While the Fourth of July serves as a great opportunity to relax and reflect, there’s another holiday this week Associate Editor Alyse Thompson is just as excited for — World Chocolate Day, set for July 7. 

Diane M. Daffin, president of Pennsylvania-based chocolate and candy company Daffin’s Inc., passed away Sept. 27 at her home in Hermitage, Pa., after a battle with ALS. She was 60.

In the 11th edition of “Chocolate Candy Market in the U.S.,” Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, reports that premium chocolate makes up just 18 percent of total chocolate dollar sales and 14 percent of unit sales, but it still leads the way in developing flavor trends and new product formulations, particularly in the use of clean-label ingredients.

AAK-USA Inc.’s products are derived from natural and nutritious raw materials and have been developed using a high degree of technology. 

 Whether you are a veteran candy maker or starting in the business, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate has four unique brands to meet your needs.