Bernie Pacyniak

 Last month, making my rounds at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, I had the opportunity to sit down with Marty Thompson, president and ceo of Chirardelli Chocolate Co., and chat about his “Career Day” participation at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard. 

To the Mayans and Olmecs, the empty oyster shell represented the concept of zero, a central component of any numbering system. 

 Most child-rearing experts agree sharing doesn’t come naturally to kids; that youngsters are not mature enough to grasp the concept, much less comprehend the joys connected with the selfless practice. 

 What happens when you pair the bold and powerful wines of the Tuscany region — specially, the Sangiovese Grosso Brunello grape variety — with a chocolate rose — specifically a Rose of the Dolomite that features a hazelnut cream, fine roasted hazelnut pieces and dark chocolate petals?  

 When Norman Love first met Dave Taiclet and Terry Mitchell from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Fannie May Confections Brands, respectively, three years ago, he was adamant about one thing. 

When I first started working for Candy Industry more than a decade ago, my knowledge about the industry was at best rudimentary. It was also unbiased. Hence, when the first headlines about child labor began to surface, I did what every good journalist should: research the hell out of the topic.