The candy category is alive, well and growing for this Albany, N.Y.-based regional grocery retailer.

There were some predictable and some surprising outcomes in Confectioner’s Category Driver Awards.

Candy and sweets players from around the globe gathered in Germany early this year for the annual ISM trade show, which included a festive reception for exhibitors, buyers and suppliers.

Confectioner’s annual exploration of the state of the confectionery industry examines and analyzes key consumption and sales performance figures for 2006.