Candy Business articles from November 2003

Candy Business archives from November 2003

Ensure your voice is heard on the hill.(National Confectioners Association)(Editorial)
November 1, 2003... WITH POLITICS DOMINATING the news as we gear up for what might be one of the most savagely fought presidential elections in memory, it's not a bad time to remember that most politicians also have a sweet tooth--a thought not lost on the NCA....

Curbs urged on kid-focused candy, snack advertising.(News)
November 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- New fronts have opened in the war on obesity as interest groups on both sides of the Atlantic call for bans on kid-targeted food advertising. The latest salvo, fired mid-November by the Center For Science In The Public...

'Heart-healthy' snacks target adults.(News)(CocoaVia from Masterfoods USA)
November 1, 2003... HACKETTSTOWN, NJ -- CocoaVia is a chocolate-based "heart-healthy" snack line being tested nationwide by Masterfoods USA. A direct mail and print ad campaign targeting several hundred thousand adults at risk for heart disease is underway. ...

Hohberger, Dhimangroup buy LMC assets.(News)
November 1, 2003... ELMHURST, IL -- Roger Hohberger and India's Dhimangroup have teamed to purchase the business assets of LMC International. Latini-Hohberger Dhimantec will manufacture and market Latini lollipop machinery as wall as Hohberger fondant machines,...

Chocolate emulsifier does double duty.(News)
November 1, 2003... NEW CENTURY, KS -- Grindsted Citrem 2-In-1 citric acid ester from Danisco USA, Inc. simultaneously reduces chocolate's plastic viscosity and yield value. According to the company, the new emulsifier eliminates the need to use two ingredients to...

CMA launches student web site.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... VIENNA, VA -- The efforts being made to ensure cocoa is grown in compliance with internationally accepted labor standards are featured on a web site developed by the Chocolate Manufacturers Association, the World Cocoa Foundation and the...

New rules could boost shipping costs.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Cut backs in the amount of time truck drivers can spend behind the wheel are anticipated to cost trucking companies as much as $1.4 billion next year. The increases are expected to be passed along to shippers and, ultimately,...

Vend candy banned in Los Angeles schools.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- Vending machines on 713 Los Angeles school campuses will no longer sell candy or chips beginning July 2004. The board of education voted unanimously for stricter nutritional guidelines, joining New York City and other school...

Wrigley juggles SRPs, outlines growth strategy.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- The SRP of five-stick packs of Wrigley's Spearmint, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, Big Red and Winterfresh will jump from 25 to 30 cents--the first increase in 16 years. At the same time, the SRP for five-stick packs of Extra sugarfree gum...

Loders Croklaan debuts no-trans spray oil.(News)
November 1, 2003... CHANNAHON, IL -- Loders Croklaan introduces Durkex NT 100, a no-trans, non-hydrogenated liquid oil, said to combine high stability with a low solids profile to deliver the specific functionality required from spray oil. Based on palm oil,...

Manufacturers investigate Shari Candies closure.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- Several candy companies that supplied the former Shari Candies, Inc. are reported to be investigating the company's sudden closure. In September, Shari began liquidating its assets, selling some of them to Taste of Nature,...

Rovema opens West Coast Center.(News)
November 1, 2003... LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- A new customer service center will open in the Sacramento, CA, area by Rovema Packaging USA. Rick Kidd, a 10-year veteran of the industry and a member of the company's senior service team will head the operation. Klaus...

Herbert Mederer re-enters U.S. gummi market.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... PLANTATION, FL -- Mederer GmbH has purchased U.S. gummi distributor Marketing & Sales Essentials, Inc. (MSE). According to Herbert Mederer, managing director of the German gummi supplier, the transaction marks the company's first direct...

Milk chocolate still favorite.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- Nine of 10 American adults like chocolate, with two-thirds preferring milk chocolate, according to a survey of more than 1,000 people by research firm Mintel Group Ltd. Males prefer dark chocolate more than females by some five...

Former Nestle plant to reopen.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... FULTON, NY -- Production at a former Nestle USA chocolate factory that closed last Spring is expected to resume next year under new owners. The recently formed Fulton Chocolate Co. plans to invest $6.37 million in equipment and begin...

Hershey bypasses strips, readies liquid mints.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... HERSHEY, PA -- Hershey Foods Corp. will introduce liquid filled instant breath fresheners with the debut of Ice Breakers Liquid Ice in early March. Positioned as an alternative consumer experience to breath strips, Liquid Ice Cool Mint are...

First supplier chosen for Candy Hall of Fame.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- Frank Friedwald will become the first supplier to the industry to be inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame. Friedwald has served as president of American Chocolate Mould Co., Inc. since 1971. Joining Friedwald in April will be...

AACT honors Bixler.(News)(American Association of Candy Technologists)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... LINCOLNSHIRE, IL -- Ronald G. Bixler is this year's recipient of the Stroud Jordan award. The honor, named for the pioneer candy technologist, is presented by the American Association of Candy Technologists recognizing outstanding contributions...

Winnower capacity increased.(News)
November 1, 2003... MEMPHIS -- The FBR 81 de-hulling plant, new from Bauermeister, Inc., cracks and separates pre-treated or roasted cocoa beans into nibs and shells. Capable of processing up to 8,800 lb/hr with nib loss of 0.15 to 0.25 percent, the plant features...

NCSA adds scholarship.(News)(National Confectionery Sales Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- The National Confectionery Sales Association has instituted the Lester Ostrow Scholarship Fund for NCSA members' children and grandchildren. The new scholarship is funded by Eric Ostrow. NCSA director and vice-president of...

Duckworth, OCG Cacao join Cargill.(News)
November 1, 2003... COBHAM, UK -- Cargill, Inc. continues to build on its acquisition strategic with the purchase of OCG Cacao SA and privately held food and beverage flavor company, The Duckworth Group. Both purchases, expected to be completed by the end of the...

House of Brussels buys truffle-maker.(News)(Candy Jar, Inc)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... VANCOUVER, BC -- Revealing it intends to focus on selling "high margin, cutting-edge products," including no-sugar-added items, low-carb chocolates and supplement bars, House of Brussels Chocolates (HBSL) has purchased the San Francisco-based...

China slates candy show.(News)
November 1, 2003... COLOGNE, GERMANY -- Recognizing the growing market for candy in Asia, show organizer Kolnmesse GmbH launches Sweets China 2004. The trade show targets the candy, bakery, snack and ice cream industries and takes place September 21 to 24, 2004,...

Amazon.com adds candy.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... SEATTLE -- Online retailer Amazon.com is now selling a selection of everyday, bulk and gourmet candy items from suppliers around the world, including See's Candies, Inc., Asher's Chocolates, Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc., Jelly Belly Candy Co.,...

Taste of Nature acquires Shari Candies assets.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- The Shari Candies, Inc. brand name has been purchased by Taste of Nature, Inc., for an undisclosed amount. The California candy maker acquired some assets of the 60-year-old, Mankato, MN-based company in October (see...

Health food company enters low-carb chocolate sector.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... LARGO, FL -- CarbSlim Bites, from Breakthrough Engineered Nutrition, are the latest low-carbohydrate candy to hit shelves. According to the firm, the bite-size candy contains no sugar and no net carbs. "We've developed a true, guilt-free...

FDA delays bioterrorism rule interpretations.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The final two proposed rules of the Bioterrorism Act dealing with the establishment and maintenance of records and the administrative detention of food shipments, will not be finalized until May. However, an FDA spokesperson tells...

Parents can do more to fight obesity.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... NEW YORK -- Nearly three-quarters of kids age eight to 10 say they care about eating nutritious foods while even more say getting fat and being unhealthy are their biggest fears about eating junk food. On the downside, nearly 25 percent of kids...

Halloween candy sales could hit $2 billion.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... VIENNA, VA -- Halloween candy sales were projected to reach $2 billion, up from about $1.9 billion last year, according to the NCA. In addition, a National Retail Federation poll of more than 7,500 households indicates consumers planned to...

Mark Haley retires, new executives appointed.(News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... TACOMA, WA -- The board of directors of privately held Brown & Haley names Anne Haley chairwoman of the chocolate company following the retirement of Mark Haley, the company's former chairman and CEO. Pierson Clair, president, is now CEO.

The Topps Co., Inc. says discussions for the acquisition of certain brands of The Foreign Candy Co., Inc. have been terminated.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The Topps Co., Inc. says discussions for the acquisition of certain brands of The Foreign Candy Co., Inc. have been terminated and no transaction is planned.

Chupa Chups.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Chupa Chups is reported to be seeking U.S. and European alliance partners to market and distribute its brands. The move is said to be the result of increased competition and a 2002 loss of about $18 million.

Joyco.(Worth Mentioning ...)
November 1, 2003... Joyco's owner, Agrolimen, is said to be looking to team the candy maker with a strategic partner following Cadbury Schweppes PLC's Adams and Dandy buys. Talks are reported underway with Wrigley, Masterfoods USA and Cadbury.

All Candy Expo is among the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in the U.S.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... All Candy Expo is among the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in the U.S., according to Tradeshow Week magazine.

Frankford Candy and Chocolate Co.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Frankford Candy and Chocolate Co. has received a $1.2 million loan from the Pennsylvania Development Authority to acquire additional space in a former Crown, Cork & Seal building in Philadelphia where the company will consolidate its two...

Hershey Foods Corp.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Hershey Foods Corp. links with U.S. Open champ Jim Furyk to endorse Reese's items. He'll sport a logo on his shirts and make appearances.

Enstrom Candies.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Enstrom Candies recently celebrated the grand opening of its $5 million, 36,000 sq ft expansion to its Grand Junction, CO, production facility and retail store.

ExxonMobil Chemical Films Business.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ExxonMobil Chemical Films Business awards Hershey Foods Corp. and converter Bemis Co. a Golden Mummy for new flow-wrapped Hershey Milk Chocolate and Milk Chocolate With Almond bar packs.

Teen People.(Worth Mentioning ...)
November 1, 2003... Teen People magazine's Trendspotters pick Masterfoods USA's Starburst Fruit & Creme for its sweet, creamy taste.

Pez Candy, Inc.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Pez Candy, Inc. is now the U.S. importer and distributor of English-made Fisherman's Friend cough drops.

Cadbury Adams USA.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Cadbury Adams USA is investing $60 million to revamp the Halls line with new flavors, packaging and ads.

Flavors of North America, Inc.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Flavors of North America, Inc. will open FONA UK Ltd., a commercial office and R&D facility in Leatherhead Food RA's Surrey, England facility.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. offers Fair Trade Certified organic Better World Hot Cocoa via the company's direct mail catalog and web site.

Just Born, Inc.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Just Born, Inc. receives its second Pennsylvania's Governor's Export Excellence Award for increases in export sales and the effectiveness of international marketing programs.

Masterfoods USA.(Worth Mentioning ...)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Masterfoods USA is backing dark and milk chocolate bite-size Dove Promises with an estimated $6 million print ad and sampling campaign with the theme "passionate relationships."

Chocolat Weiss LLC.(Worth Mentioning ...)(French Chocolat Weiss LLC)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... French Chocolat Weiss LLC enters the U.S. industrial chocolate market with milk and white chocolate, coffee-and orange-flavored dark chocolate, pralines and gianduja.

Drive-up stretch wrapper saves time, money.(New Product News)
November 1, 2003... THE NEW Q300XT PLUS stretch wrapping system from Lantech, Inc. is said to allow hands-off stretch wrapping of pallets, eliminating the need to "double handle" loads, according to the company. The unit automatically attaches and cuts the...

Low-cost checkweigher debuts from Loma.(New Product News)
November 1, 2003... LOMA SYSTEMS, INC.'S AS1200C is a modular, end-of-line checkweigher targeting companies that cannot justify the expense of more costly systems. The low-cost, entry-level device is said to offer features similar to those costing twice as much....

Small color packs aid batch processing.(New Product News)
November 1, 2003... MORE THAN 100 stock colors of lake dispersions and strong dye solutions from Chefmaster, a Byrnes & Kiefer Co., are now in sizes ranging from two-gram packets to 55 gallon drums. Offered in a variety of carrying agents that allow blending with...

Powder flow analysis made easier, more reliable.(New Product News)
November 1, 2003... THE POWDER FLOW ANALYZER from Stable Micro Systems, Ltd. is said to be the most accurate and reliable method available for measuring flow characteristics of dry and wet powders. According to the company, it handles free-flowing and cohesive...

High-strength, low-cost pallets introduced.(New Product News)
November 1, 2003... SHIPPING PLATFORMS AND pallets produced by BTD Manufacturing Inc.'s Rhino Pallet Division are said to be the lowest cost, highest capacity pallets available when compared to all other pallet materials. Made of recyclable aluminum, pallets...

APS updates user-serviceable, multi-lingual system for pre-made bags.(New Product News)
November 1, 2003... AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS upgrades its networkable Autobag AB 180 Bagging System with new electronics, faster operating speeds, built-in diagnostics and improved reliability. Producing as many as 80 of the company's pre-made polypropylene...

Markem adds two digital laser coders.(New Product News)
November 1, 2003... NEW SMARTLASE 110 and 130 laser coders from Markem Corp. are said to provide a balance of performance, safety and flexibility in a compact design. The digital, air-cooled C[O.sup.2] laser coders are said to be ideal for use on primary...

Enhanced value gums continue to grow with Trident Cool Rush and White Cool Rush.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Enhanced value gums continue to grow with Trident Cool Rush and White Cool Rush. The sugarfree gum from Cadbury Adams USA combines mint with an "innovative cooling technology." Cool Rush sticks come in 18-piece packs with a SRP of 89 cents....

Using the brand strength of Altoids, Callard & Bowser-Suchard debuts Altoids Chewing Gum.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Using the brand strength of Altoids, Callard & Bowser-Suchard debuts Altoids Chewing Gum. The intense sugarfree gum uses real peppermint oil, and tins hold 1.05 ounces, approximately 20 pieces of gum. The SRP is $1.79. Promotional support...

Hershey expands in the mint market with Ice Breakers Liquid Ice, mini round gel capsules.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Hershey expands in the mint market with Ice Breakers Liquid Ice, mini round gel capsules. The 30-ct dispensers pack on holographic blister cards with a SRP range of $1.49 to $1.99. Targeting consumers 18 to 34, support includes sampling and...

Jo Mints and Jo Citrus, caffeinated energy mints with guarana, are said to have a stimulant effect similar espresso.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Jo Mints and Jo Citrus, caffeinated energy mints with guarana, are said to have a stimulant effect similar espresso. From Jo Mints, LLC, 0.29 ounces pack in pocketsize plastic boxes with a mirror inside the lid. They have a SRP range of $3.79...

The Topps Co. jumps into gummies with Juicy Bugs, liquid-filled bug-shaped gummies.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The Topps Co. jumps into gummies with Juicy Bugs, liquid-filled bug-shaped gummies. The liquid centers are described on-pack as "gooey guts." The 1.23-ounce packs launch in January with a SRP of 55 cents. National TV ads run February through...

AMC Entertainment, Inc., owner of AMC Theaters, forays into gummies with star-shaped Clip Gummi Stars, named for the chain's animated film strip character.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... AMC Entertainment, Inc., owner of AMC Theaters, forays into gummies with star-shaped Clip Gummi Stars, named for the chain's animated film strip character. AMC began co-branding this Summer with Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights, and...

Gummi Jet Fighters extends the Gummi Army Guys line from Albanese Confectionery.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Gummi Jet Fighters extends the Gummi Army Guys line from Albanese Confectionery. The fighter jet-shaped gummies pack in 4.5-ounce hanging bags with a SRP of 99 cents.

World's Finest Chocolate, Inc. ventures into the mass market with 30-cent SRP, 0.63-ounce milk chocolate and milk chocolate with almonds miniature bars.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... World's Finest Chocolate, Inc. ventures into the mass market with 30-cent SRP, 0.63-ounce milk chocolate and milk chocolate with almonds miniature bars. A gift line features six-ounce boxes of Mint Meltaways and Chocolate Checkers, set to...

Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy adds milk-and-white chocolate Funny Bunny Feet in 3.75-ounce ribbon-tied gift bags with a SRP of $6.95.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy adds milk-and-white chocolate Funny Bunny Feet in 3.75-ounce ribbon-tied gift bags with a SRP of $6.95. Athlete's Feet, milk and white chocolate feet, pack in 4.5-ounce gift tubes with silhouettes of athletes. They...

Solidarnosc of Poland offers upscale chocolates with praline fillings, including coffee, almond, hazelnut, chocolate and pistachio.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Solidarnosc of Poland offers upscale chocolates with praline fillings, including coffee, almond, hazelnut, chocolate and pistachio. Four-flavor 2.2-pound selections and five-flavors in 19.8-ounce window boxes feature 1920s film star graphics....

Hershey continues to roll out extensions of core brands, planning March debuts for Kisses Filled With Caramel and Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Hershey continues to roll out extensions of core brands, planning March debuts for Kisses Filled With Caramel and Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties. The Kisses are gold-foiled with a red swirl. They pack in 9.2-, 12- and 21-ounce bags. Support...

Capitalizing on the bobble head trend, Tigger Bobbin' Toppers from Flix Candy feature a plastic Disney Tigger character atop tubes filled with 1.5 ounces of Runts fruit-flavored candy.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Capitalizing on the bobble head trend, Tigger Bobbin' Toppers from Flix Candy feature a plastic Disney Tigger character atop tubes filled with 1.5 ounces of Runts fruit-flavored candy. The candy-filled tubes have a SRP range of $3.99 to $4.99.

Jelly Belly expands pack options for JBz candy-coated chocolates.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Jelly Belly expands pack options for JBz candy-coated chocolates. Three-ounce bags and 14-ounce boxes hold one of three assortments. Bags have a SRP up to $1.79. Boxes carry an SRP of 99 cents. Ten-flavor 3.75-ounce boxes have a SRP of $3.99,...

Masterfoods USA's Starburst jellybean line now includes Fruit & Creme.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Masterfoods USA's Starburst jellybean line now includes Fruit & Creme. 14-ounce laydown bags and seven-ounce peg bags have SRPs of $1.99 and $1.29, respectively. Promotional support includes print advertising, display racks, couponing,...

BestSweet extends the Baskin-Robbins line with Marshmallow Ice Cream Cones.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... BestSweet extends the Baskin-Robbins line with Marshmallow Ice Cream Cones. The ice cream cone-shaped sugar-sanded marshmallows come in 2.64-, four-and seven-ounce bags, with SRPs ranging from 99 cents to $1.99.

Limited edition Just Born Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream and Root Beer Float Mike and Ike chewy candies pack in two- and eight-ounce boxes, with SRPs of 69 cents and $1.39, respectively.(Scouting Report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Limited edition Just Born Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream and Root Beer Float Mike and Ike chewy candies pack in two- and eight-ounce boxes, with SRPs of 69 cents and $1.39, respectively. They will be available January through September.

Clearing export hurdles: international sales are a growing part of some mid-sized companies' business. Successful exporters share critical decisions necessary to expand worldwide.(Exclusive Report)
November 1, 2003... WHY SHOULD confectioners export? Candy BUSINESS sources point foremost to a diminishing U.S. market that can be unkind to small and mid-sized confectioners. In addition, they suggest the candy category overseas has more potential than in the...

Getting into Disney: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts candy buyer Donald Wright reveals what he requires from suppliers, what sells best and what won't get through the gates.(Customer Insight)
November 1, 2003... DESCRIBED BY SUPPLIERS as upbeat, creative and quick witted, Donald Wright, candy buyer for Walt Disney's U.S. parks and resorts, turns downright businesslike when it comes to furthering and protecting his employer's brand image. After all, he...

Pushing the limits on hard candy: tough markets leave hard candy manufacturers little room for error. Phil Cartier details the processes and procedures needed to consistently produce quality items.(Production Spotlight)
November 1, 2003... HARD CANDY HAS TAKEN many forms over the years, and the basic manufacturing process has changed dramatically as markets, plant size, the scale of business and government regulations have changed. As the process has changed, the requirements for...

Peerless holds its ground: Peerless Confection Co. reveals how it is differentiating itself in a hard candy sector flooded with cost-cutting and imports.(Exclusive Report)
November 1, 2003... WHEN A CONSULTANT vigorously recommended Peerless Confection Co. focus on just eight of its more than 300 varieties, management at the upscale hard candy manufacturer quickly objected. Jim McGovern, vice-president of manufacturing, recalls...

Sweeteners: the rising cost of success: as demand for sugarfree products rises, increased functionality and new consumer proposals are taking off. But there's a cost to added value.(Ingredient Update)
November 1, 2003... SOME OF SUGARFREE candy's key ingredient costs might be moving higher, but suppliers tell Candy BUSINESS in today's demanding marketplace, the added value they bring to products is worth the additional cost. Josephine O'Brien, Tagatose...

Taking the stage at the House of Blues? 'A chance of a lifetime to grab some limelight.'.(Publisher's Note)
November 1, 2003... WANT TO PERFORM on the Chicago House of Blues stage this June? Despite my reservations, Executive Editor Steve Forster is pushing ahead with plans to organize a jam session at next year's All Industry Party at the House of Blues on Tuesday...

Brokers: a vanishing breed? Manufacturers are going direct and shaking-up the broker community to the tune of millions of dollars. Candy BUSINESS investigates what the future holds.(Special Report)
November 1, 2003... ARE BROKERS A VANISHING BREED? They have lost millions of dollars in revenue in recent years, including business from Hershey Foods Corp., Kraft Confections, Keebler Co., Kellogg USA, Inc., Amurol Confections Co., Willy Wonka Candy Factory and...

Calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... THIS CALENDAR IS PROVIDED AS A SERVICE TO OUR READERS AND Candy BUSINESS ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS AND TO SUBMIT EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CANDYBUSINESS.COM 2004 JANUARY 11-13 PHILADELPHIA...

Not only has Amazon.com jumped into the candy business big time.(Confidential)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... NOT ONLY HAS Amazon.com jumped into the candy business big time, but a CB staffer's recent DVD order arrived complete with an eight-piece sample pack of Listerine Pocket Paks. It's a great prom, Amazon, but how about sampling some real candy?

Godiva sends love with its G Collection.(Confidential)(Godiva Chocolatier Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... GODIVA SENDS LOVE with its G Collection. In limited distribution through Valentine's Day, the $100/lb assorted chocolates are made by pastry chef Norman Love. In super-spiffy brown and green boxes, just the thought of the couture-style,...

So who knows?(Confidential)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... SO WHO KNOWS? Kraft Foods changed the flavor assortment in traditional 5-Flavor LifeSavers rolls for the first time in nearly 70 years after consumers voted in three new flavors--raspberry, watermelon and blackberry. What I wonder is why the...

No butts about it.(Confidential)(advertising)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... NO BUTTS ABOUT IT. Pop singer Michelle Branch has owned up. It was her backside that appeared in a national Masterfoods USA promotion. Print ads and postcards displayed her blue-jeaned backside with a Starburst stick-pack in her back pocket. My...

Unpopular buyers beware!(Confidential)
November 1, 2003... UNPOPULAR BUYERS BEWARE! If you've heard about the curse that afflicts many of the winners of a PROFESSIONAL CANDY BUYER of the Year Award (and who hasn't?), you'll understand. Just about every winner has found themselves promoted, demoted or...

Who says bad taste can't taste good?(Confidential)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... WHO SAYS BAD TASTE can't taste good? Apparently, not the folks at Blue Q. Their new line of candy-coated gum includes Fugidaboutdit, "the chew you can't refuse." Goodbye Kitty, a truly tasteless take on the Hello Kitty character, features a...

Swedish fish are one thing, but real salmon candy?(Confidential)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... SWEDISH FISH ARE ONE THING, but real salmon candy? OK, so it's marketed as salmon jerky, but word is the recipe for the smoked salmon with almond butter toffee flavoring was developed at Brown & Haley, which perhaps most wisely chose not to...