Alyse Thompson

Sweet Bites

AJP Global Support Services, Thessaloniki, Greece.

January 4, 2017

Created by Green Health Ltd. exclusively for AJP Global Support Services, Sweet Bites are made with all-natural, rigorously-chosen ingredients.

Hershey names Michele Buck as new president, ceo

Buck joined Hershey in 2005; has served as executive v.p., coo.

Alyse Thompson

December 21, 2016

Michele Buck, the company’s executive v.p. and coo, will become the confectionery giant’s new president and ceo, effective March 1. She succeeds John P. Bilbrey, who announced his intention to retire in October.

The Confectionery Foundation launches interactive tourist map

Map marks candy outlet stores and factory tours.

Alyse Thompson

December 21, 2016

Pack your bags and prepare for a sweet adventure. The Confectionery Foundation, a division of the National Confectioners Association (NCA), has developed an online map of candy outlet stores and factory tours that encourages travelers to experience American confectionery companies and brands.

Sugar Factory marries starpower, sweet treats for memorable experience

New location in Chicago River North opened Dec. 10.

Alyse Thompson

December 21, 2016

Last Wednesday I was to head to Chicago’s River North neighborhood, check out Sugar Factory’s new brasserie and store, and make eye contact with Backstreet Boy Nick Carter long enough for him to fall in love with me and propose on the spot. Sounds easy, right? Well, two-thirds of it was.

Dr. Basil E. Atkinson Jr., former president of Judson-Atkinson Candy, passes away at 90

Industry veteran inducted into Candy Hall of Fame in 2011.

Alyse Thompson

December 21, 2016

Dr. Basil E. Atkinson Jr., former president of Judson-Atkinson Candies, Inc., passed away Monday in his San Antonio home. He was 90. Born in Lufkin, Texas, on Aug. 28, 1926, Atkinson began serving Atkinson Candy, the Chick-O-Stick manufacturer founded by his father, Basil Sr., in the early 1930s.

New Green & Black’s bars

Mondelez International, Deerfield, Ill.

Alyse Thompson

December 14, 2016

The newest Green & Black’s collection includes a variety of offerings, all expertly crafted with hand-selected, ethically-sourced cocoa beans and the finest ingredients from around the world.

Sugar Factory opens location in Chicago River North

Store joins locations in Rosemont, Las Vegas, New York.

Alyse Thompson

December 14, 2016

Las Vegas-based Sugar Factory American Brasserie, a restaurant and retail confectionery operation, has opened a new store in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, which is just off Michigan Ave., a stretch commonly referred to as the Magnificent Mile.

Pushing Premium: Research shows premium chocolate segment drives growth, innovation in overall chocolate market

Premium chocolate is less than 20 percent of $22-billion chocolate market but still serves as influential segement.

Alyse Thompson

December 9, 2016

Niche followings, small batches give premium chocolatiers flexibility to try new things without much risk.

Georgia Nut Co. announces sales management changes

John Drehobl named director of sales and marketing; Kurt Thorsen takes over as v.p. of business development.

Alyse Thompson

December 8, 2016

Georgia Nut Co., a family-owned confections, nuts and snacks manufacturer based in Skokie, Ill., has announced changes in its sales management.

Unique candy canes add twist to holiday season

Pickle, bacon, pumpkin pie among crazy cane flavors.

Alyse Thompson

December 7, 2016

However, the run-of-the-mill peppermint flavor often makes me say “Bah! Humbug!” Thankfully, Seattle-based novelty dealer Archie McPhee and other companies are here to help.