Candy Industry Blog | Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery

'Quo tendimus?': Where are we going?

New administration offers opportunity to review sugar policy.

November 23, 2016

I also believe, given the majority rule in the Congress and Senate by Republicans, that there’s an opportunity for the confectionery industry here, regardless of your political affiliation. If there’s ever a time to revamp our nation’s sugar policy, it’s now.

Dubai trip offers look at world of possibilities

Yummex Middle East continues to grow, showcase innovation.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 16, 2016

Four months ago, I was a small-town newspaper journalist covering city council meetings and community events in rural West-Central Illinois, never dreaming my work would send me beyond the fringes of Northeast Missouri. But last Wednesday I found myself riding a tram out to the edge of the Palm Jumeirah. As the monorail glided past island residences and the city’s ultra-modern skyline, I couldn’t help being in awe.

Looking for a new brand? DIY

Pearson Candy Co. to launch new 7th Street Confections brand in early 2017 to address “chocolate snacking” trends as well as seasonal opportunities.

Bernie Pacyniak

November 9, 2016

Looking for a nostalgic confectionery brand, something with staying power? St. Paul-based Pearson Candy Co. could be your go-to company. After all, with a product lineup that features Salted Nut Roll, Nut Goodie, Mint and Coconut Patties as well as Bun Bar, consumers can enjoy classic treats, one which even goes back 104 years.

Yummex Middle East kicks off Nov. 7

More than 350 exhibitors from 44 countries to participate.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

November 2, 2016

Coordinated by Koelnmesse Group and the Dubai World Trade Center, Yummex Middle East, formerly known as Sweets & Snacks Middle East, will host the sold-out event Nov. 7-9.

Reveling in Cubs karma

Fannie May introduces Cubs confections to celebrate World Series appearance.

Bernie Pacyniak

October 26, 2016

As one would expect, with the popularity of this year’s team, both products have been top performing items in-store and online, says Dave Taiclet, president of the Gourmet Food Group, 1-800-Flowers. As he points out, Fannie May and the Chicago Cubs are two iconic Chicago brands.

Halloween ‘scary’ good for candy sales

National Retail Federation-sponsored survey predicts 2016 holiday to bring highest-ever Halloween spending.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

October 20, 2016

Halloween always promises a good scare, but a new survey sponsored by the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates spending for this year’s holiday will be downright spooky -- spooky good, that is.

Child obesity and candy

Candy consumption not major factor in childhood obesity.

Bernie Pacyniak

October 12, 2016

Those of us who are in the confectionery business may feel a bit uneasy digesting child obesity figures, perhaps even feeling a little guilty. But let’s get one thing clear, eating candy in moderation doesn’t make you obese, particularly children.

The buzz about honey

National Honey Board illustrates use of sweetener for food and beverage editors during Chicago summit.

Alyse Thompson-Richards

October 5, 2016

It’s one thing to see honey on supermarket shelves or in favorite snacks and confections, but to taste it fresh from the hive is quite another. I did just that during last month’s Honey Editors Summit, hosted in Chicago by the National Honey Board. The group, which supports honey education and research, took a half-dozen editors around the city to illustrate how honey is used.

KIND bars can once again display "healthy" on its packaging

The FDA's ‘Kind’ ly attempt to define healthy

FDA to begin the process of determining what ‘healthy’ means, how food manufacturers can use it.

Bernie Pacyniak

September 28, 2016

Just when I thought that the presidential campaign had demonstrated how weird a year 2016 could be, the FDA announced yesterday that it was going to tackle the definition of the word “healthy.” Is that nuts or what?