NCA President John Downs will present the awards during the 2026 State of the Industry Conference, scheduled to take place from March 8 to 10 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida.
The nomination period for all awards will close this Friday, 3 October, 2025.
The awards programme includes the following honours:
Confectionery Leadership Awards
These awards recognise top retail or wholesale buyers, category managers, and executives who demonstrate excellence in business collaboration, category management, and innovation in merchandising confectionery products in-store. Any employee of an NCA member company - or a fellow retailer - may submit a nomination.
Woman of Influence Award
Presented by NCA’s Women’s Leadership Group, this award honours a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship, and a proven record of success in the confectionery industry. The award celebrates those who inspire and empower women while creating opportunities for advancement across the sector. Any member of the confectionery industry may submit nominations.
Candy Dish Awards
These awards underscore the pivotal role of the broker and sales agent community in the confectionery industry's success.
- Golden Candy Dish Award – Presented to a broker or sales agent who has gone above and beyond to promote, grow, and advocate for the confectionery industry. Fellow brokers or manufacturers may submit nominations.
- Silver Candy Dish Award – Recognises a standout broker or sales agency partner in a sales, marketing, or management role within the confectionery manufacturing sector. Nominees must exemplify a sustained commitment to category growth. Only employees of NCA broker member companies may submit nominations.
All awards will be presented during a special recognition ceremony on Sunday, 8 March, 2026, at the State of the Industry Conference. The conference will also feature exclusive educational sessions, dynamic networking events, the release of NCA’s proprietary State of Treating report, and retailer-hosted roundtables known as Treat & Greets.
For more information, visit CandyUSA.com/SOTIC.
Anthony Myers