Home » Authors » Alyse Thompson-Richards

Articles by Alyse Thompson-Richards

Mondelez announces efforts to help reduce cocoa deforestation in West Africa

Company’s Cocoa Life sustainable sourcing program to work with UN-sponsored initiative.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 14, 2017

Mondelez International unveiled two new directives in support of reducing deforestation in West African cocoa supply chains.

Mars Chocolate to invest $70 million in U.S. supply chain

Newest investment builds on $1 billion set aside for manufacturing investment.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 14, 2017

Mars Chocolate North America plans to invest $70 million in its U.S. supply chain, illustrating a commitment to American manufacturing and innovation.

UTZ cocoa

Rainforest Alliance, UTZ to merge

One certification standard to increase efficiency for farmers.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 7, 2017

The Rainforest Alliance and UTZ, two of the world’s leading sustainability certification organizations, will merge later this year.

candy industry trends

Celebrating growth during National Candy Month

U.S. candy sales expected to top $40 billion in 2019.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 7, 2017

June is also National Candy Month. While it’s a great excuse to savor some of our favorite treats, it also offers an opportunity to reflect on some of the positive trends and developments in our industry.

Chowza

Classic Chowza

Chowza Confections LLC, Minneapolis, Minn.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 7, 2017

Classic Chowza is a sweet treat based on one of our favorite snacks from childhood.

Jim Sconza, former president and ceo of Sconza Candy Co., passes away

Sconza led the company from 1960 to 2012.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 6, 2017

Jim Sconza, former president and ceo of Oakdale, Calif.-based Sconza Candy Co., has passed away, the Sconza family announced Monday.

Extra Mint Chocolate Chip 900.jpg

Gum and mint trends: Kickstarting classic categories

Declining gum sales and flat-lining mint sales call for innovation.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 31, 2017

Despite its status as a multibillion-dollar category, it’s no secret the gum and mint market is still in need of a boost.

Taza Dark Bark

Taza Dark Bark

Taza Chocolate, Somerville, Mass.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 30, 2017

Dark Bark is a better-for-you snacking chocolate with just 6-7 grams of sugar per serving for most flavors.

2017 Innovation Awards

NCA announces 2017 Most Innovative New Product Award winners

Buddha Brands takes first Small Business Innovator Award.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 26, 2017

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the winners of the 2017 Most Innovative New Product Awards.

Seattle Chocolates

Seattle Chocolates stays ahead of the learning curve

Company debuts mezzanine, factory tour to celebrate 25th anniversary.

Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 25, 2017

Seattle Chocolates CEO Jean Thompson had a lot to learn in a hurry. She's done so and more, demonstrating what passion and purpose can do.

Snack on the latest trends, news, and developments!

Stay in the know with Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, the premier source of information for snack, bakery, and confectionery professionals.

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing