For years, Editor Crystal Lindell had to watch from afar, but this year she finally got an inside look at everything that goes into the Kettle Awards.

One of the most notable consequences of the federal government shutdown was that it led to fewer food recalls. Unfortunately, that wasn’t because the food being produced during that time was safer — it was because there was less oversight. 

Interest in plant-based diets continues to sprout, giving food manufacturers and retailers a chance to cultivate shopper engagement and grow sales, Chicago-based research firm IRI says.

Hershey is turning 125 years old in 2019, but it’s the company’s future that’s most interesting right now.

During a visit to Smarties Candy Co. co-presidents Liz Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Sarah Dee blew Editor Crystal Lindell away. It's still rare to see women in such high ranks in the confectionery industry, and Lindell was inspired not only by how they run the company, but also by how open they were about embracing the fact that they were, well, women.