Alyse Thompson-Richards

Is Amazon right for your candy business?

Peter Kearns of 180Commerce talks opportunity with Amazon during Retail Confectioners International event.

September 26, 2018

Amazon represents great opportunity for all kinds of CPG manufacturers, but how can they navigate such a complex system? And how can candy makers make the most of it?

pladis CEO Cem Karakas stepping down

Jim Zaza to serve as interim ceo during search for successor.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 25, 2018

Pladis CEO Cem Karakas will step down from his executive role for family health reasons, effective immediately, the biscuit, chocolate and confectionery company announced Monday.

Consumers continuing to reach for 'clean' candy

Better-for-you confections continue to gain popularity as consumers seek to indulge in good conscience.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 24, 2018

Though more consumers are pursuing a healthy lifestyle, it won’t stop them from seeking indulgences that meet their needs, whether they’re based on health or ethical concerns.

Madagascar vanilla crops expected to of be high quality, Nielsen-Massey says

Vanilla producer expects crop size to reach 1,400 to 1,600 tons.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 18, 2018

Madagascar vanilla crops this year are of higher quality and similar in size to recent years but prices remain difficult to predict, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas concluded its its recent crop report.

Hershey buys Pirate’s Booty, other snack brands for $420 million

Acquisition pushes company further into better-for-you snacking space.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 13, 2018

In another move toward becoming a “snacking powerhouse,” the Hershey Co. has agreed to purchase Pirate brands, including the Pirate’s Booty; Smart Puffs; and Original Tings brands from B&G Foods, Inc. for $420 million.

Another grocery store chain has removed candy from checkout lanes

California-based Raley’s aims to offer ‘healthier’ options, expose consumers to lesser-known brands.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 12, 2018

Removing "conventional candy" offerings from checkout lines isn't great for gaining impulse purchases, but that doesn't mean consumers will turn their backs on the brands they know and love.

IT’SUGAR taps Party City exec Mark Davis for CFO, COO roles

Mark Davis served Party City for almost 20 years.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 12, 2018

Specialty candy retailer IT’SUGAR has named Mark Davis as chief financial officer and chief operations officer.

Trident Vibes gum

Mondelez International, East Hanover, N.J.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 11, 2018

The newest offering from Trident offers a journey of taste and texture that brings a burst of something new with every chew.

Marshmallow trends: Clean labels, unique flavors

Innovation helps push marshmallows into premium confection, snacking categories.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 10, 2018

When it comes to consumers' favorite marshmallow treats, the marshmallows often play a supporting role.

Nellson Nutraceutical triples in size through focus on nutrition segment, aggressive acquisition strategy

Nutrition bar maker has roots in confectionery industry.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 10, 2018

Nellson Nutraceutical produces nutrition bars and functional powders for major brands and retailers across the United States and Canada - but it hasn't always been that way.