HALLS

Introduction

HALLS was founded in the late 19th century by the Halls brothers, who aimed to create a soothing remedy for sore throats and cold symptoms. With a focus on quality and effectiveness, the brand quickly gained popularity and became a staple in many households. HALLS now operates under the ownership of Mondelez International, Inc, which has further solidified its position as a leader in the confectionery market. The brand's commitment to providing relief and comfort has remained a central tenet of its philosophy, driving it to innovate and expand its product offerings over the years.

The philosophy behind HALLS revolves around the duality of its purpose: to provide relief from cough and sore throat symptoms while simultaneously offering a refreshing treat. This balance between health and enjoyment has resonated with consumers around the globe, making HALLS a household name. By prioritizing both efficacy and taste, the brand has cultivated a loyal following. Additionally, HALLS seeks to enhance emotional well-being through shared moments of care and comfort, whether it’s helping someone feel better with a cough drop or providing a quick refreshment during a hot day.

What makes HALLS special is its ability to adapt to various cultural contexts and consumer needs. In the northern hemisphere, it serves primarily as a cold relief product, while in hotter and drier regions, it is appreciated as a refreshing candy. This versatility allows HALLS to maintain a relevant presence in diverse markets, catering to different occasions and preferences. The brand's range of flavors and textures further contribute to its appeal, making each experience unique and enjoyable for every user.

Signature Products

HALLS offers a diverse range of products that align with its mission of delivering relief and refreshment.

• HALLS Mentho-Lyptus : A classic flavor known for its strong menthol sensation, providing soothing relief for coughs and sore throats.
• HALLS Cherry : Combines a sweet cherry flavor with soothing properties, making it a favorite for those looking for comfort.
• HALLS Sugar-Free : Provides the same great taste without the sugar, catering to health-conscious consumers.
• HALLS Cool Active : Infused with eucalyptus and menthol for an invigorating sensation that helps clear nasal passages.

Materials and Ingredients Used by HALLS

• Blackberry : This ingredient is a type of fruit that is often used for its flavor and potential health benefits. In HALLS products, blackberry may contribute to the overall taste profile, catering to consumers looking for a pleasant and natural flavor in their cough drops or candies.
• Citric Acid : Citric acid is a weak organic acid commonly found in citrus fruits. It is used in HALLS ingredients to provide a sour taste that can enhance the flavor of the product. Additionally, it acts as a preservative, helping to maintain the quality and stability of the cough drops.
• Sodium Citrate : This ingredient is a sodium salt derived from citric acid. It is utilized in HALLS products to regulate acidity and can also act as a buffering agent. Its inclusion helps improve the taste and overall mouthfeel of the cough drops, making them more enjoyable for consumers.
• Sugar : Sugar is a widely used sweetening agent that provides a pleasant taste. In HALLS ingredients, it serves to mask the potential bitterness of other components, making the cough drops more palatable and appealing to consumers.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From HALLS

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Deforestation:

The production of blackberries often involves clearing land, which can lead to deforestation. When new agricultural lands are created to grow blackberries, forests may be cut down, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the disruption of ecosystems. An example of this can be seen in regions where expansion of agricultural land is a common practice, undermining conservation efforts and increasing carbon emissions due to the removal of trees that act as carbon sinks.

Water Usage:

Blackberry cultivation requires substantial water resources, which can be challenging in regions where water scarcity is a persistent issue. High water usage can deplete local water supplies, affect aquatic ecosystems, and pose significant concerns for community water access. For instance, in California, which is a key agricultural hub, prolonged droughts have spotlighted the challenges of high water usage in agriculture, impacting both the environment and local communities.

Pesticide Impact:

The use of pesticides in growing blackberries can have significant environmental and health consequences. Pesticides can contaminate local soil and water systems, harm non-target species, and lead to bioaccumulation in the ecosystem. A notable example is the use of neonicotinoids, which have been linked to declining bee populations, affecting pollination services critical to many crops.

Chemical Waste:

The production of citric acid involves fermentation or extraction using chemical processes that can create waste products. Improper disposal or treatment of these chemicals can lead to pollution of water bodies and soil, affecting ecological and human health. In some industrial settings, waste disposal practices have led to significant local environmental degradation.

Energy Consumption:

The synthesis and processing of ingredients like citric acid require substantial energy input, often sourced from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Factories must sustain high temperatures and pressures in processing, increasing their overall carbon footprint. An example of this issue was seen when manufacturing plants received scrutiny for their large energy consumption contributing to local air pollution.

Chemical Processing:

Sodium citrate production involves processes that can generate hazardous by-products. The handling of these by-products entails risks of exposure for workers and potential contamination of the environment. Lubricants and other chemical agents used can also pose challenges in waste management.

Transport Emissions:

The transportation of sodium citrate, often as a processed chemical, adds to the overall carbon footprint due to emissions from shipping and logistics operations. The long distances involved in transporting chemicals from manufacturing to retail locations exacerbate the environmental impact, contributing to air pollution and global warming.

Land Use Change:

Sugar production often leads to significant land use changes, converting natural habitats into monoculture plantations. This land conversion can lead to habitat loss for wildlife and reduce biodiversity, as seen in places like Brazil where sugarcane farming has expanded extensively.

Water Pollution:

The runoff from sugar plantations can lead to nutrient loading in water bodies, causing problems like algal blooms and eutrophication, which deoxygenate water and harm aquatic life. Historical cases along the Mississippi River highlight the extensive "dead zones" created by agricultural runoff.

Labor Practices:

The sugar industry has been historically linked with challenging labor conditions, including poor wages and unsafe working conditions. In some sugar-producing regions, labor rights abuses have been documented, making it imperative to consider ethical sourcing and fair labor practices as part of sustainability efforts.