In mid-June, Wisconsin governor Jim Doyle, together with Kerry Group executives, officially opened the company’s new 250,000-sq.-ft. innovation and technical center in Beloit, Wis.

On June 11, Delfi Cocoa Europe, a subsidiary of Petra Foods Ltd., started full production on a cocoa processing plant in Hamburg, Germany, that is capable of producing 110,000 metric tons, annually.

Buford, Ga.-based Crosio & Associates has been appointed the U.S. agent for equipment manufacturer PROFORM, which manufactures a comprehensive line of equipment for the confectionery, gum, bakery and nutraceutical industries.

Flavors and fragrances manufacturer Symrise AG, which is based in Holzminden, Germany, has appointed Heinz-Jürgen Bertram its new ceo.

By Deborah Cassell Executive Editor Candy Industry, Retail Confectioner casselld@bnpmedia.comgetting fresh: Catch wind of thisOn a recent trek from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio, to visit my parents, a friend and

Trans fat-free Touché Meringues are produced in a nut-, peanut-, sesame seed- and coconut-free facility, and come in the four flavors.

Navitas Naturals has introduced a line of certified organic snack mixes called Trail Power.

Chewy, milk chocolatey, peanut-filled Peanut Chews now come in three collectible, king-size packages featuring baseball greats Nolan Ryan, Lou Brock and Cole Hamels.

When a package arrived in my office containing an Advent calendar from Divine Chocolate, I could not help but remember the Advent calendars I enjoyed as a kid.

Hand-crafted in small, made-to-order batches, FunkyChunky Candy Bars come in four varieties.