As I’ve come to realize over the years, my crystal-balling powers haven’t earned me any plaudits. Hence, it’s one of the reasons I stay away from speculation regarding who’s going to buy whom. But there are always exceptions to the rule.

It’s not every day that this humble editor has lunch prepared and served to him by a corporate executive chef.

Last fall, Mars Chocolate North America launched the 3 Musketeers “#ThrowShine” campaign, designed to give young people a chance to spread positivity and good will. That’s opposed to “throwing shade,” a slang phrase for publicly criticizing someone on the Internet or otherwise. 

Sometimes things just fall right into your lap. Here I was, mulling what I was going to pen for today’s column, when I get this email. Nowadays, of course, emails dictate the direction of our minutes and hours more often than not.

It’s been 10 months since I joined Candy Industry, but it wasn’t until a week ago that I had a chance to partake in an event hosted by the Retail Confectioners International (RCI). I didn’t realize it, but I was in for a treat.

In attending the Welcome Reception on Monday evening and then touring the Expo the next day, I suddenly realized how quickly time can fly in the confectionery industry. 

June is also National Candy Month. While it’s a great excuse to savor some of our favorite treats, it also offers an opportunity to reflect on some of the positive trends and developments in our industry.