Mint, which some of us have grown in our gardens, just doesn’t immediately come to mind when it comes to sustainability issues. And yet, it’s one of the critical ingredients in Mars Wrigley’s mint and gum products.

Anything worth doing should be done right. And that, of course, takes time.

When I read the headline in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune that Mars Wrigley Confectionery was going to base its U.S. headquarters in Hackettstown and Newark, N.J., I was — to put it mildly — devastated.

This holiday shopping season is already shaping up to be merry and bright, according to data from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

According to a survey by OnePoll, which was sponsored by Stork US, nearly 63 percent of Americans say they don’t show appreciation because they simply forget, or their mind is focused on other things. Given that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I’m thinking most of us will remember to give and say thanks.

When Editor-in-Chief Bernie Pacyniak asked if I’d be interested in shadowing the caramel portion of a Caramel, Fudge and Toffee course hosted by the Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association (PMCA) at Savage Bros. in Elk Grove, Ill. last week (Nov. 7), I said what any reasonable person would: Absolutely.

All of us would probably want more time to read books. Those of you who sleep only four or five hours a night may have found that your regimen allows you to get through your “Must Read” list. 

CocoaAction began collecting data and rolling out community development and productivity practices last year. And they’ve made progress, according to the program’s new annual report, but there’s still a long way to go.

First off, I don’t have any insider info. This is purely a speculative piece. And really, who else but Nestlé really knows, and they probably haven’t decided on whom or whether either. But let’s consider the candidates: Hershey, Ferrero, Mondelez International, Mars, Perfetti Van Melle, Leaf Brands and perhaps even Tootsie Roll? And then there’s the recent comment made by Just Born’s Matt Pye about buying select brands.

The scary-good Halloween spending projections from the National Retail Federation are no trick, but they sure are a treat.