b'CONTINUED INNOVATIONOur singular focus on sugar confec-tions allows us to focus our invest-mentsbe it in consumer insights or specified technologiesto meet consumers desires, imagining whats possible as we dream big in sugar, said Anna Olsen, Ferraras Senior Director of Research & Development.In 2023, Ferrara extended their commitment to creating the future of sugar confections by building a state-of-the-art Innovation Center in Fer-raras downtown Chicago headquar- pany also engages with Chicago-area ters. Designed to create and test newteens and young adults through candy concepts, the center is home toSTEM nonprofit Lumity.their deep bench of food scientists,Always present in Ferraras for-researchers and technicians craftingward-looking perspective is the im-and testing new, delectable creations.portance of food safety and quality. This commitment is exemplary ofThrough a robust and validated food Ferraras spot at the forefront of thesafety management system, Ferrara city and states position as a globalcompletes approximately 33,000 leader in food innovation.quality checks every week.Ferrara also is passionate aboutPeople outside of the industry engaging with the next generationoften comment on how fun it must of home-grown talent, investing inbe to work in candy and food inno-the future of the industry in Illinoisvation, said Olsen. They are right! by actively recruiting from leadingIn addition to our role in making the universities such as University of Illi- world sweeter, our team truly consid-nois-Chicago, Northwestern, DePaul,ers it a privilege to work in Illinois, Loyola, Northern Illinois Universityamongst the worlds most iconic food and University of Chicago. The com- companies.DECEMBER 202415'