Production of The Hershey Co.’s new factory in Monterrey, Mexico is on schedule, according to Hershey spokesman Kirk Saville.

Japanese chocolate manufacturer Meiji Seika has recalled some confectionery products after it failed to file the appropriate paperwork for a novel sweetener made with an unapproved genetically modified enzyme.

Nestlé plans to invest more than $10 million into production and development at the Ruza Confectionery Factory in the Moscow region of Russia.

Nestlé also plans to expand its chocolate portfolio in India and strengthen its market share by introducing Kit Kat Chunky and Kit Kat Mini.

The University of Illinois and Mars Inc. developed a study, which determined that cholesterol and blood pressure are lowered when consumers eat sterol chocolate as part of a balanced diet.

Stimulate the senses. That’s the tagline for marketing messages that accompany Wrigley’s newest branded chewing gum called 5. The line launched in early 2007, and in its first year has managed to stimulate growth as well as the five human senses.

Topps Candy’s latest initiative, www.babybottlepop.com, creates opportunities for children to socialize in a safe online environment by exchanging messages in bottles across virtual waterways. A tie-in to Topps’ popular Baby

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.

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.