This year’s event, held May 21-23, brought together tried-and-true brands and upstarts seeking to carve out their place in an ever-changing market.

American Licorice Co. is committed to making all plastic packaging 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable by the year 2025. 

The owners of Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co. have purchased Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier, another longtime St. Louis confectionery brand with roots extending back to 17th century France.

Atkinson Candy Co. has named Kevin Green as its new v.p. of sales, effective July 8. Green is succeeding John Leipold, who is retiring.

The International Chocolate Awards has announced the winners of the 2019 Americas Bean-to-bar and Chocolatier Competition, which was judged May 27-June 3 in New York.

Haribo of America has added Arndt Ruesges to its executive team and Board of Directors to oversee the build and operations of the company’s first factory in North America.

Nestlé has created a 70% dark chocolate made entirely from the cocoa fruit, using the pulp as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar.

Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory will now distribute its products in Canada through a partnership with importer and distributor Coco Doro Corp and its logistics partner, the Cheese Boutique. 

Mount Franklin Foods has named Chief Financial Officer Enrique Grajeda as president and ceo, effective July 1.