Bernie Pacyniak

With more than 30 years experience in B-to-B reporting, writing and editing — the bulk of which was dedicated to covering the bakery, confectionery and snack industries — Pacyniak has chronicled changes within the food industry since the early 1980s. A Boston University journalism degree graduate, he worked for a variety of publications before joining BNP Media in 1994 as editor of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery magazine. In 2001, he took over as editor-in-chief of Candy Industry until 2018.

Mike Koch takes home Kettle Award

V.P. of Morley’s Candy Co. honored with annual Candy Industry Magazine award

Bernie Pacyniak

May 25, 2016

Koch’s entry into the confectionery goes back 43 years, when he was attending Notre Dame High School in 1973.

Russell Stover: How the chocolate company is evolving since being bought by Lindt

In acquiring Russell Stover Candies, Lindt & Sprüngli executives were impressed by the company's strong brands, its leadership positions in key categories and "content over noise" culture.

Bernie Pacyniak

May 25, 2016

On July 14, 2014, when the Lindt & Sprüngli Group announced that it was acquiring Russell Stover Candies, the news raised some eyebrows within the U.S. chocolate market.

One-on-one with Thompson Brands’ CEO Gene Dunkin

Thompson Brands’ CEO Gene Dunkin reveals how this midsized chocolate novelty company has capitalized on its heritage and its all-natural formulation philosophy.

Bernie Pacyniak

May 25, 2016

"It was clear that Thompson Chocolate’s core go-to-market principal was the delivery of a quality product that was made with all-natural chocolate," Dunkin says. "Our niche was in the more premium segment. We were not the low-cost producer in the chocolate novelty segment. We weren’t going to compete on price like compound chocolate products."

Russell Stover's Andreas Pfluger finds a new home in Kansas City

After most recently living in Switzerland, Pfluger adjusts to life in the midwest.

Bernie Pacyniak

May 25, 2016

Pfluger cited the fact that there’s a Midwestern attitude at the Russell Stover's; one that’s grounded in substance, one where people value content over noise.

2016 Chewy Candy Trends

Chewy candy is becoming more expendicture as the segment develops new flavors, packaging and textures to suit consumer demands.

Bernie Pacyniak

May 25, 2016

Although not quite as popular as chocolate, chewy candy still commanded close to $3.3 billion in dollar sales in the 52 weeks ending March 20, 2016, according to IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm.

A group of Australian researchers, led by Constantine Gasser, discover that candy consumption is not related to obesity.

Shocker: Candy helps keep kids slim!

Australian researchers discover anomaly in reviewing existing research covering 180,000 children.

Bernie Pacyniak

May 4, 2016

No, this isn’t a National Enquirer headline meant to trick you into reading my column. Listen, no aliens were hurt or involved in writing this column.

Diaper parties and weddings: Chocolate and candies are my calling cards

Gifting chocolates and candy always seems to brighten the occasion.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 20, 2016

After my wife had filled her specially bought baby shower bag with appropriate, ever-so-cute babywear, she turned to me and said it would be nice to drop in some chocolate. Naturally, I said, “Sure.”

A Heavenly Endeavor: Ethereal Confections specializes in bean-to-bar

In a few short years, Ethereal Confections has grown to produce a broad line of bean-to-bar confections.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 18, 2016

Today, Ethereal Confections offers such bean-to-bar offerings as Sweet Basil and Cherry Blossom, Black Cherry Lemonade and Blood Orange and Vanilla Bean in addition to 30 truffle varieties and a half-dozen desserts, all made on the premises.

Kid power: How candy companies can respond to a new generation

New Packaged Facts Reports show how the newest generation of kids are influencing their parent’s choices at the grocery store.

Bernie Pacyniak

April 6, 2016

Many, many years ago, in a neighborhood now known as Bucktown in Chicago, there was this scrawny kid trolling the streets for pop bottles. You see, back then, retailers would give two cents for every bottle. Collect six bottles and you’ve got yourself 12 cents, a virtual fortune.

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PMCA Partner Supplier Profiles

A look at some of the companies planning to be at PMCA

Bernie Pacyniak

March 30, 2016

Blommer Chocolate, FlavorChem, and more!

This webinar will examine variables factoring into nutritionally improved candy sales, including ingredients, label claims, and alternative sugars. Better-for-you options remain top of mind for consumers who are searching for indulgences, but in a healthier format.

Bernie Pacyniak

ARTICLES

Mike Koch takes home Kettle Award

Russell Stover: How the chocolate company is evolving since being bought by Lindt

One-on-one with Thompson Brands’ CEO Gene Dunkin

Russell Stover's Andreas Pfluger finds a new home in Kansas City

2016 Chewy Candy Trends

Shocker: Candy helps keep kids slim!

Diaper parties and weddings: Chocolate and candies are my calling cards

A Heavenly Endeavor: Ethereal Confections specializes in bean-to-bar

Kid power: How candy companies can respond to a new generation

PMCA Partner Supplier Profiles

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