Rachel Ray recently featured a confectionery “Snack of the Day” on her nationally syndicatd “Daytime Talk Show”: Glee Gum. A product of Verve, Inc., Providence, R.I., the all-natural chewing gum

Kettle Foods, Salem, Ore., has added a spicy flavor to its innovative lineup: Death Valley Chipotle. Winner of Kettle brand’s fourth annual People’s Choice campaign, 5- and 9-oz. bags of the new chip now are hitting shelves nationwide.

Check out new confectionery items from Kathy Chocolaterie, Energy Brands, Divine Chocolate, Theo Chocolate, The Ginger People and Brownie Shotz.

Scott Silverstein has been named president and CEO of The Topps Co., New York, N.Y. Since 1994, Silverstein has served as president and COO of the confectionery creator and marketer.

Popular retailers in four U.S. cities - Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin, Texas - offer local consumers unique merchandising cues and innovative products that keep them coming back for more during both the best and worst of times.

You don't want to miss the upcoming All Candy Expo, to be held May 20-22 in Chicago. There, exhibitors will feature the items included in this month's pre-show coverage ... and many more.

Today's meat snacks target a different consumer than in years gone by. Introductions from major brands and manufacturers now come in unique sizes, packages and flavors.

If Chicagoland favorite Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s) were to outfit its windows with new confectionery products for the winter holiday season, the following might be among the colorful candies on display. Let it snow!

Whole Foods is an Austin, Texas, icon - and, apparently, a complete nuthouse.

All Walgreens stores are not created equal, and that’s a good thing for at least one in a North Chicago suburb, whose product selection is as eye-catching as the location’s architectural exterior.