The National Confectioners Association named Ed Schultz, president and CEO of Hawaiian Host Group, as its 2023 Advocate of the Year. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to ensure the confectionery industry has a seat at the table when policy discussions occur at the federal, state and local levels. Schultz received his award at NCA’s 2023 State of the Industry Conference.

The National Confectioners Association is honored to support the 2023 White House Easter Egg Roll with iconic, American-made chocolate and candy products. This time-honored tradition celebrates the fun and joy the Easter season brings. America’s chocolate and candy companies are delighted to play a role in this exciting day and at other celebrations throughout the year.

Is there a right way to eat a chocolate Easter bunny? The National Confectioners Association asked and Americans answered: most consumers say they eat the ears first (78%), while some signaled they eat chocolate bunnies’ feet first (17%) or tail first (5%). This seasonal enthusiasm extends to the rest of the candy aisle, as 84% of Americans say they plan to celebrate the 2023 Easter season by sharing or gifting some kind of confectionery treat.

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 released the following statement in response to the decision by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to reallocate unused country-specific quota allocations under the tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on imported raw cane sugar for fiscal year 2023. 

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.