National Confectioners Association

The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that supports and promotes the chocolate, candy, gum, and mints industries. It works to help the companies that make these sweet treats and speaks up for them when laws or rules are being made. The candy industry is very big, worth about US$35 billion, and factories making candy can be found in all 50 states.

Every year, the National Confectioners Association holds fun events like the National Candy Show in Chicago, where people can see new candies and learn about the history of sweets in the Candy Hall of Fame. In 2024, another big event called the Sweets and Snacks Expo will happen in Indianapolis, bringing together everyone who loves or works with candy. These events help connect people in the industry and let fans enjoy lots of delicious treats.

Candy Hall of Fame

The Candy Hall of Fame is an event put on by the National Confectioners Association. It honors important leaders in the candy industry from all over the world.

Class of 2021

• Michelle Frame, Victus Ars
• Pam Gesford, The Hershey Company
• Forrest Mars Jr. (posthumous), Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S.
• Deb Grenon, My Favorite Company, Inc.
• Barry Phillips, SpartanNash Co
• Kurt Rosenberg (posthumous), Promotion in Motion Companies
• Alan Scharhon, Halfon Candy Co.
• Mark Schlott, R.M. Palmer Co.
• David Shaffer, Just Born, Inc.
• Douglas Simons, Enstrom Candies, Inc.
• Robert Taylor, Burdette Beckmann Inc.

Class of 2017

• Peter Blommer, Blommer Chocolate Co.
• Rick Brindle, Mondelez International, Inc.
• Sara Clair, Brown & Haley
• Ray Cote, American Chocolate Mould Co.
• Basant Dwivedi, The Promotion In Motion Cos., Inc.
• Mary Beth Geraci, Carlin Group
• Richard Hartel, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Scott Hartman, Rutter’s Holdings Inc.
• Rob Nelson, Elmer Candy Corp.
• Dave Taiclet, 1-800-Flowers.com/Fannie May Confections
• Mary Villa, URM Stores Inc.

Controversy

In 2007, the Chocolate Manufacturers Association, which included big companies like Hershey's, Nestlé, and Archer Daniels Midland, asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to change the rules about what can be called "chocolate". They wanted to use different fats and oils instead of cocoa butter and also use artificial sweeteners and milk substitutes.

Later, in 2017, reports said that the National Confectioners Association was working with the Trump administration to change rules that made it harder and more expensive for candy companies to produce their products. There were also reports about the NCA holding events at properties owned by Trump, which meant they were paying him while trying to influence government decisions.