While the Fourth of July serves as a great opportunity to relax and reflect, there’s another holiday this week Associate Editor Alyse Thompson is just as excited for — World Chocolate Day, set for July 7. 

Summer doesn’t officially begin for another week, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about Halloween.

This is Associate Editor Alyse Thompson's second Sweets & Snacks Expo, but it already feels like old hat. Getting around was a breeze, and she enjoyed catching up with manufacturers, suppliers, sales people and marketers she's gotten to know over the last couple years.

Mars Wrigley Confectionery and other Mars divisions will have a chance to offer information and guidance to thousands of students, teachers and families attending the USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. this weekend (April 7-8). 

Harvard professor Carla Martin is concerned with the ethics behind chocolate, particularly in terms of labor, politics and human rights. She says chocolate is springboard for discussing and addressing these issues.

How can you spice up an hours-long ceremony? Bring in the candy.

It’s not every day you get a chance to visit Barry Callebaut’s Chicago Chocolate Academy — and when you do, you jump on it.