https://www.snackandbakery.com/rss/13396-candy-manufacturers en-us The past year included ups and downs, including tariffs, but ultimately ended on an overall positive note.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/115497 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/115497-2026-global-top-100-candy-companies-show-resilience The past year included ups and downs, with many worried about the prices of cocoa heading into the new year.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/113146 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/113146-2025-global-top-100-candy-companies-thrive-amidst-price-increases On January 18, Mars held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newest, and largest to date Global Research and Development Hub.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/110533 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/110533-mars-opens-doors-on-new-global-research-and-development-hub-in-chicago Mars Wrigley’s historical relationship with history in Chicago dates back more than a century (William Wrigley Jr. introduced Juicy Fruit and Wrigley’s Spearmint gums in 1893) Mars Wrigley’s historical relationship with history in Chicago dates back more than a century (William Wrigley Jr. introduced Juicy Fruit and Wrigley’s Spearmint gums in 1893). The 2024 opening of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub marks the latest chapter. Mars Global Research and Development Hub Visitors to the Mars Global Research and Development Hub are greeted with a mural that features the façade of the facility, adorned with graphic elements tying in the company’s famed products and its connections to the city of Chicago. Amanda Davies—chief procurement, sustainability, and R&D officer at Mars Amanda Davies—chief procurement, sustainability, and R&D officer at Mars—shared an overview of the new Global Research and Development Hub, the company’s innovation strategy, and more before the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. M&Ms Adidas sneakers Many of the Mars staff members awaiting the ribbon cutting sported limited-edition M&Ms Adidas sneakers. Apparently the exclusive footwear is in such short supply that some of the top-level executives are still awaiting pairs of their own. Ribbon-cutting ceremony Ribbon-cutting ceremonies typically involve oversized pairs of scissors. The opening of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub was no exception—for this occasion, the company procured a special golden pair of scissors emblazoned with the company logo. R&D team member Teri Troxel showed off the Clean Nut Kitchen and Roasted Nut Room in the Mars Global Research and Development Hub. R&D team member Teri Troxel showed off the Clean Nut Kitchen and Roasted Nut Room in the Mars Global Research and Development Hub. Troxel also told visitors about the network of 20,000 nut farmers the company works with around the globe. A pass-through window connects the Roasted Nut Room A pass-through window connects the Roasted Nut Room, where various nuts are examined and tested, and the Clean Nut Kitchen (a controlled-environment space) of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub. Mars Global Research and Development Hub A Mars team member watches over a test back of caramel in the Prototype Kitchen of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub. In this space, fillings like caramel and nougat are tested, bar fillings are slabbed, and other recipes are evaluated. Mars Global Research and Development Hub In the Mars Global Research and Development Hub’s Prototype Kitchen, R&D team members often evaluate caramels, as well as other candy components and ingredients, to ensure they bear the desirable color, consistency, taste, and more. A row of bars consisting of chocolate-enrobe caramel slabs await evaluation in the Prototype Kitchen of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub. A row of bars consisting of chocolate-enrobe caramel slabs await evaluation in the Prototype Kitchen of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub. The Panning Room of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub features six drums The Panning Room of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub features six drums, several with liners specially designed by the R&D team. Here, chocolate and other ingredients are tumbled in test batches of M&Ms and other confectionery items. Panning Room in the Mars Global Research and Development Hub Peanuts are tumbled in a coating of chocolate inside one of the drums of the Panning Room in the Mars Global Research and Development Hub. Later the chocolatey nuts will also be coated with the signature M&Ms outer candy shells. Mars staff Mars staff watch rows of the peanutty base for a batch of Snickers Hi-Protein bars being formed, making their way to the guillotine that will cut them into pieces on the Mars Global Research and Development Hub’s bar line. A flow wrapper sits idle, waiting for its turn in the action at the end of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub’s bar line A flow wrapper sits idle, waiting for its turn in the action at the end of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub’s bar line. On the day of the visit, the line was working on a batch of Snickers Hi-Protein bars. Near the conclusion of the tour, Mars Wrigley’s resident historian David Borghesani treated visitors to an overview of the history of chocolate Near the conclusion of the tour, Mars Wrigley’s resident historian David Borghesani treated visitors to an overview of the history of chocolate, how cocoa journeys from bean to chocolate to Mars products, and how the company has evolved since its early days. The tour of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub included a view of several historical photos and artifacts from the company’s history The tour of the Mars Global Research and Development Hub included a view of several historical photos and artifacts from the company’s history. Among the relics were vintage product packages, including this Spanish-language carton of Three Musketeers bars. Mars Global Research and Development Hub The guests who toured the Mars Global Research and Development Hub were sent home with an assortment of Mars Wrigley treats, including a pouch of Skittles only sold in China and Snickers bars in special packaging paying tribute to the company’s home city. The move will empower Mondelēz to focus on chocolate, cookies, and baked snacks.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/109898 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:43:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/109898-mondelz-wraps-up-sale-of-developed-market-gum-business-to-perfetti-van-melle With the pandemic receding, the confectionery industry is slowly returning to its pre-March 2020 state.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/109501 Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/109501-2023-north-american-sweet-60-candy-manufacturers-strive-to-be-creative-resilient Candy Industry Publisher Doug Peckenpaugh was able to catch up with Tim Strickland, co-owner, River Street Sweets, at its Savannah location on June 23. June 24 was National Pralines Day.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/109475 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/109475-praline-maker-river-street-sweets-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary Jennifer, Pam, Georgia and Tim in Flagship Store Jennifer, Pam, Georgia, and Tim in Flagship Store. Photo credit: River Street Sweets Dipping Pralines Dipping Pralines. Photo credit: River Street Sweets River Street Sweets World Famous Pralines Sign River Street Sweets World Famous Pralines Sign. Photo credit: Doug Peckenpaugh A River Street Sweets employee offers a praline sampler to a customer. A River Street Sweets employee offers a praline sampler to a customer. Photo credit: River Street Sweets The Strickland family. The Strickland family. Photo credit: River Street Sweets World Famous Pralines, Chocolate and Original World Famous Pralines, Chocolate, and Original. Photo credit: Doug Peckenpaugh The Strickland family The Strickland family. Photo credit: River Street Sweets River Street Sweets is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. River Street Sweets is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Photo credit: Doug Peckenpaugh Tim Showing Mary Jane and Mayor Johnson The Art of Scooping Pralines Tim Showing Mary Jane and Mayor Johnson The Art of Scooping Pralines. Photo credit: Doug Peckenpaugh World Famous Pralines Hand Dipped on the Marble Slab World Famous Pralines Hand Dipped on the Marble Slab. Photo credit: Doug Peckenpaugh World Famous Pralines, Chocolate and Original World Famous Pralines, Chocolate, and Original. Photo credit: Doug Peckenpaugh Old River Street Sweets storefront Old River Street Sweets storefront. Photo credit: River Street Sweets The flavors are available at retailers such as Dollar Tree and Food Lion.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108944 Thu, 04 May 2023 14:30:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108944-goetzes-adds-two-flavors-to-everyday-offerings The recognition marks the fifth consecutive year DiversityInc has recognized Hershey's enterprise commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108936 Wed, 03 May 2023 10:55:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108936-hershey-named-3-on-diversityincs-top-50-companies-for-diversity-list Hershey and Côte d'Ivoire's National Strategy for Sustainable Cocoa share a goal to improve childhood education and preserve ecosystems in cocoa-producing communities.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108909 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108909-hershey-aims-to-expand-commitment-to-child-wellbeing-environmental-conservation-in-cote-divoire Nestlé International Travel Retail returns to TFWA Asia Pacific this year with a Hospitality Suite dedicated to continuing the company’s mission to build food into travel retail’s #1 most purchased category.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108907 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108907-nestle-itr-returns-to-singapore-to-continue-driving-its-category-regenerative-ambitions To create an immersive brand experience, with the ability to connect meaningfully with teen consumers across a variety of touchpoints, General Mills is partnering with internet personality and TikTok creator Emily Zugay.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108881 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108881-gushers-fruit-by-the-foot-debut-new-logos-with-tiktok-sensation-emily-zugay Gushers, Fruit by the Foot debut new logos with TikTok sensation Emily Zugay Gushers, Fruit by the Foot debut new logos with TikTok sensation Emily Zugay Better-for-you chocolate brand increases U.S. presence with new Dark Chocolate Coconut Cups, available in over 150 Costco clubs across the nation.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108804 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108804-chocxo-expands-its-dark-chocolate-coconut-cups-to-us-costco-stores The candy brand teams up with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Milwaukee Brewers for the 2023 MLB season.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108812 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:45:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108812-hi-chew-announces-four-new-mlb-partnerships Today, the company employs 400+ people and has added Terra, Petra, Camino, and Lost Farm to its family of premium cannabis products.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108788 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108788-kiva-confections-talks-confectionery-cannabis-edibles-updated-packaging Kiva Confections talks confectionery cannabis edibles, updated packaging all photos courtesy of: Kiva Confections Kiva Confections talks confectionery cannabis edibles, updated packaging Kiva Confections talks confectionery cannabis edibles, updated packaging CandyRific and Hilco will feature many new items and display their most popular candy novelties at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, May 22–25 in Chicago. 

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108772 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108772-candyrific-hilco-to-feature-candy-novelties-at-sweets-and-snacks-expo-2023 CandyRific, Hilco to feature candy novelties at Sweets and Snacks Expo 2023 CandyRific, Hilco to feature candy novelties at Sweets and Snacks Expo 2023 Nestlé International Travel Retail will be participating at the forthcoming China International Consumer Product Expo, being held at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, Haikou, from April 11–15.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108770 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108770-nestle-international-travel-retail-returns-to-hainan-expo-with-its-latest-products At its peak, Stuckey’s had over 350 stores in 40 states, a candy plant, a distribution center, and a sign painting business that produced 4,000 billboards that covered the nation’s highways.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108672 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108672-stuckeys-how-a-blast-from-the-past-remains-relevant-today Stuckey's invests in its pecan brand, new Georgia facility Stuckey's Original Pecan Log roll. Courtesy of: Stuckey's Corporation Stuckey's vintage picture W.S. Stuckey in front of an early billboard. Courtesy of: Stuckey's Corporation Stephanie Stuckey Stephanie Stuckey at the Majestic Diner in Atlanta. Photo credit: Markham Yard Stuckey's making pecan rolls Candy plant workers at Stuckey’s in Wrens, GA. Courtesy of: Stuckey Corporation Stephanie Stuckey Stephanie Stuckey at the Stuckey’s Pecan Orchard in Eastman, GA. Photo credit: Eric Ellis Stuckey's pecan snacks Stuckey's Flavored Pecan Snacks. Courtesy of: Stuckey Corporation Stuckey's billboard sign Sign outside the Stuckey’s candy plant in Wrens, GA. Courtesy of: Stuckey Corporation ICS awards for the Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America are based on the combined total number of Gold and Silver Awards plus star ratings received by each entrant in the previous year's TasteTV Chocolate Salons.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108649 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108649-international-chocolate-salon-announces-best-chocolatiers-and-confectioners-in-america-winners Chocolate companies have been diversifying their products and are also aiming to stay up to date with their sustainability and improvement goals.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108442 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:10:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108442-chocolate-manufacturers-focus-on-sustainability-innovative-products Peanut butter lovers gift box Peanut Butter Lovers Gift Box, featuring PB&J, Peanut Butter Cup, and Peanut Butter Marshmallow flavors. Courtesy of: Norman Love Confections M&Ms caramel cold brew courtesy of: Mars snickers Courtesy of: Mars Churros HOt Chocolate clusters courtesy of: Niagara Chocolates Luker Chocolate B4B courtesy of: Luker Chocolate Kit Kat Birthday Cake courtesy of: Hershey Reese's courtesy of: Hershey Reese's dipped animal crackers courtesy of: Hershey Kinder JOy courtesy of: Ferrero North America Fannie May courtesy of: Ferrero North America Divine chocolate courtesy of: Divine Chocolate Chocolate manufacturers focus on sustainability, innovative products courtesy of: Chocolove The candy-inspired, limited-edition yogurt flavor first launched at the franchise in July 2021.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108322 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:56:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108322-hi-chew-raspberry-flavor-returns-to-menchies-frozen-yogurt As the economy still tries to bounce back, the candy business seems to be booming—at least in the United States, where the dollar is stronger than a year ago and the euro and yen are down.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108221 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/108221-2023-global-top-100-candy-companies-list-shows-growth-despite-economic-conditions The International Chocolate Salon Awards for the 2022 Caramel Awards are based on the total combined number of votes received by each entrant from the judging panel.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/101257 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:15:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/101257-international-chocolate-salon-tastetv-announce-winners-of-2022-best-caramels-best-chocolate-truffles-artistry Established in 2007, TasteTV International Chocolate Salon is one of the premier international bodies celebrating and honoring artisan and premium chocolates and confections.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/101287 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:30:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/101287-international-chocolate-salon-tastetv-name-winners-of-2022-fall-holiday-chocolate-salon thompson-richardsa@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) The complexity of Gummi Pop Surprise comes with an intricate manufacturing process that Todd Elliott and his team have developed and fine-tuned themselves. They are expanding it to another brand — Lucky Sweeties — which is set to hit shelves this month.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/101856 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:24:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/101856-how-gummi-pop-surprise-leverages-variety-and-collectability Gummi Pop Surprise 1.jpg Gummi Pop Surprise 2.jpg Lucky Sweeties_web.jpg thompson-richardsa@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) In addition to reworking the SweetWorks Confections team and company culture, Delica North America CEO Leah Dunmore has pushed for innovation, especially by expanding its Niagara Chocolates brand to national retailers.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/104764 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 12:38:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/104764-beyond-buffalo-how-sweetworks-confections-relaunched-the-niagara-chocolates-brand Niagara Chocolates 1.jpg Niagara Chocolates 2.jpg Niagara Chocolates 3.jpg The holiday event includes hundreds of decorated trees, wreaths and décor on display and sold for a good cause. 

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/100720 Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:15:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/100720-candyrific-participates-in-louisvilles-festival-of-trees FORCEpkg's Tom Newmaster takes a look at the confectionery industry's change agents and how they’re igniting innovation.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/106599 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:45:00 -0500 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/106599-an-inside-look-at-whats-driving-candy-innovation Product diversification, facility growth helps family-owned business thrive through challenges.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/106374 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/106374-anthony-thomas-candy-co-marks-70-years The $214 million facility expansion will create 200 new jobs and meet growing demand in North America.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/105642 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/105642-ferrero-breaks-ground-on-illinois-kinder-bueno-facility After overcoming incredible odds during turbulent times, Guy Debbas and his son, Max Debbas, now oversee a global chocolate-making business that includes A’cappella Chocolates and Debbas Gourmet.

]]> http://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/103116 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:40:00 -0400 https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/103116-guy-debbas-overcomes-challenges-to-build-chocolate-business