Despite economic headwinds, the industry has steadily added jobs - highlighting how even in uncertain times, Americans’ sweet tooth is powering a resilient pocket of growth.
This is also the message the National Confectioners Association (NCA) conveyed at a timely Forum in Washington this week, where leaders from America’s chocolate and candy companies were in the capital engaging on behalf of approximately 60,000 Americans who work in confectionery manufacturing jobs in all 50 states, and the 700,000 more jobs supported in other industries.
Beyond the Headlines
The Washington Forum, billed as an NCA ‘Beyond the Headlines ‘fly-in event, welcomed more than 100 leaders from the confectionery industry to share their stories with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and learn from thought leaders about the most pressing topics. Speakers included US Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), former US Senator Debbie Stabenow and former US Representative Rodney Davis.
As well as job security, key issues touched on included MAHA, the Farm Bill, and other upcoming congressional action.
In a post on LinkedIn, John Downs, President & CEO, NCA, says: "America's leading chocolate and candy companies are in Washington, D.C. to advocate for their industry to Congress, highlighting the positive impact on consumers and the economy.
John Downs made our Top 10 influencer list for 2024
Anthony Myers
“They are proud of their role in providing joy through their products and are also advocating for their employees and communities. The industry supports 60,000 direct jobs and has a multiplier effect of 11:1, meaning it supports over 700,000 jobs collectively, a phenomenon referred to as the 'power of sweet'."
Sweet Spot in a Sour Economy
While many manufacturers are freezing hiring or shedding jobs, confectionery plants are still humming. Analysts say the nature of the product helps.
“Chocolate and candy are affordable indulgences,” says retail economist Linda Carson. “They tend to hold up well even during recessions because consumers don’t want to give up small pleasures.”
Confectionery has long held a reputation as a 'recession-resilient' category, and the recent employment figures reinforce that narrative.
According to Bloomberg, the number of workers on US payrolls will likely be revised down by 911,000 for the 12 months through March - or almost 76,000 less each month on average- according to the latest Bureau of Labour Statistics’ preliminary benchmark revision.
According to the NAICS sector 3113 (Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing), the industry now employs more than 88,000 people across the country - a figure that continues to rise even as national unemployment ticks upward to 4.3%, the highest since 2021.
Anthony Myers
Factory Growth & Future Hires
Beyond job retention, the US confectionery industry is preparing for expansion. In one of the most significant moves in the sector:
- Mars Inc. announced a $2 billion investment in US manufacturing, including a new plant in Salt Lake City, Utah set to generate 230 new jobs by next year.
- Smaller, regional confectionery companies are also increasing production capacity to meet both domestic demand and export opportunities.
This trend suggests that while the national labour picture grows murky, the candy industry is laying a foundation for continued hiring into 2026.
CocoaRadar Comment
While much of the US economy confronts a slowdown, confectionery manufacturing is proving a rare source of stability and modest job creation. Anchored by resilient demand and strategic investments, the sector offers a small but telling counterpoint to broader employment trends. For now, it seems America’s craving for sweets is still creating jobs and is testament to the ‘power of sweet’.
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