Liz Parker Kuhn

Chocolate is a treat that will never go out of style—whether it’s a consumer purchasing it for their own consumption, or perhaps as a gift for friends or family, it is a well-loved dessert. 

Over the past year, the candy and confectionery industry had its ups and downs but mostly flourished.

The brand's chairman and CEO, Kirk Vashaw, was recently named our 2023 Kettle Award recipient.

With the pandemic receding, the confectionery industry is slowly returning to its pre-March 2020 state.

In the three long years after the start of the pandemic, the snack industry changed but persevered. 

Candy Industry Publisher Doug Peckenpaugh was able to catch up with Tim Strickland, co-owner, River Street Sweets, at its Savannah location on June 23. June 24 was National Pralines Day.

Popcorn is a quintessential American snack—whether you’re eating it at the movie theater or in the comfort of your own home, it makes for a classic combination with movie- and TV-watching, or sharing with family and friends.

Crackers are ubiquitous—they’re good for gathering with friends or family, for an office snack, or even an on-the-go break in the car. 

Puffed and extruded snacks can range from cheese snacks, to corn chips and pork rinds, to puffs, to veggie chips.

The snack bars category continued to do well from 2022–2023, with all subcategories increasing in sales over the past year.