The biggest challenge, though, is not how much better-for-consumers the candy should be. It’s the cost of sugar, which is an understandably important ingredient in making lollipops.

Candy company acquisitions played a big role in the candy industry during past year, including Chocoladenfabriken Lindt & Sprüngli purchasing U.S. box chocolate-giant Russell Stover.

This is the grand opening of Sugar Factory in Rosemont, Chicago. Although the store has been open since November last year, they’re making it official now with a red carpet and celebrity appearances by Blackhawks Hall-of-Famer Bobby Hull, America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon and — most importantly — Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kylie Jenner.

Halloween has gradually taken over the fall season, with witches and ghosts haunting storefronts as soon as September hits.

Original Gourmet Food Co. recently received a U.S. Patent for its gravity-deposited lollipop manufacturing process.

Chewy candy is so perfect for re-sealable bags, that not only are traditionally chewy candy brands appearing in re-sealable bags, but so are brands that are traditionally hard candies.

“People have been asking us to make beer lollipops for years,” says Jason Darling, Lollyphile’s owner.

While there’s no smoking gun to explain the decline in sales, one thing’s for sure, as far as Sally Lyons Wyatt, at IRI is concerned — there is a huge need for innovation.

PurAgave Agave Delights, the world’s first 100 percent pure-dried agave candy, and PurAgave Lozenges, contain 100 percent pure-dried agave.

Torie & Howard is introducing a new Halloween-themed package as a healthier option for trick-or-treaters.