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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

U.S. Senator calls for investigation into snortable cacao powder

Coco Loko contains ingredients found in energy drinks.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 12, 2017

Chocoholics no longer have to eat chocolate to get their cocoa fix. Legal Lean, an Orlando, Fla.-based supplements company, has introduced Coco Loko, raw, powdered cacao that can be snorted through the nose.

Toosum Healthy Foods acquires health-bar brand KUTOA

Both companies brands offer gluten-free, non-GMO vegan health bars.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 12, 2017

Seattle, Wa.-based Toosum Healthy Foods, LLC, has acquired the Austin, Texas-based health bar brand KUTOA.

Nassau Candy division acquires McClain’s Old Florida Gourmet

McClain’s to operate under Nassau Candy South.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 12, 2017

Nassau Candy South, a division of Nassau Candy Distributors, Inc., has acquired McClain’s Old Florida Gourmet, a distributor of specialty food and candy primarily throughout Florida, the companies announced Wednesday.

Organic and all-natural candy trends: Supplying demand

Organic food sales continue to grow but sourcing still a challenge for manufacturers.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 11, 2017

With greater access to information -- and increased demand for transparency -- consumers are seeking food with clean labels and a clear history.

Atkinson Candy Co. moves toward SQF certification with new warehouse

Lufkin, Texas-based company launches new line of caramels.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 7, 2017

It's said people can't know where they're going until they understand where they've been. If anyone knows that to be true, it's Eric Atkinson, president of Atkinson Candy Co.

Katjes buys Cloetta’s Italian division for $53 million

Purchase includes four production facilities, five brands.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 6, 2017

Katjes International GmbH, the international subsidiary of Katjes Group, has acquired Cloetta Italia for $53 million, pushing the German gummy manufacturer to No. 2 in the Italian confectionery market.

3 Musketeers helps high school students “throw shine”

Marketing campaign inspires Virginia students to send positive messages.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 5, 2017

Last fall, Mars Chocolate North America launched the 3 Musketeers “#ThrowShine” campaign, designed to give young people a chance to spread positivity and good will. That’s opposed to “throwing shade,” a slang phrase for publicly criticizing someone on the Internet or otherwise.