Gourmet News

Pork Rind-Inspired Scented Candles? Yes, They’re a Thing!

Published March 31, 2025

PorkRinds.com, the nation’s premiere “hub” for pork rind lovers everywhere, and Dio Candle, a candle company specializing in unique, scentsationally accurate soy candles and wax melts, launched a special-edition line of pork rind scented candles. That’s right, not only can you find your rinds at PorkRinds.com, you can smell ‘em too.

Available nationwide, this special edition collaboration brings four iconic scents to pork rind and candle lovers alike: Sweet BBQ, Hot Honey, Spicy Dill, and Pineapple Ancho Chile. Just in time for spring, fans across the country can stop and smell the pork rinds.

Sweet BBQ: Inspired by the Southern Recipe Small Batch Sweet BBQ pork rind, the PorkRinds.com Sweet BBQ candle captures the smoky, hearty scent of a summer, backyard BBQ. Beware, this mouthwatering scent may attract all of your neighbors, starting a backyard BBQ party out of thin air.
Hot Honey: Combining the sweet heat of Southern Recipe Small Batch’s Hot Honey pork rinds with the aromatic artistry of a fresh jar of honey, this candle instantly makes users more pleasant to be around. That is, until the heat kicks in, then it’s Crunch Time!
Spicy Dill: Fresh out of the garden and into your pork rind… errr, um, candle, the Spicy Dill candle is scientifically proven to be the freshest candle scent ever invented. Just don’t check us on our science. It’s the perfect pairing with Southern Recipe Small Batch’s Spicy Dill pork rinds.
Pineapple Ancho Chile: Have you ever smelled a fruity candle and thought, what if this was spicy? We combined the fresh scent of a pineapple with the spice and everything nice of our Southern Recipe Small Batch Pineapple Ancho Chile pork rinds and voilà, the world’s best fruit-scented candle ever invented was, well, invented.

Fans can get their Crunch Time fix and learn more about these candles at PorkRinds.com.

“These candles aren’t just for pork rind fanatics—they’re for anyone who’s ever dreamed of their home smelling like crispy, golden perfection,” said Mark Singleton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Rudolph Foods. “We’re turning up the scent-sational fun and sharing the crispy, crunchy love with everyone!”

“We’ve had a blast creating fun candle scents—from Video Store to Melted Snowman and beyond,” said Natasha Diodata, Founder of Dio Candle Company. “Now, we’re cranking up the crunch with these special edition pork rind candles.”

Find and smell your rind at PorkRinds.com.

Caridises Receive SNAC Circle of Honor Award

Published March 31, 2025

SNAC International announced Andy and Tony Caridis of Heat and Control as the recipients of the 2025 Circle of Honor Award, presented at SNAXPO25 in Orlando, Fla.

Established in 1994, the Circle of Honor Award recognizes the most visionary and transformative executives in the snack food industry. These candidates demonstrate exceptional innovation and business acumen that are shaping the industry’s future.

This year’s honorees, Andy and Tony Caridis, exemplify that legacy. Andy, who founded Heat and Control in 1950 with the aim of revolutionizing food industry heating methods, laid the groundwork for one of the most influential companies in food processing and packaging. His original innovation—a remote heat exchanger designed to replace direct burner systems—sparked decades of groundbreaking technology development.

Under the leadership of the father-son duo, Heat and Control has launched state-of-the-art equipment, such as thermal ovens, chicken fryers, and potato chip fryers—technology that currently powers production lines for leading snack manufacturers worldwide.

“We are incredibly humbled to be recognized as this year’s Circle of Honor winner,” says Tony. “SNAC International has been immensely helpful to a company like Heat and Control. Working with them exposes us to the entire United States, expands our business, and ultimately connects us to the rest of the world.”

With decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to innovation, Andy and Tony have been instrumental in shaping the future of snack production. They have redefined what is possible in snack manufacturing—streamlining operations, enhancing food quality, and establishing new industry standards.

“Heat and Control has been one of the innovative pillars of the snack industry for the past 75 years,” said Christine Cochran, CEO of SNAC International. “This award is a testament to the ingenuity and forward-thinking heating solutions that Andy and Tony have brought to our industry. Whether they realize it or not, many established and emerging brands owe their success to Andy and Tony.”

To view the commemorative video, click here.

Founded in 1937, SNAC International (formerly Snack Food Association) is the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide, including suppliers, marketers, and manufacturers. Upon its three pillars of education, advocacy, and networking, SNAC is committed to connecting the snack industry to create growth and opportunity. For more information, visit www.snacintl.org.

For more news of interest to the snacking industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

Casey’s Supports ‘Weather Women’ Documentary

Published March 31, 2025

Casey’s, the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, is partnering with “Weather Women: Into the Bear’s Cage,” a cinematic storm chasing documentary by Paradeigm Films.

“At Casey’s, we know it’s not crazy to chase your dreams – and storms – and these amazing women are proof that when an opportunity arises, you got to chase it. We’re here to fuel the adventure of storm chasing season across Casey’s Country,” said Katie Petru, Director, PR and Communications, Casey’s.

This series, fueled by Casey’s, follows renowned storm chasers as they capture the 2025 storm season in real-time, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the power of nature. Filmed in a cinéma vérité style—raw, unscripted, and in real time—Weather Women captures the true intensity of storm chasing with no second takes.

“Storm chasers are often misunderstood—seen as thrill-seeking renegades when, in reality, they are experts in weather, often highly trained meteorologists, PhDs, and researchers doing critical, life-saving work,” said Stephen Brucher, Owner of Paradeigm Films and Director, Weather Women. “They are the eyes on the ground, relaying vital information on severe storms and tornadoes that radar alone can’t capture. Their efforts may go unnoticed, but they are the unsung heroes standing between chaos and safety.”

The Weather Women story begins at the 2025 National Storm Chaser Summit, and follows the stories of Jessica Moore, meteorologist, travel writer, and professional photographer; Tori Jane Ostberg, photographer and writer; and Emmy-winning broadcaster, meteorologist Jennifer Watson.

To learn more and get branded gear, visit www.weatherwomen.com.

For more news of interest to the foodservice industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.