Bernie Pacyniak

Goetze gets it: 73rd Kettle Award goes to Mitchell Goetze, ceo of Geotze’s Candy Co.

Ceremony held at Chicago's Union League Club recognizes confectionery industry leadership.

May 23, 2018

At Candy Industry’s 73rd Kettle Awards, with nearly 250 guests in attendance, Mitchell Goetze, ceo of Goetze’s Candy Co., received the industry’s most prestigious award, the gleaming copper kettle.

Siblings propel family-owned Edward Marc Brands to success

Innovative product launches, close Costco partnership helps Pittsburgh-based company continue to evolve

Bernie Pacyniak

May 22, 2018

Co-CEO Chris Edwards, coo brother Mark and executive v.p. sister Dana answer the door when opportunity comes knocking.

Do chocolate bars come from brown cows?

Informing chocolate consumers about growing process, social responsibility imperative to industry's success.

Bernie Pacyniak

May 16, 2018

Those of us who work in and with the industry sometimes forget that the outside world doesn’t necessarily know what we know, particularly when it comes to chocolate.

When it comes to chocolate, consumers want it all

Sustainable sourcing, functional benefits don't preclude need for "permissable indulgence."

Bernie Pacyniak

May 15, 2018

Cocoa and chocolate suppliers and processors are beginning to see not only a greater interest by consumers about chocolate's makeup but also where and how it's sourced.

Bazooka Candy Brands inspires innovation

Topps Company division leverages power of their brands with breakthrough concepts.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 27, 2018

It all began with the Ring Pop, that jewel-shaped piece of candy placed on a plastic ring that resembles a pacifier.

So what the heck is a chocolate geode?

Professor Peter Greweling shows off chocolate creations at PMCA annual production conference.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 25, 2018

When Editor-in-Chief Bernie Pacyniak heard that CIA's Peter Greweling, professor of baking and pastry arts, would demonstrate the art of creating edible geodes out of chocolate and naturally-formed sugar crystals at PMCA’s production conference earlier this month, he had to reacquaint himself with what a geode is.

Nuts: Healthy by association

Research affirms the use of nuts embodies healthy benefits as well.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 24, 2018

What better dynamic duo than chocolate and nuts? Nont only does the broad array of nut choices provide confectioners with a broad range of tastes and textures, there's continuing evidence that nuts provide a healty component.

Hershey’s Cookie Layer Crunch, Kit Kat Bit Kat make IRI’s new product leaders list

Brands bring in more than $112 million in total one-year sales.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 18, 2018

Two Hershey products are among the top of research firm IRI’s 2017 list of “New Product Pacesetters.”

ISM offers more of the good things

48th show continues to reflect consumer trends of better-for-you, permissible indulgence

Bernie Pacyniak

April 13, 2018

Certainly there were plenty of traditional sweets for candy lovers to sample and enjoy. Still, it was clear that more fruit, more indulgent chocolate, more whimsy, more intensity, more color and more authenticity permeated the show displays.

Chocolate maker Silvio Bessone expounds on his philosophy of biodynamic agriculture at his restaurant, museum and production facility in Vicoforte, Italy.

Piedmont’s philosopher chocolate maker

Lessons learned over lunch with chocolate maker Silvio Bessone.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 11, 2018

Unlike Chicago — it actually snowed on the Cubs’ home opener — northern Italy is verdant with spring, very much in color and bloom. Until yesterday, Editor-in-Chief Bernie Pacyniak wasn’t familiar with who Silvio Bessone is. After enjoying a wonderful four-course meal “contaminated by chocolate” and listening to the man talk about his craft, he's truly grateful to have a job whereby he gets to meet such passionate artisans.