ASSIGNMENT+24,+5.+5.10

READ APRIL WSJ P. 14 OR ON DELICIOUS.COM/KATHY39420: "LOWERING THE BAR"

REGIONAL CANDIES ARE A DYING BREED TODAY, THERE ARE PERHAPS A DOZEN LOCAL MANUFACTURERS LEFT IN AMERICA. THE REST HAVE BEEN SWALLOWED UP, OR PUT OUT OF BUSINESS, BY THE MASSIVE CONSOLIDATION THAT HAS SHAPED THE MODERN CANDY INDUSTRY.

1. WHAT ARE SLOTTING FEES, AND WHY DO THEY POSE A PROBLEM FOR SMALLER CANDY MAKERS?

2. WHAT WAS THE GOLDEN AGE OF CANDY BARS? IN THAT ERA OF TOUGH COMPETITION, HOW DID INDUSTRY TITANS RESHAPE THEIR BUSINESSES?