Unlike Chicago — it actually snowed on the Cubs’ home opener — northern Italy is verdant with spring, very much in color and bloom. Until yesterday, Editor-in-Chief Bernie Pacyniak wasn’t familiar with who Silvio Bessone is. After enjoying a wonderful four-course meal “contaminated by chocolate” and listening to the man talk about his craft, he's truly grateful to have a job whereby he gets to meet such passionate artisans.

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). 

La Quinta Resorts and Club in La Quinta, Calif., proved ideal for this year’s Western Candy Conference, providing attendees with a spectacular backdrop for WCC’s 85th anniversary and its GENerational theme.

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.

Peter Boone, Barry Callebaut’s new chief in the Americas, shares his thoughts on Forever Chocolate progress, premiumization, Ruby chocolate, Millennials and telling a good story — about chocolate.

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

So you enjoy working in the confectionery industry, right? But tell me this, are you producing snacks, or are they treats? Hey, I realized the words are often used interchangeably. Nevertheless, there is a difference.

A good reminder of the experiences we create, sell and promote came in the form of the Kids Choice Awards, held this week during ECRM’s Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween event at the Hilton Chicago.

Calling all chocolate makers: Make sure you have enough premium and “better-for-you” chocolate on hand today for all those “Last-Minute Louies.”

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.