebrate and promote organic food and farming practices in the UK. Here at First Grade International we are proud to offer a variety of organic products to our customers, including organic…
Today, we are talking about the life cycle of the humble raisin, from farm to fork. Across the world, raisins (and sultanas, for that matter) are produced largely in the same way, from the same group of grape varieties. This…
For decades, cocoa prices remained relatively stable, providing manufacturers with a predictable and reliable supply of one of the world’s most popular ingredients. However, the market has become increasingly volatile in recent years, with cocoa prices reaching record highs and…
Nobody has ever looked genuinely thrilled to eat a raisin. Personally, when I think of a snack, my mind automatically pops to crisps or chocolate, and never to dried fruits. For me, dried fruits are about fifth choice, firmly behind…
In today’s global cocoa market, transparency is no longer a “nice to have”, it is a core requirement for many B2B buyers. Whether driven by ESG commitments, regulatory pressure, or customer expectations, businesses are increasingly expected to understand not just…
This year, Easter Sunday falls on 5th April 2026 and what better way to celebrate than with a chocolate Easter egg… or two? From classic hollow eggs to extravagant, filled and themed creations, these seasonal treats have come a long…
Happy Valentines Day! When you think of Valentine’s Day, what images appear in your mind? Red roses and cutesy cards? Maybe, but I bet above all you think of chocolate. Big boxes of pralines wrapped in ribbons, gilded bonbons and…
Desiccated coconut is a staple in cooking worldwide, a dry, white powder packed full of rich flavour and essential minerals and with a long shelf-life. Created by finely shredding and then carefully drying fresh coconut meat over many hours, not…
We are proud to announce the installation of new solar panels at our office, a major step forward in our on-going sustainability journey. The investment will allow us to generate clean, renewable energy on-site, reducing our reliance on traditional power…
