Industry star performers honoured with NCA’s Candy Dish awards
Major accolades from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) have been confirmed, with Nancy Smith, of Premier Specialty, gaining a Golden Candy Dish honours, while Paul Bradley, from Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc, attaining a silver award, writes Neill Barston.
The coveted industry recognition has proved a centrepiece opening celebration for the State of the Industry Conference, which moves from its previous location in Miami, to Orlando, Florida, between 8-10 March.
This year’s winners will be presented with their respective accolades have been designed to celebrate the industry’s retail and manufacturing community, which is at the heart of the region’s confectionery market.
As the NCA noted, its award recipients are selected on the basis of their ability to cultivate relationships, strengthen collaboration, and build new business opportunities within the market.
For her part, Nancy Smith, a national account manager with Premier Specialty, has more than 15 years of experience in the confectionery industry. As the NCA noted, she has built a reputation for thoughtful, people-first leadership, relationship-building, and dedication to growing the category.
Distinguished career
After a 25-year career in fashion apparel merchandising, she transitioned to confectionery, serving as a buyer at Sweet Factory Stores and later in a similar role for It’Sugar. Her strong relationships with brokers throughout her buying career paved the way for her successful transition to Premier Specialty.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive the Golden Candy Dish Award,” Nancy said. “This recognition belongs not only to me but to the entire broker community within the wonderful world of candy, whose hard work and passion help bring treats and snacks to consumers every day.”
Meanwhile, Paul Bradley was recognised for more than two decades at Lindt & Sprüngli, where he presently serves as sales director for the region.
He has led sales strategy across regional grocery, convenience, value, military, travel retail, and specialty channels. Additionally, he also oversees Lindt & Sprüngli’s third-party merchandising partnerships and has played a central role in developing the sales team through formal mentoring and professional development efforts.
“I’m surprised and humbled by the recognition, and I appreciate being nominated by our outstanding broker community,” Bradley said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had across the industry and especially for the relationships, mentorship moments, and friendships that have shaped my career.”
Furthermore, the NCA also announced that a posthumous Silver Candy Dish Award will be presented to honour the life and industry contributions of Mark Schlott, the late CEO of R.M. Palmer Company. He was described by many in the sales agent community as a “fiercely loyal” partner, a business leader who believed manufacturers and brokers were stronger together, and a creative force in developing solutions that benefited everyone, and he was also named the 2019 NCA Advocate of the Year.
John Downs, president and CEO of the the NCA, praised the two award winners, as they prepare to collect their honours next month.
He concluded: “The Candy Dish Awards celebrate the deep relationships and collaboration that define our industry,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “Nancy and Paul’s career paths epitomise that spirit, with each of them exemplifying the leadership, partnership, and dedication that drive progress across confectionery sales. Their commitment to strengthening connections between manufacturers and the broker community makes them truly outstanding honorees.”
