Founded by Swedes Lars Akerlund and David Johansson in 2006, FIKA Espresso Bar recently introduced its first line of hand-rolled truffles, pralines and chocolate bars called FIKA Choklad.

Filling consumer requests for more chocolates with fruit and nut centers, Recchiuti Confections launched its Recchiuti Dragée line.

B.T. McElrath introduces a line of five, 3-oz. chocolate bar varieties blended from American, European and Colombian chocolates.

By Deborah Cassell Editor Confection & Snack Retailing casselld@bnpmedia.comgetting fresh: Something to talk aboutThe season finale of MTV’s “Taking the Stage,” a critically acclaimed reality show that follows the lives

Stuggart, Germany-based Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of holistic systems in the world of packaging and process technology, has changed the name of several of its subsidiaries.

Jean-Marc Rotsaert, formerly with Campbell’s, has joined AAK USA as president.

Dutch-based Duyvis Wiener has developed a machine that combines the characteristics  of a sheer stress device with that of a very efficient film evaporator.

Dozens of industry professionals indulged on chocolate baked goods and candy during the grand opening of Puratos Innovation Center in Kenosha, Wis., last month.

According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database, the number of new product launches in the United States food and drink categories dropped 51% in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the first quarter of 2008.

The Warrell Corp., which sells candy under the Pennsylvania Dutch Candies and Katherine Beecher brands, has acquired the assets of York, Pa.-based Classic Caramel Co.