What I find most interesting about these latest deals, however, is that this marks the first time that these two companies will be producing confections on U.S. soil, particularly since both of these involve giants who have production facilities scattered throughout the world.

Wana Brands has been an innovator in the cannabis infused-products industry in Colorado since 2010. As one of the state’s original infused products manufacturers, the Boulder, Colo.-based company has developed a broad range of artisan, made-from-scratch edibles, concentrates and medicinal products, including the state’s most popular sour gummies. 

Bethlehem, Pa.-based Just Born Quality Confections has appointed five independent members to join existing members Ross Born and David Shaffer on its board of directors. 

At this month’s State-of-the-Industry Conference organized by the National Confectioners Association, several speakers reinforced the health and wellness trend as it applies to confections and snacks. At an early morning supplier member meeting featuring executives from Mondelez International, it became clear that this multinational’s focus rests on “well-being snacks.” 

AAK USA, a leading manufacturer of specialty vegetable fats and oils, officially opened its new innovation center last Thursday. 

Nonetheless, Today's Jeff Rosen ―who leads us to believe he’s quite a candy lover ―goes on a movie house shopping spree in the segment, purchasing Nestlé and Just Born products. He then returns to the studio and carefully stands  up the boxes, cutting open a flap in each one to show the amount of white space there is before one sees actual candy.