John Downs
NCA unveils latest industry intake of key Future Leaders Programme
A total of eight ambitious young industry professionals have formed the latest intake of the National Confectioners Association 2024 Future Leadership Programme, designed to inspire and develop the next generation of management stars within the sector, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA survey reveals seasonal candy cane and chocolate favourites
As one of the perennial favourites of the Christmas confectionery landscape, the candy cane is something that continues to symbolise festive sweet treats – but is there a right way to eat them? A National Confectioners Association study has the answer, writes Neill Barston.
NCA study reveals seasonal confectionery still drives major annual sales
Consumers key seasonal buying patterns remain at the heart of the confectionery sector’s product demands, according to a fresh report from the US-based National Confectioners Association, writes Neill Barston.
California’s confectionery product dye ban sparks ‘nanny state’ reaction
As industry observers have duly noted, the decision in California this month to place a ban on specific red dyes used in some Halloween confectionery treats has been met with charges of a ‘nanny state’ seeking to overly control food companies and consumers in making their food choices.
NCA and Hawaiian Host offer Maui support after devastating wildfires
The National Confectioners Association has pledged sympathies and support for industry colleagues and communities in the Hawaiian island of Maui, which has seen devastating wildfires claim the lives of a reported 99 people, writes Neill Barston.
Exclusive: The International Confectionery Association agrees to intensify global sector collaboration
The International Confectionery Association (ICA), consisting of key global industry trade bodies including Europe’s Caobisco and America’s NCA organisation have met at this year’s ISM event in Germany, and agreed to strengthen existing ties in addressing global sector issues, reports Neill Barston.
Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA’s Always a Treat Campaign gains notable industry honours recognising its impact
The US-based National Confectioners Association’s flagship Always A Treat Campaign has gained a major accolade at the 2023 PRNews Social impact Awards, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA reveals majority of US consumers set to mark Easter with confectionery
Fresh research from the National Confectioners Association has found that a total of 84% of Americans are intending to celebrating Easter with some form of confectionery, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of the Industry Conference, Miami
Editor Neill Barston offers an exclusive video report from the State of the Industry Conference in Miami, focused on addressing major trends for the year ahead, as well as releasing the NCA’s key State of Treating report.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive video: State of the Industry Conference review
This week, Confectionery Production has reported live from the National Confectioners Association’s State of the Industry Conference in Miami, which saw the unveiling of the key State of Treating report on major consumer trends.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of the Industry Conference reaches for the stars
This week has proved an exceptionally busy one for the magazine, topped off by reporting from the National Confectioners Association’s State of the Industry Event which took place in Miami, Florida.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of Treating Report reveals US confectionery sales of $42.6 billion
The president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, John Downs, offered an inspiring keynote address to launch this year’s State of the Industry Conference, as figures reveal the category topped $42.6 billion in sales last year, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Key confectionery leaders to explore sector goals at NCA’s State of the Industry Conference
US confectionery leaders are set to assemble in Miami this weekend for the National Confectioners Association’s State of the Industry Conference, placing a critical spotlight on this year’s major market trends and developments, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
National Confectioners Association confirms leadership award winners
The National Confectioners Association and has confirmed winners of its 2023 Confectionery Leadership Awards: Target’s Tiffany Trombley, director of seasonal candy and snacks; and Sam’s Club’s Todd Budzinski, senior director of merchandising, candy and commercial bread.