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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

Ferrero: Signs point toward strong Halloween season

Themed seasonal packaging helps drive interest, product sales.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

October 28, 2021

Phil DeConto, v.p. customer marketing, Ferrero USA, notes that with available vaccines and people becoming accustomed to taking safety precautions, families are looking forward to returning to Halloween traditions.

Hammond’s, Iconic Candy, Gummi Pop earn 2021 Buyer’s Choice Awards

ECRM hosted virtual Everyday Candy Planning session Aug. 30-Sept. 10.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 13, 2021

Retail buyers attending ECRM’s virtual Everyday and Summer Seasonal Candy Planning session Aug. 30-Sept. 10 have selected winners of the 2021 Buyer's Choice Awards.

Paul Chibe takes global position at Ferrero, Todd Siwak steps up to lead NA business

Promotions are effective Sept. 1, 2021.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

September 2, 2021

Paul Chibe has been named Ferrero Group's global president, sugar confectionery and gums. Todd Siwak, former president and CEO of Ferrara Candy Co., will lead Ferrero's North American business as president and chief business officer.

Barry Callebaut launches Caramel Aura caramelized white chocolate

Caramelized white chocolate available in easy-melts, bake-stable chips.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

August 18, 2021

Barry Callebaut has launched Caramel Aura, premium caramelized white chocolate solutions with no added flavors or colors, for customers in North America.

State of the Candy Industry 2021: Gum sales tumble through COVID-19, but rebound expected

Lifting restrictions, product innovation projected to bring consumers back to gum category.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

August 9, 2021

Gum sales began to rebound earlier this summer as mask mandates and other restrictions were lifted. Gum manufacturers hope this, along with product innovation, will draw consumers back to the category.

State of the Candy Industry 2021: Hard candy sales shrink through COVID-19 pandemic

Category generates $539M, down nearly $50M from 2019.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

July 16, 2021

With retailers turning away from bulk bins and office-goers not filling their candy dishes as often, hard candy sales have sagged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

9 innovations Ferrara will introduce at the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo

Show set for June 23-25 in Indianapolis.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

June 23, 2021

Ferrara Candy Co. (Booth 21928) will introduce innovations in the sugar confectionery and cookie categories during the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo, set for June 23-25 in Indianapolis, Ind.