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.

Ownership of Nonni’s Food Group to pass to new private equity firm

Vestar Capital Partners purchases biscotti manufacturer from Wind Point Partners.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 15, 2017

Private equity firm Vestar Capital Partners will purchase Nonni’s Food Group from Wind Point Partners, an equity firm based in Chicago, the companies announced Tuesday.

Amazon, Lidl and future of U.S. grocery market explored at private-label show

Private Label Manufacturers Association’s annual event tracks trends, showcases manufacturers’ capabilities.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 15, 2017

With the entrance of online behemoth Amazon and German discount retailer Lidl into the U.S. grocery market, its fate — and associated opportunities — were on the minds of exhibitors and attendees of the 2017 Private Label Trade Show, hosted by the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) in Rosemont, Ill. this week (Nov. 12-14).

Daelmans Stroopwafels gains distribution in U.S. retail channels

Caramel-filled waffle treat sold in variety of retail channels.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 15, 2017

Family-owned Dutch bakery group Daelmans, with help from U.S. importing partner The Brand Passport, has expanded distribution of its stroopwafels.

PEZ launches new website for U.S. consumers

Site includes searchable dispenser archive.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 8, 2017

The new, mobile-friendly website was designed to improve the user experience with enhanced functionality throughout.

Free From Fellows introduces new sweets, gains distribution

Clean-label brand launched in March 2016.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 8, 2017

Free From Fellows, the latest brand introduction from London-based Bravura Foods, has added three items to its range of clean-label gummies.

Kopper’s Chocolate seeing growth since move to New Jersey

Nuts.com bought Kopper’s Chocolate in 2016.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 8, 2017

Since moving to its new home in Cranford, N.J. a year ago, Kopper’s Chocolate has tripled its production capacity and introduced other initiatives designed to strengthen its position as a confectionery manufacturer.

Ethel M Chocolates refreshes its 'fresh' brand

Henderson, Nev.-based company looks to expand beyond regional base, capture younger customers.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 6, 2017

Even at its inception, Ethel M Chocolates was a brand steeped in tradition. Nonetheless, it was time for a change.

New KitKat, Nestlé Swiss items

Nestlé International Travel Retail, Vevey, Switzerland.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 6, 2017

Launching globally in spring 2018, KitKat Senses offers creamy milk chocolate, crispy wafer and indulgent fillings.

Mars Wrigley 2017 Holiday items

Mars Wrigley Confectionery, Chicago.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 3, 2017

The newly-merged Mars Wrigley Confectionery has introduced several new items for this holiday season.

R.M. Palmer 2017 Holiday items

R.M. Palmer, Reading, Pa.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 3, 2017

R.M. Palmer has released several new confections for the 2017 holiday season.

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:

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.

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.

See More Products

Alyse Thompson-Richards

ARTICLES

Ownership of Nonni’s Food Group to pass to new private equity firm

Amazon, Lidl and future of U.S. grocery market explored at private-label show

Daelmans Stroopwafels gains distribution in U.S. retail channels

PEZ launches new website for U.S. consumers

Free From Fellows introduces new sweets, gains distribution

Kopper’s Chocolate seeing growth since move to New Jersey

Ethel M Chocolates refreshes its 'fresh' brand

New KitKat, Nestlé Swiss items

Mars Wrigley 2017 Holiday items

R.M. Palmer 2017 Holiday items

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