Latest NCA report highlights importance of the multi-billion US confectionery sector
The National Confectioners Association has unveiled a new report revealing the essential role confectionery manufacturing plays in delivering dozens of thousands of US jobs, writes Neill Barston.
As the industry organisation notes, makers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints support nearly 700,000 well-paying American jobs, with about 58,000 roles created in sweets manufacturing alone.
According to the NCA’s findings, for every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another 11 are supported in related industries, which is a strong multiplier effect of 1:11.
Confectionery Production recently reported on the organisation’s State of Treating report, which found that sales of sweets and snacks remained relatively buoyant in the US, down just 0.2% during the peak of the pandemic, standing at $36.7 billion – underlining its value to the economy. The upcoming halloween season is especially significant to the market, with the US being the biggest market in the world for spooky celebrations, with major manufacturers once again pulling out the stops to deliver a wide range of innovations.
The key annual event to showcase these developments remains the Sweets & Snacks Expo (pictured main image), which will be returning to its traditional base in Chicago, US, after moving this year to Indianapolis due to pandemic restrictions.
“America’s chocolate and candy companies are essential to the American workforce. They are powerful drivers of the economy, and they are moment-makers during the Halloween season and at special times throughout the entire year,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “The Power of Sweet is palpable as the people who make our favourite treats have helped keep us connected even when we couldn’t be together over these past 18 months.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s chocolate and candy companies have continued to operate safely, providing and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in the communities they serve. In fact, nearly 640,000 jobs are supported by confectionery companies in related industries, including agriculture, retail, transportation and more. The industry generates $37 billion in retail sales each year and is essential to cities and towns across the country, operating more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states.
To learn more about the economic impact of the confectionery industry, visit PowerOfSweet.com. John Dunham & Associates, an economic research firm, conducted this report on behalf of the National Confectioners Association.