Fresh from the show floor: here's a recap of product and consumer trends observed while walking the aisles at the All Candy Expo. (Publisher's Perspective).(Brief Article)

With another successful All Candy Expo under the industry's belt, I wanted to share some of my observations from the show on trends and industry directions.

* Premium confections, especially premium chocolates, are going mainstream. In recent years, America's palate has continued to become more and more sophisticated. We have seen this "food education" in categories from wine to coffee to bread, and now it's candy's turn. Consumers are seeking out premium confections and want to be able to purchase them in their everyday shopping outlets.

* Interactive candy products are moving to the next level in that quite a number of the new products being introduced to …