Alyse Thompson

K'ul Chocolate founder Peter Kelsey keeps his cool

Farm-to-bar chocolatier uses dark chocolate, energy-supplying ingredients to encourage view that chocolate is food.

Alyse Thompson

October 19, 2016

After two years of education and experimentation, Kelsey launched K'ul Chocolate in Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood.

Ethel M to host grand reopening for Nevada-based factory store

Celebration set for Oct. 28.

Alyse Thompson

October 19, 2016

Ethel M Chocolates, the premium division of Mars, Inc., is ready to celebrate. The company has wrapped up a three-month, multimillion-dollar renovation of its Henderson, Nev.-based factory store.

Food colors market to reach $3.75 billion by 2022

Greater demand for natural colors, dyes fuels growth.

Alyse Thompson

October 19, 2016

The global food colors market is expected to hit $3.75 billion in 2022, according to a new report by India-based market research firm Markets and Markets.

New inclusions, formulations help consumers maintain interest in toffee

Toffee sales decline, but confectioners hope traditional products, new twists will keep consumers coming back.

Alyse Thompson

October 17, 2016

Made by caramelizing sugar or molasses with butter and allowing it to cool into slabs, toffee has provided decades of decadence to candy connoisseurs.

Hershey CEO John P. Bilbrey announces plans to retire

Special committee will direct search for new leader.

Alyse Thompson

October 14, 2016

John P. Bilbrey, chairman, president and ceo of The Hershey Co., announced Friday he will retire from the company July 1.

Barry Callebaut announces $18-million expansion to Singapore factory

Facility will have third production line, moulding line, warehouse.

Alyse Thompson

October 7, 2016

Swiss cocoa and chocolate processor Barry Callebaut will invest $18 million in its Singapore production facility to help meet the growing demand for chocolate in Asia.

Barry Callebaut opens first chocolate factory in Indonesia

The 43,000-sq.-ft. factory will be on the same campus as GarudaFood Group’s biscuit production facility.

Alyse Thompson

October 6, 2016

Swiss chocolate producer Barry Callebaut has expanded its operations in Indonesia with the grand opening of its first chocolate factory in the country.

Mars buys out Berkshire Hathaway stake to take full control of Wrigley

Mars accelerated timeline to repurchase the holding company’s shares.

Alyse Thompson

October 6, 2016

Mars, Inc., announced Thursday it will combine its chocolate segment and its Wrigley subsidiary to form a new division, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, further cementing Mars’ status as a global confectionery leader.

Diane M. Daffin, president of Daffin’s Candies, passes away at 60

Pennsylvania-based company makes chocolates, fudge, taffy.

Alyse Thompson

October 6, 2016

Diane M. Daffin, president of Pennsylvania-based chocolate and candy company Daffin’s Inc., passed away Sept. 27 at her home in Hermitage, Pa., after a battle with ALS. She was 60.

India proposes to allow vegetable oil in chocolate.

Asher’s recalls 40 products because of possible salmonella contamination

Salmonella found during routine testing at Lewistown, Pa., facility.

Alyse Thompson

October 6, 2016

Pennsylvania-based confectioner Asher’s Chocolate voluntarily recalled more than 40 chocolate products last month because of possible salmonella contamination.