The NRF noted total spending is up 32 percent from 2019, thanks to strong consumer finances and the ongoing trend of consumers buying more gifts for friends, family, co-workers and pets.

The colorful candy hearts are back on shelves after a yearlong hiatus, though in limited quantities. News reports also indicate they have fewer messages and a slightly different taste.

Taste of Nature, Inc., maker of Cookie Dough Bites, is shipping new flavors of the shelf-stable Doughlish Edible Cookie Dough.

ISM officials say preparations for the fair are continuing as planned amid growing concern over the spread of coronavirus in China and beyond.

Russell Stover Chocolates has announced plans to expand its production facilities in Kansas and Texas and close its plant in Montrose, Colorado next year.

Vanilla flavor and extract supplier Nielsen-Massey is hopeful the 2020 vanilla crop will be more bountiful than last year’s yield.

Endangered Species Chocolate is launching a line of chocolate bars made with oat milk instead of dairy milk.

Fruity and floral food and beverage products continue to pop up on the market. There’s a reason for that, according to FONA International. 

The Peeps brand will celebrate the New Year with the two-day Peepsfest, culminating in the 11th annual Peeps Chick Drop.