Supply chain disruption, 40-year high inflation and lingering COVID-19 concerns continued to affect confectionery shopping and consumption patterns. What did not change was the nation’s love for confectionery. Americans continued to treat themselves and others during seasonal and everyday occasions.
In response to the recent introduction of California AB 418 that would ban the manufacture, sale or distribution of food products containing certain ingredients, the National Confectioners Association issued the following statement:
“Chocolate and candy are safe to enjoy, as they have been for centuries. We strongly oppose AB 418 because there is no evidence to support banning the ingredients listed in the bill.
The National Confectioners Association announced today that Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, will assume the role of Chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Jacobs most recently served as Vice Chair and will take over for departing NCA Board Chair Barry Rosenbaum, president of Nassau Candy Distributors.
In 2022, confectionery category dollar sales grew 11.1% over 2021, and 22.1% over 2019 as consumers view chocolate and candy as a fun part of life (81%) and as an affordable treat (74%) according to the fourth annual State of Treating report published by the National Confectioners Association.
Manufacturers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints directly employ nearly 58,000 people across the United States with almost 700,000 jobs supported in related industries, including agriculture, retail, transportation and more. Altogether, the confectionery industry contributes more than $37 billion in retail sales to the U.S. economy each year and has at least one manufacturing facility in each of the fifty U.S. states.
America’s leading chocolate and candy companies have committed to providing consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats, pledging half of their individually wrapped products will be available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack and 90 percent will feature calorie information on the front of the pack by 2022.
Chocolate, candy, gum and mints hold a special place in our lives. From holidays and celebrations to everyday moments of joy, confectionery can play a role in a happy, balanced lifestyle. America’s candy makers are proud to be part of those family traditions. Yes, we makes delicious treats, but we’re also helping to make memories.
The Boyer Brothers started their candy business during the trying times of the Depression and has since grown to produce some of America’s most beloved treats. From its humble beginnings in a kitchen, they’ve been offering high-quality American-made candy that pleases both nostalgic customers and new ones alike – all of whom are looking for something uniquely delicious. The Boyer family business has become renowned for its signature offerings that include Mallo Cups and Smoothie Cups, first created in 1936, that continues to delight consumers today.
Find out more about other NCA member companies in your state!
78%
of all adults believe it is perfectly fine to occasionally treat with chocolate or candy
2-3x
Number of times per week, most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate & candy
111
One U.S. confectionery job supports eleven other American jobs
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates more than $42 billion in retail sales each year. Making chocolate, candy, gum and mints, the industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and work to ensure that chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy.
Foster an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and promote the unique role of confections in a happy, balanced lifestyle. The National Confectioners Association advances, protects and promotes the confectionery industry.
Chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to our culture, our society, our economy and our everyday moments of joy.
