Alyse Thompson-Richards

Industrial chocolate market to grow by 3 percent

London-based firm Technavio says demand of organic, sugar-free chocolate continues to grow.

January 11, 2017

The global industrial chocolate market is expected to grow by 3 percent over the next five years, according to a new report by London-based research firm Technavio.

Survey: Consumers still prefer classic indulgences

Report by flavor company FONA International shows snacking, indulgence patterns.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

January 11, 2017

With healthy snacking options on the rise, consumers still look for standard indulgences, according to a new report by Geneva, Ill.-based flavor company FONA International.

Nutraceuticals market to hit $302 billion in 2022

Functional food market expected to drive growth.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

January 4, 2017

The world’s nutraceutical market is expected to reach $302.31 billion in 2022, according to a new report by Allied Market Research.

COO Martin Schlatter leaves Haribo

Exec cites “private reasons” for departure.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

January 4, 2017

German gummy manufacturer Haribo Group has announced that COO Martin Schlatter has departed the company, effective Dec. 31.

Runamok Maple acquires Bascom Maple Farms’ candy, butter operations

Acquisition will allow Bascom to focus on core maple business.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

January 4, 2017

Runamok Maple, a Cambridge, Vt.-based maker of all-natural, organic maple syrup, has acquired the maple candy and butter operations of Battleboro, Vt.-based Bascom Maple Farms, the largest independent supplier of pure maple syrup, maple sugar and maple candy in the country.

Sweet Bites

AJP Global Support Services, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

January 4, 2017

Created by Green Health Ltd. exclusively for AJP Global Support Services, Sweet Bites are made with all-natural, rigorously-chosen ingredients.

Hershey names Michele Buck as new president, ceo

Buck joined Hershey in 2005; has served as executive v.p., coo.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

December 21, 2016

Michele Buck, the company’s executive v.p. and coo, will become the confectionery giant’s new president and ceo, effective March 1. She succeeds John P. Bilbrey, who announced his intention to retire in October.

The Confectionery Foundation launches interactive tourist map

Map marks candy outlet stores and factory tours.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

December 21, 2016

Pack your bags and prepare for a sweet adventure. The Confectionery Foundation, a division of the National Confectioners Association (NCA), has developed an online map of candy outlet stores and factory tours that encourages travelers to experience American confectionery companies and brands.

Sugar Factory marries starpower, sweet treats for memorable experience

New location in Chicago River North opened Dec. 10.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

December 21, 2016

Last Wednesday I was to head to Chicago’s River North neighborhood, check out Sugar Factory’s new brasserie and store, and make eye contact with Backstreet Boy Nick Carter long enough for him to fall in love with me and propose on the spot. Sounds easy, right? Well, two-thirds of it was.

Dr. Basil E. Atkinson Jr., former president of Judson-Atkinson Candy, passes away at 90

Industry veteran inducted into Candy Hall of Fame in 2011.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

December 21, 2016

Dr. Basil E. Atkinson Jr., former president of Judson-Atkinson Candies, Inc., passed away Monday in his San Antonio home. He was 90. Born in Lufkin, Texas, on Aug. 28, 1926, Atkinson began serving Atkinson Candy, the Chick-O-Stick manufacturer founded by his father, Basil Sr., in the early 1930s.