2027 awards will honor outstanding leaders, partners, and advocates across the confectionery industry
WASHINGTON — The National Confectioners Association is now accepting nominations for its 2027 industry awards, recognizing individuals whose leadership, partnerships and contributions help move the confectionery industry forward.
Nominations are open for the Confectionery Leadership Award, Golden Candy Dish Award, Silver Candy Dish Award, and Woman of Influence Award and will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 9. Award recipients will be recognized during NCA’s 2027 State of the Industry Conference, taking place February 28 – March 2 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes.
The Confectionery Leadership Award will recognize two exceptional retail and wholesale professionals who lead and inspire, bring fresh ideas to the confectionery category, drive measurable growth, and build strong industry partnerships. Retail and wholesale buyers, category managers, and retail executives are eligible to receive the award, with nominations accepted from NCA broker and manufacturer members.
The Golden Candy Dish Award is the highest honor presented to a broker/sales agency industry member who goes above and beyond the call of business to promote, grow and advocate for the confectionery industry. NCA broker and manufacturer members may submit nominations.
The Silver Candy Dish Award recognizes a standout broker/sales agency partner whose leadership, business impact and strong relationships within the manufacturing community help elevate the confectionery category. Eligible nominees include sales, marketing, or management professionals within confectionery manufacturing, with nominations submitted by NCA broker members.
The Woman of Influence Award, presented by NCA’s Women’s Leadership Group, honors a woman who demonstrates outstanding leadership and mentorship, inspires others and creates opportunities for women’s advancement across the confectionery industry. Any woman active in the confectionery industry is eligible, and nominations may be submitted by any confectionery industry professional.
To learn more about these awards and submit a nomination, visit CandyUSA.com/AwardsNominations.
All the awards will be presented on Sunday, February 28 during a special recognition ceremony at NCA’s 2027 State of the Industry Conference. The conference will also feature one-of-a-kind education and networking events, the release of NCA’s proprietary State of Treating report, retailer-hosted roundtable sessions, and more. Learn more at CandyUSA.com/SOTIC.
###
About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry. Our member companies create moments of joy with chocolate, candy, gum, and mints, drive $55 billion in retail sales, and add a little sweetness to life. NCA champions policies that help candy makers and other stakeholders in this unique category thrive while reminding consumers that chocolate and candy are treats. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
