Press Releases

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) announced today that Ross Born, who served as chief executive officer of Just Born Quality Confections before his recent retirement,was recognized with NCA’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 State of the Industry Conference. The award recognizes his vision, hard work and dedication that has significantly contributed to the confectionery industry.

The National Confectioners Association announced Kevin Jenkins and Sharon Montgomery as the recipients of the 2023 Golden Candy Dish and Silver Candy Dish Awards, respectively. The Candy Dish Awards are presented each year by NCA’s broker community to recognize one broker and one manufacturer who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the fields of confectionery sales, marketing and management.

The National Confectioners Association today announced Audra Vogler, CEO of Hoffmann Vogler, as the recipient of the 2023 Woman of Influence Award. Created by NCA’s Women’s Leadership Group, the award honors a woman who has demonstrated superior leadership and industry mentorship and has a proven record of growth, success and influence in the confectionery industry.

The National Confectioners Association and Candy & Snack TODAY have announced the recipients of the 2023 Confectionery Leadership Awards: Target’s Tiffany Trombley, director of seasonal candy and snacks; and Sam’s Club’s Todd Budzinski, senior director of merchandising, candy & commercial bread.  

In a clear sign of continued enthusiasm for seasonal celebrations, 92% of Americans plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolate and candy. With offerings that range in price, variety and size, there’s never been a better time to share these holiday treats with your friends, family and loved ones. 

The National Confectioners Association today announced six confectionery industry professionals selected for the 2023 Future Leadership Program. The program is dedicated to helping young professionals across the confectionery industry access networking and professional development opportunities to grow their careers.  

In response to the December 15, 2022, Consumer Reports study on chocolate and cocoa, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement: Chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) guidelines cited in the Consumer Reports study are not food safety standards.

Non-chocolate candy is a consumer favorite during prosperous, inflationary and pandemic times, reveals the National Confectioners Association in a new report out today. The second-largest selling confectionery category, non-chocolate candy represents 32% of all U.S. confectionery dollar sales and growth is outpacing that of all other segments, reports data partner IRI.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the confectionery industry: the winter holidays. Chocolate and candy can play a role in year-round celebrations, but the $4.9 billion winter holidays season is where these treats shine, with more than half of Americans saying they plan to celebrate the season by gifting confectionery products.

Is there a better debate than the one surrounding candy corn? Love it or hate it, consumers report that there is a right way to enjoy it – and the National Confectioners Association has done the heavy lifting in terms of public opinion research to get to the bottom of this burning question. A recent NCA survey found that 33% of candy corn loyalists nibble the narrow white end, just 16% start with the wider yellow end – and more than half of all consumers just go for it and eat the entire piece at once.

Spooky, ooky, creepy and crawly? It must be Halloween – and this year, 93% of Americans intend to celebrate in a big way with plans to enjoy their favorite chocolate and candy treats, according to a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association. Whether consumers are enjoying new and innovative offerings or classic candy corn, confectionery is an iconic part of the season’s celebrations.