DECATUR, ILL. — Archer Daniels Midland Co. has expanded its Merckens line of products into the gourmet baking industry. Commercial and industrial bakers and pastry chefs now will be able to use the brand’s chocolate and confectionery coatings, including the Rainbow coatings.

Chocolate retail confectioners in North America have used the Merckens brand of chocolate since 1921. Rainbow compound wafers have appeared in retail confectioner, home candy-making and cake-decorating markets. Merckens chocolate has been used as an ingredient in seasonal novelties, fund-raising and private label candy bars.