Barry Callebaut’s Jerry Hagedorn appointed as NCA board chair
Jerry Hagedorn, pictured at the State of the Industry Conference, has been named as chair of the NCA's Board of Trustees. Pic: NCA
The National Confectioners Association has named Barry Callebaut executive vice president Jerry Hagedorn as the chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term, reports Neill Barston.
Having served as vice chair of the key US industry organisation, he will be taking up the reins of the post from departing NCA chair Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, who has just been honoured with a Candy Kettle Award for services to the sector.
“As the confectionery industry faces unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities, Jerry Hagedorn’s proven steady leadership will be an enormous asset to our dynamic and diverse membership,” John Downs, NCA president & CEO, said. “He is an innovative thinker and a tremendous advocate with decades of industry experience, and he is a great fit to lead the way forward into our next chapter.”
“The $48 billion confectionery industry is a vital force in the American economy, so I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” Hagedorn said. “Consumers consistently turn to their favorite chocolate, candy, gum, and mints to enhance special moments. I look forward to working together with the NCA membership and staff to advocate for our great industry.”
Hagedorn, who this month played his part in the SOTIC State of the Industry Conference (see our exclusive video review of the event below). He previously served as the association’s Vice Chair and led NCA’s Chocolate Council. With over three decades spent in the sector, he previously worked for 14 years at Brach’s Confections before joining Barry Callebaut in 2006. He was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2019.
NCA also announced several appointments to its Board of Trustees. Mitchell Goetze, CEO of Goetze’s Candy Company, will become Vice Chair of the NCA Board and Ed Schultz, president of Hawaiian Host Group, will succeed Marty Palmer, president & CEO of Palmer Candy Company, as Treasurer.
As the organisation confirmed, a total of eight industry Eight industry representatives will join the Board, including: Tess Albanese, Albanese Confectionery Group, Len Caric, Howe Company, Lou DiMarco, Hilco Sweets, Enrique Grajeda, Mount Franklin Foods, and Jack Jensen, Clasen Quality Chocolate. The intake also features Patrick Murnane, Murnane Companies, Rachel Sweet, Sweet Candy Company, and Jean Thompson, Seattle Chocolate Company.
