NCA expresses confidence in the US Christmas confectionery season
The US-based National Confectioners Association has expressed confidence in the country’s traditionally strong Christmas confectionery market, with hopes for further market recovery across the festive season, writes Neill Barston.
As the industry organisation noted, the sector is worth more than $38 billion in America, with the region enjoying classic confectionery treats including candy canes, Hanukkah gelt and peppermint bark continuing to prove popular
The NCA noted that there was a strong level of awareness that chocolate and candy should be considered as treats to be enjoyed responsibly, with the gifting season of Christmas remaining a key retail opportunity.
Moreover, most Americans enjoy chocolate and candy approximately two to three times per week, averaging 40 calories per day and just one teaspoon of added sugar per day, including at special moments throughout the year like the winter holidays.
Americans’ favorite winter holiday treats don’t appear on shelves across the world based on holiday spirit alone. While shoppers clamour for their favorite #HolidayTreats this year, thousands of American workers will be hard at work creating these sweet holiday memory-makers.
“A holiday season without seasonal chocolate and candy just wouldn’t be the same,” John Downs, President & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “And I’m proud that our industry plays such a big part in the creative ways that families across the country celebrate special moments and create heartwarming memories during the winter holidays.”
The $38 billion confectionery industry supports nearly 700,000 good-paying American jobs, which range from the confectionery manufacturers who make these iconic holiday treats to the shipping, agricultural and retail workers who ensure they’re accessible and affordable for American families. In fact, one U.S. confectionery manufacturing job supports 11 other jobs in the U.S. economy.
Major NCA appointment
As the US gears up for the prime festive season, it has confirmed the appointment of Kelly O’Donnell as its Public Policy & Government Affairs team as PAC director.
In this role, she will support NCA’s political efforts and manage NCA’s CandyPAC, the confectionery industry’s political action committee and one of the top food & beverage PACs.
“Kelly brings extensive political and fundraising experience to NCA and will play a key role in advocating on policy issues that impact the confectionery industry,” Brian M. McKeon, NCA senior vice president of public policy, said. “With Kelly’s expertise, the CandyPAC will continue to be a strong voice for the nearly 700,000 Americans whose jobs are tied to the confectionery industry.”
O’Donnell joins the Public Policy & Government Affairs team with a decade of experience grounded in advocacy and fundraising. Before joining the National Confectioners Association, she served as the PAC director for various organizations, including the National Association of REALTORS, TriNet, and the Farm Credit Council. She holds a B.A. in Politics & Government from Ohio Wesleyan University and resides in Washington, D.C.
The CandyPAC is the confectionery industry’s political action committee managed by NCA. The CandyPAC contributes to current and prospective members of Congress who support the confectionery industry. With more than $37 billion in retail sales each year and more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states, the confectionery industry is a powerful driver of the economy. Learn more about the confectionery industry’s economic impact at PowerOfSweet.com, and visit NCA’s Winter Holidays Central at AlwaysATreat.com/WinterHolidays for some top pits on magical Christmas confectionery.
