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Alyse Thompson-Richards

Alyse Thompson-Richards has held many positions with BNP Media, first serving as an intern at Candy Industry magazine in summer 2012. She joined Candy Industry's staff full time as associate editor in August 2016 after a few years at newspapers in West-Central Illinois, becoming managing editor in March 2019. Alyse has also served as managing editor of Cannabis Products magazine since March 2019, and is currently the editor-in-chief of Food Engineeering magazine. She has bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from Western Illinois University.

Articles

ARTICLES

Appellate court upholds decision to toss Mars child-labor labeling suit

Ninth Circuit court affirms California district court’s decision to dismiss claims made against chocolate manufacturer.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 6, 2018

A federal appeals court has agreed that Mars, Inc. and other food manufacturers have no duty under California consumer protection laws to disclose on product packages that their supply chains may contain child labor.

Elizabeth, Sue and Bill Foley own and operate The Chocolate Fetish.

Owners of The Chocolate Fetish chase chocolate-filled dreams

The company, RCI’s Spring Regional Conference host, serves Asheville, N.C., through charity, world-class chocolate.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 30, 2018

Owned and operated by Sue and Bill Foley, and their daughter, Elizabeth Foley, The Chocolate Fetish has evolved from a one-person hobby shop with a single display case to becoming one of the finest chocolatiers in the United States.

Spangler Candy Co. acquires NECCO assets

Massachusetts bankruptcy judge gives nod to lollipop company's $18.83-million bid despite previous negotiations with Boston investment firm.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 30, 2018

The move prevented a previous attempt by a Boston investment firm to buy the embattled confectionery company. The Spangler purchase was scheduled to close May 25.

Hostess wins the 2018 Best in Show award for its Bakery Petites Double Chocolate Cake Delights.

NCA names 2018 Most Innovative New Product Award winners

Inaugural Ruby Award goes to Barry Callebaut for Ruby chocolate.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 23, 2018

This year's Best in Show award went to Hostess for Bakery Petites Double Chocolate Cake Delights, made with real chocolate and without high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors.

Dispatches from Candyland

Sweets & Snacks Expo kicks off at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 23, 2018

This is Associate Editor Alyse Thompson's second Sweets & Snacks Expo, but it already feels like old hat. Getting around was a breeze, and she enjoyed catching up with manufacturers, suppliers, sales people and marketers she's gotten to know over the last couple years.

Ritter Sport reaches 'new standard' for cocoa sustainiability

Efforts in Nicaragua push Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG to achieve cocoa sustainability goals.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 22, 2018

Ritter harvested its first cocoa crop in 2017, presenting new possibilities for the company's product portfolio and pushing it closer to achieving its sustainability goals.

84 products we're excited to see at the 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo!

Expo set for May 22-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 18, 2018

Here's a look at some of the products Candy Industry is most excited to see at the Expo, listed alphabetically by company name.

Hershey report stresses blending digital, physical elements for best retail experience

Customers likely to spend six times more when they shop a retailer’s ‘total commerce ecosystem.’

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 17, 2018

The Hershey Co. has released a new retail report showcasing how to extend the concept of search across digital and physical retail.

The Warrell Corp. names Matthew Caiazza as new president, ceo

Caiazza succeeds Kevin Silva, who served Warrell for 26 years.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 17, 2018

The Warrell Corp. has named Matthew Caiazza as its new president and ceo. Caiazza succeeds Kevin Silva, who announced his resignation in December.

Private equity firm buys majority stake in Tierra Nueva

Partnership will allow Coffee Thins maker to grow national distribution.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

May 16, 2018

Tampa-based private equity firm ProspEquity Partners has purchased a majority stake in Tierra Nueva Fine Cocoa, LLC.

View All Articles by Alyse Thompson-Richards

Opopop aims to heat up microwave popcorn category

Hershey showcases its new strategies at Sweets & Snacks Expo

Hershey showcases new strategies, candy

Hard candy evolves beyond traditional sweetness

Events

August 20, 2025

Breaking the Mold: Fresh Perspectives on Modern Bakery Packaging Solutions

On-Demand Join us for a practical look at how bakeries can modernize packaging lines and better align with emerging retail and environmental demands. Key takeaways:

June 23, 2026

Better Bread: Smarter Formulation

BFY bill while still delivering the taste, texture, and other attributes that consumers aren’t so willing to compromise on. In this focused presentation, an expert from a leading producer will discuss their experiences and perspectives on ways to craft recipes that hit all the marks.

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Products

Natural Food Flavors and Colorants, 2nd Edition

Although many foods are appealing, and even perceived as natural, in spite of containing synthetic additives, consumer increasingly prefer food products which are fully natural.

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