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Alyse Thompson

Alyse Thompson has held many positions with BNP Media, first serving as an intern at Candy Industry Magazine in summer 2012. She joined Candy Industry's staff full time as associate editor in August 2016 after a few years at newspapers in West-Central Illinois, becoming managing editor in March 2019. Alyse has also served as managing editor of Cannabis Products Magazine since March 2019. She has bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from Western Illinois University.

Articles

ARTICLES

Breaking the mold: How Beyond Good is reinventing the chocolate business

Beyond Good looks to expand its model of chocolate production at origin from Madagascar to East Africa.

Alyse Thompson

August 5, 2020

Though Africa supplies 70 percent of the world’s cocoa, the “statistical equivalent of 0 percent” of the world’s chocolate is produced there, says Tim McCollum, founder of Beyond Good. He's hoping to change that.

2020 State of the Confectionery Industry: Truffle category innovates despite sagging gift box chocolate sales

Gift box chocolates generated $282M in year ending June 14, IRI reports.

Alyse Thompson

July 21, 2020

Premium chocolate producers continue to innovate within the truffles, pralines and filled chocolates category while gift box chocolate sales have dipped overall.

2020 State of the Confectionery Industry: Hard candy sales dip

Dollar sales dropped by 2.6 percent in year ending June 14, IRI says.

Alyse Thompson

July 20, 2020

While the chewy candy category continues to grow, U.S. sales for hard candy — driven by lollipops and sugar-free options — are seeing declines.

Amazon to launch shopping carts that track what shoppers grab

Carts coming to Amazon Go Grocery stores this year.

Alyse Thompson

July 15, 2020

Amazon's new Dash Carts, launching alongside Amazon Go Grocery stores this year, offer more opportunities for impulse sales and collecting consumer purchasing data.

2020 State of the Confectionery Industry: $2.9B gum category sees declines in light of COVID-19 pandemic

Dollar sales dropped by 8 percent in the year ending June 14, IRI says.

Alyse Thompson

July 13, 2020

Overall, the chewing gum category continues to see declines in both dollar sales and unit sales, but these drops could be exacerbated by consumers staying home during lockdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.

2020 State of the Confectionery Industry: Gummies drive growth in chewy candy category

Non-chocolate chewy candy generated $3.9B in the year ending June 14, IRI reports.

Alyse Thompson

July 13, 2020

Established gummy brands and category newcomers continue to drive growth in the non-chocolate chewy candy sector.

How consumers use technology to buy food during the coronavirus pandemic

Euromonitor International’s Digital Consumer Survey highlights role mobile devices, online ordering have in food purchasing.

Alyse Thompson

July 1, 2020

New research from Euromonitor International illustrates just how much consumers have come to rely on technology in the face of government-mandated lockdowns and a personal desire to minimize contact with other people.

Barry Callebaut launches dairy-free chocolate products

Product launches announced during BC LIVE webinar series.

Alyse Thompson

June 26, 2020

Barry Callebaut Group has launched two new dairy-free chocolate products to better serve consumers seeking vegan confectionery options.

How Barry Callebaut Americas is handling the COVID-19 pandemic

Increasing sanitation, dividing production teams among measures taken to enhance safety, maintain production.

Alyse Thompson

June 24, 2020

Barry Callebaut has risen to the task of keeping its people and products safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, relying on established protocols and implementing new ones.