Preparations for this year’s yummex Middle East, the trade fair for sweets and snacks in the MENA region staged annually in Dubai, are progressing at top speed.

With Easter arriving three weeks later than the 2016 holiday, consumers are expected to spend a record amount on candy, food and clothing, says a new survey sponsored by the National Retail Federation.

But a week later, 1-800-Flowers.com, Fannie May’s New York-based parent company, announced it would sell the brand -- along with the Harry London brand, an Ohio manufacturing facility, two warehouses and 79 retail stores -- to Ferrero International for $115 million.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Ferrara Candy Co. has partnered with 7-Eleven on a sloth-themed marketing campaign that features gummies and a Slurpee flavor exclusive to the c-store chain.

Italian group Ferrero International has announced a multimillion-dollar deal to purchase Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc., from 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., a leading floral and gourmet gift provider.