John Downs
NCA president hails the power of collaboration at SOTIC, as US delivers record confectionery sales
An engaging opening to this year’s State of the Industry Conference in Miami was fashioned, as John Downs, CEO and president and CEO John Downs took to the stage taking the guise of a late night TV host, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA survey finds 91 per cent of US consumers plan to give Valentine’s confectionery gifts
Latest research from the National Confectioners Association has revealed that the art of sweet romance is far from lacking in the US, with a fresh study finding 91 per cent of Americans intend to mark Valentine’s Day with chocolate and candy, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA report reveals chocolate sales continue to rise, as consumers value affordable treats
A fresh report from the National Confectioners Association has revealed that chocolate sales in the US reached $21.4 billion, representing a new high for the category, with 65% of shoppers considering it an affordable treat, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive: NCA and Alliance for Fair Sugar Policy raise Farm Bill hopes ahead of US elections
With the pivotal US presidential elections just around the corner, the Alliance for Fair Sugar Policy has expressed optimism that a bipartisan deal can be struck for the crucial national Farm Bill, in a bid to address an urgent deficit in industry sugar supplies, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive: Engines fully revved for Indianapolis edition of Sweets & Snacks Expo
Expectations are high for this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo as it enters the starting grid for its fresh location in Indianapolis, Indiana, US. Editor Neill Barston speaks to the NCA’s Carly Schildhaus on prospects for the 2024 show
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of the Industry reflections: John Downs, NCA’s president and CEO interview
Seeming in relaxed form, John Downs concluded the event with some added notes of motivation for the assembled audience, reaffirming his view that there’s plenty of dynamism and determination that will see the industry within the US through its various supply chain challenges, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Latest research shows US Easter market set to surpass $5 billion sales mark
Latest research from the National Confectioners Association has indicated that sales of Easter treats are set to surpass the $5 billion mark, as families prepare for the key gifting occasion, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
NCA calls on the US Food and Drug Administration to urgently address multi-state ingredients’ bans
The US-based National Confectioners Association has pushed-back against a series of state level legislation that are proposing the ban of several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -approved food additives within the sector, reports Neill Barston.
Exclusive video: State of the Industry 2024 conference review
This year’s State of the Industry Conference placed both the potential of AI technology, as well as the value of workforces under the spotlight, as it examined conditions within the sector in the US region.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA’s John Downs lifts up the industry with inspiring State of the Industry keynote
Entering this year’s State of the Industry Conference donning a striking personalised lab coat, backed by an uplifting soul soundtrack, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) president and CEO John Downs offered heartfelt praise for a sector facing a number of industry challenges, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Romantic spirit alive and well with US consumers, says latest NCA study
A fresh study from the National Confectioners Association (NCA), has found that 92% of Americans are embracing the sweet spirit of the Valentine’s Day season, saying they plan to share chocolate and candy with friends, family, and loved ones this February, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Sustainability
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.