Westchester, Ill.-based Ingredion Inc., a leading global supplier of ingredient solutions, signed off on a $400-million stock purchase agreement Tuesday to acquire all of the outstanding shares of TIC Gums Inc., a privately held, U.S. company that provides advanced texture systems to the food and beverage industry.

I do see two issues looming ahead, however, and those are sugar taxes and legalized marijuana, both of which have major implications for the confectionery industry. But let’s focus on something all confectioners should do well to monitor: sugar taxes.

Lenexa, Kan.-based Corbion sold its Breddo-Likwifier division to Ensight Solutions LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AmProd Holdings LLC based in Strafford, Mo., last Friday, a move which will enable greater focus on high value-added food ingredients.

The NPD Group’s research reveals that as more consumers recognize that GMOs have benefits in producing better and more resilient crops, such awareness comes with   worries about consuming GMOs. As a result, GMOs have become the fastest growing food additive concern, NPD Group says.  

The nominees, who were selected based on their accomplishments, activities and contributions to the confectionery industry in 2016, include Shawn Askinosie, founder and ceo of Askinosie Chocolate; Sara Clair, director of product development, Brown & Haley; Steve Genzoli, v.p. of quality assurance/research & development, Ghirardelli Chocolate Co.; and Kirkland Vashaw, ceo of Spangler Candy Co.

It seemed a pity to conduct the interview indoors. After all, both of us would return to cooler climes: Antoine de Saint-Affrique to Zurich and I to Chicago.

It’s been a long journey to and from Cote d’Ivoire, known to some as the Ivory Coast. Having just completed the final leg of a four-day Barry Callebaut press tour featuring 10 journalists, I wanted to share my experiences and thoughts on an incredible journey.