We asked our readers to decide which products previously featured on CandyIndustry.com represented the best of the best for the holiday season.

Chef Christophe Rull won the U.S. selection round of the Cacao Barry World Chocolate Masters, held Oct. 7-8 at the Chocolate Academy in Chicago. He’ll face the best pastry chefs from around the world next year in the World Chocolate Masters final.

Michael Allured, third-generation publisher of MC Publishing Company, producer of Manufacturing Confectioner, passed away Oct. 24 at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was 68.

Phil DeConto, v.p. customer marketing, Ferrero USA, notes that with available vaccines and people becoming accustomed to taking safety precautions, families are looking forward to returning to Halloween traditions.

Retail buyers attending ECRM’s virtual Everyday and Summer Seasonal Candy Planning session Aug. 30-Sept. 10 have selected winners of the 2021 Buyer's Choice Awards.

Barry Callebaut has launched Caramel Aura, premium caramelized white chocolate solutions with no added flavors or colors, for customers in North America.

Gum sales began to rebound earlier this summer as mask mandates and other restrictions were lifted. Gum manufacturers hope this, along with product innovation, will draw consumers back to the category.

With retailers turning away from bulk bins and office-goers not filling their candy dishes as often, hard candy sales have sagged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ferrara Candy Co. (Booth 21928) will introduce innovations in the sugar confectionery and cookie categories during the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo, set for June 23-25 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Ferrero USA, Inc. will feature a slate of new products at the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo, set for June 23-25 in Indianapolis, Ind.