Crystal Lindell

Australia-based Darrell Lea soon could be for sale

Company under review, faces financial crisis

July 11, 2012

Darrell Lea, known in the United States mainly for its soft-eating licorice, has brought in PPB Advisory to conduct an ongoing review of its business after growing concerns about its ability to meet ongoing financial obligations.

Can taxes and bans really curb obesity?

Fighting this epidemic won’t be as easy as labeling things “good” or “bad.”

Crystal Lindell

July 11, 2012

The thing about obesity is that it’s nothing like smoking. I know. I know. It blows (pun intended) that we have to come up with new ways to fight the latest epidemic.

Newly formed Ferrara Pan Co., to close facilities

Round Lake, Minn., Chattanooga, Tenn. facilities to close

Crystal Lindell

June 27, 2012

About a week after Farley’s & Sathers and Ferrara Pan Candy Co. made their merger official — creating the Ferrara Candy Co. — they’re announcing plans to close some facilities.

RCI caters to everyone in the industry

Retail Confectioners International offers classes, publications and advice to confectionery professionals

Crystal Lindell

June 27, 2012

There is a group that chocolate makers, confectioners and suppliers can all call their own. Where independently owned businesses and multi-million dollar corporations can meet, share ideas, and solve mutual problems.

Dennis Witzel receives RCI award

Witzel honored for more than 40 years in the industry

Crystal Lindell

June 27, 2012

Dennis Witzel has been in the chocolate business for more than 40 years, working for Nestlé Chocolate Division, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate and Linnea's Cake & Candy Supplies. And now, he’s been recognized for his sweet contributions to the confectionery world.

Colombia’s ‘value-added’ economy

New Free Trade Agreement with the United States has Colombia hoping for the best

Crystal Lindell

June 20, 2012

Maybe it’s the mountains, maybe it’s the fruit that tastes like it’s from the Garden of Eden, or maybe it’s the fact that a local confided in me that every time she talks about the drug trade she gets a headache — but whatever the reason, it only takes a few hours in Colombia to feel the same desire for change that the locals do.

Chocolate-covered history

Crystal Lindell

June 15, 2012

When I arrived at my early morning media appointment with Mars Chocolate North America Wednesday during the Sweets and Snacks Expo,* I was expecting the usual — a look at the company’s new products, followed by a discussion about said products, followed by them handing me a glorious bag of samples filled with said products (preferably with M&M’s characters on it).

Ageless at 100 — Whitman’s Sampler

America’s most famous box of chocolates celebrates its centennial.

Crystal Lindell

June 15, 2012

With its classic yellow box featuring cross-stitched edges, the Whitman’s Sampler has been giving the impression that it’s been around, well forever — but it’s this year that it actually turns 100.

The Extraordinary General Store

Julie and Michael Holahan have successfully sold local products at their Pennsylvania General Store for 25 years.

Crystal Lindell

June 15, 2012

Michael Holahan, owner of the Pennsylvania General Store, likes to joke that if you can buy it in his shop it was made in his state, unless it says Pennsylvania or Philadelphia on it — then, it was most likely made in China.

Expansion Plans

Barry Callebaut undertakes two North American expansion projects

Company plans expand St. Albans, Vt. facility; purchases Chatham, Ontario facility assets

Crystal Lindell

June 13, 2012

Barry Callebaut AG has announced plans to to invest $27.9 million in two North America expansion projects, which will add about 60,000 tons to production capacity.