It’s fine to have a treat. Really, you can do so and, most importantly, still lead a healthy lifestyle. That what 98 percent of 1,000 Americans surveyed last year told Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S. In addition, nearly three out of four people (73 percent) indulge in treats “just because they want one.”

Having joined the company in 2003 as president of the company’s International and North America division, Bilbrey was named ceo in 2011 and then chairman in 2015. Prior to Hershey, Bilbrey worked for 22 years at Procter & Gamble Co.

This year, better-for-you and confectionery category winners chosen by more than 40,000 consumers in the United States included the following: Toffifay by Storck USA in sugar confections; Oreo Chocolate Bar by Mondelez International in candy bar; and Elevation by Millville High Protein Bars from Aldi in the better-for-you category.

Yesterday — while being interviewed by CNN on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange — Alina Morse, founder of tooth-friendly Zolli Candy, pledged to expand her Smiles Program candy giveaway from 250,000 to 1 million lollipops.  

So you enjoy working in the confectionery industry, right? But tell me this, are you producing snacks, or are they treats? Hey, I realized the words are often used interchangeably. Nevertheless, there is a difference.

Talk about having your doughnut and chocolate confection all rolled into one. Given the success of last year’s collaboration — Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and The Hershey Co. partnered to introduce Krispy Kreme Reese’s Peanut Butter Doughnut — the baker and candy maker are it again. 

TasteTV and the International Chocolate Salon have announced their list of 2018 winners for the title of “Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America.” 

Osaka, Japan-based Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. will acquire TCHO Ventures, Inc., a San Francisco-area, award-winning craft chocolate company. 

Calling all chocolate makers: Make sure you have enough premium and “better-for-you” chocolate on hand today for all those “Last-Minute Louies.”