One of the first lessons about the confectionery industry I learned upon taking over the editorial reins of Candy Industry 10 years ago involved the inherent mission of anyone producing candy, be it a sugar, chocolate or gum confection. In brief, it’s about bringing joy to the consumer.
There’s nothing like being on a holiday break to get away from the headlines, deadlines and lines in general. More often than not, that’s when companies prone to making headlines like to release their announcements.
It was one of those days at the office, you know, a grind. Anyway, when I typically arrive home from work, after battling ninnies who drive while speaking on their cell phones â or worse yet â texting as opposed to concentrating on the road, I’m looking for some down time.
It’s not often one wakes up to the sound of church bells in the morning. Through the better part of last week and early this week, the bells of Our Lady of the Assumption cathedral in Bolzano, Italy provided my wake-up call just outside the Hotel Greif located on the city’s main square, Piazza Walther Platz.
Nothing like an interpack 2011 show to get the techie juices flowing, eh? Nothing can compare with this collection of confectionery and packaging equipment suppliers displaying the latest developments in automation and technology. At first glance, when you consider 19 halls occupying nearly 2 million sq. ft., the sheer size of the show can be overwhelming.
Food chefs have long known that the quickest path to a gourmand’s stomach involves sight and smell. Thus, presentation and aroma play a critical role in whetting the appetite not only for restaurateurs, but for candy makers as well. There’s nothing like the smell of sweet chocolate to get consumers to open up their pocketbooks.
You can’t help but like Boyd Tunnock. Mind you, you might not understand him when he gets that Scottish brogue going, but it’s nearly impossible not to enjoy his company nor recognize his achievements.
I admit, it was bit strange not being in Hershey, Pa. for the PMCA’S 65TH Production Conference. For the past 10 years, I’ve been making reservations at the Hershey Lodge, always noting that I’d like to stay in the “Towers” section.
Several topics on my notepad today, so I thought I’d spend some paragraphs on each one. First, I believe an ugly chapter is coming to an end in the Ivory Coast. This morning’s headlines suggest that President-elect Alassane Ouattara will finally have the opportunity to take over as the country’s leader.
It’s been awhile since I thought about baseball trading cards. However, a recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times Sports Section caught my eye, which stirred up some memories. It referenced Topps celebrating the 60th anniversary of having introduced baseball trading cards, which included, of course, a stick of Bazooka bubble gum.
