Stagnito Expands Into Book Publishing With Guide to Successful Product Launches

Stagnito Communications Inc. (SCI), the world’s largest publisher of food, beverage and packaging magazines, ventures into book publishing with the October 2004 release of “New Product Launches: 10 Proven Strategies.”
Deerfield, Ill.-based SCI publishes Confectioner.
The book by Joan Schneider will be a first-of-its-kind look at how companies can improve the launch stage of the new product development process. She is president of Schneider & Associates, a Boston-based strategic communications and marketing agency specializing in introducing new products and revitalizing icon products. Co-author is Jeanne Yocum, a Granby, Mass. writer and public relations practitioner.
“This book will speak directly to brand managers, marketing managers, CEOs, and advertising and public relations executives about how to improve the success rate of new product launches,” says Harry Stagnito, SCI president. “Our audience is constantly seeking new ways to improve the new product development process and conducting an effective launch is essential to ensuring a product’s commercial success.
“Since new products are the lifeblood of today’s consumer product companies, we’ve wanted to publish a book on this important topic,” Stagnito adds.
Impact Confections Acquires Some Foreign Brands
The Foreign Candy Co. Inc. has sold Mega Warheads, Wally Pops, Paint Brush, Sidewalk Chalk Bubble Gum and Bubble Gum Crayons to Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Impact Confections for an undisclosed sum.
Hull, Iowa-based The Foreign Candy Co. announced that it plans to continue creating, developing, marketing and selling innovative products for the retail market. In addition, Foreign plans to concentrate on sales of its Rips, Rip Rolls, Rip Straws, The Yardstick, Big Shots, Wild Zone, Surprise Bag, Grouchy Garbage Candy, Coffee Shop Coffee Candy Conversation Pops and Skull Pops brands.
Brach’s Marks Centennial With New Packaging, Sales Goal
Dallas-based Brach’s Confections Inc. celebrates its 100th anniversary with fresh new packaging for its entire product line.
Brach’s package redesign places primary emphasis on its updated logo. More than 90 percent of consumers tested reported preferring the new design, according to a spokesman.
Names in the News
Robert S. Hondal, national sales manager for the Anthony-Thomas Candy Co., Columbus, Ohio, retires after 41 years in the candy business. Hondal started his career with Kaufmann’s Department Store in 1963, working as the candy and gourmet buyer for five years. He spent 25 years with Price Candy Co., as plant manager, sales manager and operations manager. Hondal joined Anthony-Thomas in 2000 to develop its wholesale sales department.
Patrick L. Hurley has been appointed international sales director for Spangler Candy Co., Bryan, Ohio. Hurley, who was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in June 2003, will be the primary contact for Spangler’s international sales business.
John A. Stachowiak has been promoted to vice president, internal audit for the Hershey Foods Corp. Stachowiak served as Hershey’s director of internal audit for 14 years. His responsibilities include assessing risks in various areas of the company.
Kevin Fritton has been named chief operating officer of Carbolite Foods Inc., Evansville, Ind. Previously, Fritton was executive vice president for 256 Operating Associates, responsible for the operations of quick-service restaurant chain Wendy’s.
Scott Curtis has been appointed manager of marketing services for Carbolite Foods Inc. Curtis previously served as a district sales manager with Coca-Cola Enterprises for eight years.