Join a coalition of associations representing U.S. and international chocolate makers for a 90-minute presentation and panel discussion on the specific regulatory challenges facing the chocolate industry.
Part 1: Regulatory Update
During the presentation, National Confectioners Association Senior Vice President Debra Miller, PhD, and Paige Smoyer, NCA Manager of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, will discuss:
- The impact on COVID-19 on chocolate production;
- Allergen labeling;
- Regulation of acrylamide, furfuryl alcohol and heavy metals under California’s Proposition 65;
- Added sugar policies;
- Bioengineered food standard disclosures; and
- International food labeling practices.
Part 2: Regulatory Panel Discussion
The presentation will be followed by an interactive panel discussion between member representatives from each of the sponsoring associations. During the session, the panel will answer questions submitted by registrants prior to the event.
Panel:
If you need any special accommodations, including language services, please email [email protected]. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Presenters:
Brad Kintzer
Chief Chocolate Maker
TCHO
FCIA President
FCIA President
Brad Kintzer is the chief chocolate maker for award winning TCHO Chocolate, president of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) and a member of the board of the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP). Prior to joining TCHO in 2009, Kintzer was chocolate maker and product developer at bean-to-bar chocolate pioneer Scharffen Berger, which was acquired by The Hershey Co. in 2005. He fell in love with cacao studying tropical botany and environmental studies at the University of Vermont and spent months working on cacao plantations throughout Latin America to better understand the origins of chocolate flavor.
Marlene Stauffer
Director of Regulatory Compliance
Blommer Chocolate Company
Marlene Stauffer graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a food science degree in the College of Agriculture. She has been with Blommer Chocolate Company since 1982. Her role is in regulatory compliance, regional quality assurance and managing sustainability programs. She also offers support for all aspects of food safety and quality, from raw materials, manufacturing, quality systems and product development to technical assistance for customers. Certifications include FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food PCQI, Internal Auditor by SAI Global and Advanced International HACCP Alliance.
Jeff Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Peterbrooke Chocolatier
Jeffery Smith is Chief Operating Officer for Peterbrooke Chocolatier, a “neighborhood chocolate shop” with more than 25 retail chocolate locations throughout the Southeast. In his nearly four decades of restaurant, retail, finance and franchising experience, he has specialized in start-up operations, competitive analysis, multi-unit development, franchise sales, purchasing, lease negotiation, marketing, branding and C level management. He is known for developing (and/or redeveloping) growth brands using a steady, financially-prudent growth strategy. An executive with Jacksonville-based Peterbrooke Chocolatier for nearly 10 years, Smith oversees the finance, operations and franchise development for the brand as well as for Peterbrooke’s sister franchise concept, French Fry Heaven. He is the first vice president and a board member of Retail Confectioners International (RCI), a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and a member of the International Franchise Association. For more information, visit www.peterbrookefranchising.com.
Irena Miles
Director of Global Regulatory Compliance & Product Development
Jelly Belly Candy Co.
Irena Miles is the Director of Global Regulatory Compliance and Product Development for Jelly Belly Candy Company. She has over 20 years of experience working on product compliance. From ingredients to packaging Irena and her team support a diverse set of market regulations.
