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.

Study: Snack cravers lean toward foods high in calories, containing chocolate

Research to be published in food journal Appetite.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 15, 2017

New research, set to be published in the June edition of Appetite, shows those who crave snacks the most typically want an item that’s high in calories and/or contains chocolate.

Ex-Barilla exec Trofholz named ceo of Nielsen-Massey

Nielsen family members to continue in leadership positions at vanilla and flavors firm.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 15, 2017

Waukegan, Ill.-based vanilla and flavor firm Nielsen-Massey has a new leader.

Hershey names consumer brand veteran Mary Beth West as chief growth officer

West previously served at J.C. Penney, Mondelez International.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 13, 2017

The Hershey Co. has named consumer brand veteran Mary Beth West as its new senior v.p. and chief growth officer.

Mars expands Canada facility for Maltesers production

Expansion allows Mars Canada to introduce chocolate-coated malt balls to North American markets.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 13, 2017

Mars Canada has expanded its Newmarket, Ontario-based facility for the manufacturing and packaging of Maltesers, milk chocolate-coated malt balls.

Fannie May emphasizes Chicago connection with promotion, new products

Company celebrates Chicago’s 180th birthday, Cubs’ upcoming Opening Day.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 8, 2017

Fannie May is undeniably among the city’s confectionery elite, not only for its signature sweets, but for its ability to underscore the company’s Chicago connection and to reach residents and tourists alike. And those are things the company never forgets to celebrate, says Fannie May President Steve Druckman.

CÉMOI Group acquires Pittsburgh-based Chris Candies

Move will help French company strengthen position in North America.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 8, 2017

French chocolate manufacturer CEMOI Group has acquired Chris Candies, a Pittsburgh, Penn.-based chocolate company with premium, organic and low-sugar offerings.

PEZ Easter line

PEZ Candy, Orange, Conn.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 8, 2017

PEZ Candy has updated its Easter line to include a new Lamb dispenser.

Novelty candy: Tapping in to trendy

Guessing right on what will be popular -- and doing so often -- drives novelty sales.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 7, 2017

The novelty candy category has that name for a reason. Manufacturers must keep tabs on what's new -- from flavor and ingredient trends to technology, and in many cases, the hottest movies and shows to come down the pike.

Torie & Howard Chewie Fruities trial size display

Torie & Howard, New Milford, Conn.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 7, 2017

Torie & Howard Chewie Fruities are USDA-certified organic, kosher and contain no artificial dyes, flavors, preservatives or genetically-engineered ingredients.

Werther’s Original debuts chocolate crème-filled caramel

First time Werther’s has released caramel and chocolate product.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

March 7, 2017

Chicago-based Storck has added an iconic pairing to its lineup of Werther’s Original products.

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:

Alyse Thompson-Richards

ARTICLES

Study: Snack cravers lean toward foods high in calories, containing chocolate

Ex-Barilla exec Trofholz named ceo of Nielsen-Massey

Hershey names consumer brand veteran Mary Beth West as chief growth officer

Mars expands Canada facility for Maltesers production

Fannie May emphasizes Chicago connection with promotion, new products

CÉMOI Group acquires Pittsburgh-based Chris Candies

PEZ Easter line

Novelty candy: Tapping in to trendy

Torie & Howard Chewie Fruities trial size display

Werther’s Original debuts chocolate crème-filled caramel

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