NCA confirms major Confectionery Leadership Award winners
Senior industry executives, Angela Mayo, merchant director of basic candy at Walmart, alongside Alan Yarmaloff, head of confections and front of store merchandising with CVS, have gained key NCA confectionery leadership awards, reports Neill Barston.
The accolades, organised with Candy & Snack Today, have continued to celebrate the ongoing work among notable figures from across the sector in the US.
As merchant director of basic candy at Walmart, Angela Mayo connects store and site to deliver an efficient, customer-centric experience. With more than 20 years of retail experience, including time as a store manager, she balances long-term category strategy with the practical details of omni execution, ensuring candy is intuitive for shoppers and operationally efficient across in-store, pickup, delivery, and online channels.
Moreover, as the NCA noted, she collaborates closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to turn insights into action, sharpening assortments, elevating digital content and searchability, and aligning price and availability across channels.
“I balance long-term category strategy with the practical details of omni execution,” Mayo said. “My guiding principle is ‘easy to shop, easy to stock, easy to zone, easy to pick.’ Candy should be fun, and I’m proud of the impact our team delivers as we create simple choices, clear value, and on-trend excitement for customers everywhere they shop.”
For his part, Alan Yarmaloff has enjoyed a 34-year career in retail, including 14 years in confections.
Judges were impressed that he has helped position CVS as a leader in confectionery retail by prioritising the consumer experience.
By embracing the fun of confections, leaning on talented teams, and collaborating closely with leading CPG companies, he has positioned CVS to meet its shoppers’ core confectionery needs while also offering products that enhance the shopping experience. Beyond business results, Yarmaloff has built strong partnerships and lifelong friendships across the industry.
“Working within the confections category has served as a reminder that work can be both fun and enjoyable,” Yarmaloff said. “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented teams who have brought many of my ideas and visions to fruition. Building relationships has always been a priority for me, and it is truly an honor to receive the Confectionery Leadership Award for 2026.”
John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, praised their work across the industry.
He added: ““The Confectionery Leadership Awards recognise the people who bring creativity, strategy, and collaboration to the candy aisle,”
“Angela and Alan exemplify what strong retail leadership looks like, balancing innovation with execution and always keeping the customer at the center. Their work continues to elevate the confectionery category, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.”
