Candy & Snacks

Japanese-owned c-store chain debuts second location in downtown Los Angeles.

Diamond Foods, Inc. Emerald brand of snacks added three varieties of oven-roasted peanuts to its line of snack nuts -- Emerald Wasabi Oven Roasted Peanuts; Emerald Chipotle Oven Roasted Peanuts; and Emerald Barbeque Oven Roasted Peanuts.

Company sees dark chocolate, core brands key to 2007 sales.

Reserve Brands takes over in licensing agreement with P&G.

Russian firm specializes in premium chocolates.

Innovations in Reese's line and retailer-specific custom Kisses on tap.

Last year, most retailers' ability to predict gasoline prices took a holiday. By Election Day 2006, c-store operators saw gasoline retails plummet more than 80 cents a gallon in just three months to a national average of $2.20, their lowest level since Christmas 2005. By Thanksgiving, though, the average had edged back up to $2.24.

Competition for candy customers crosses all retail channels.