Crystal Lindell

Next by Nature is a delicious line of chocolate fruit, nuts and pretzels.

“We bit off more than we could chew, no pun intended,” Project 7 founder Tyler Merrick says. “I really had messed up, because not only was it hard to create a gum brand that fast, but to make it work for Whole Foods has its challenges. But we did it and he put it in nationally.”

It’s been 25 years since Nancy Adams confections debuted, and they’re just as timeless as they were more than two decades ago.

Hershey has a truly Bliss-ful announcement for sustainable cocoa advocates — it’s entire Hershey’s Bliss line is now made with 100% certified cocoa.

The IOI Group, a global leader in the palm oil industry, will have a new chief operating officer and a new v.p. of operations for its Americas group, and a new group sales and marketing director in 2013.

This could be my last candy column ever — so I can write whatever the heck I want. Hmmm.

The deal is expected to boost Barry Callebaut's sales volume in the Asia and Latin America markets by 65% and also will help the company expand its cocoa powder market share.

Tuttle died Dec. 7 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. from complications of pneumonia. He was 58.

St. Louis-based Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier has acquired Iowa City, Iowa-based Bochner Chocolates in an effort to expand its national presence.

Visitors can create custom chocolate bars, take personal tasting tours and play candy games in addition to shopping in candy boutiques that are exclusive to Sweet! Hollywood. And of course, no Wonka-inspired candy store would be complete without a 700-ft. gumball track propelled by a red Ferrari.