Editor Crystal Lindell says goodbye in final column for Candy Industry

Lindell’s tenure in the confectionery industry took her across the globe.

Crystal Lindell_Kettle 2022.jpg — Crystal Lindell, outgoing editor of Candy Industry.

Dees and Crystal — Smarties Candy Co. Co-President Liz Dee, left, poses with Candy Industry’s Editor Crystal Lindell, and the candy company’s other Co-Presidents, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Sarah Dee.

Candara iBar — Candy Industry Magazine Managing Editor Crystal Lindell, left, with Candara's David A. Lysak, v.p., and Melissa Thibeault, controller, at the company's offices in Quebec.

Salpa chocolate fields Crystal Lindell Ecuador — Crystal Lindell, Candy Industry Magazine's managing editor, poses with cocoa pods at Salpa's chocolate plantation in Ecuador.

Crystal Lindell Sweets and Snacks Expo — Crystal Lindell, Candy Industry Magazine's Managing Editor, poses with Yellow M&M during the 2016 Sweets and Snacks Expo. Photo by Vito Palmisano.

Goodbyes are never easy, but this one feels especially sour. I’m sad to say this is my final column for Candy Industry.

Working on Candy Industry has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. This job took me on my first international trip, allowing me to go to Colombia 10 years ago. After that, it was a whirlwind: Brazil, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Germany, Austria, Canada and too many states to count.

I’ve toured candy factories, attended Willy Wonka-style candy conferences and even visited cocoa fields in South America and Africa.

All of that would have been worthless if it wasn’t for the amazing people I’ve met along the way.

First, being hired by former editor Bernie Pacyniak, and then spending the last four years working side-by-side with Alyse Thompson. They were truly the greatest coworkers I have ever had. Both of them are inspiring, motivational, funny and just genuinely warm people with good hearts. They were truly the best part of my job with Candy Industry. Better, even, than the trips to Europe.

Of course, so many in the industry have left their mark on my soul as well, especially everyone I met as part of the Kettle Committee and the related event.

To be honest, writing about candy and chocolates for money always felt just a bit too good to be true, and looking back, it really was like a sweet dream. But as the old Semisonic song says, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

The confectionery industry truly is a magical place, and I’d be honored to stay in touch. Feel free to reach out to me on my personal email, cs.lindell@gmail.com. Thanks for all the memories. It’s been sweet.

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Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.