The nominees for the prestigious national Kettle Award have been announced and they are: Jean Thompson, President of Seattle Chocolate and Founding Board member of The Confectionery Foundation, Mitchell Goetze, CEO Goetze Candy Company and multi-year volunteer in our Confectionery Foundation Next Generation program at Sweets & Snacks, Chris Reid, President & CEO Piedmont Candy and Craig Leva, President of Long Grove Confectionery. Plan to celebrate this marvelous honor at the recognition ceremony on May 22, 2018 in Chicago.

Established in 1946, Candy Industry Magazine’s Kettle Award represents the highest recognition an individual working within the U.S. confectionery industry can attain. One Kettle Award is given each year and 2018 marks the 73rd annual event. Nomination for the Kettle recognizes deep commitment to and sustained leadership of our industry and voting is open to members of the confectionery industry. Vote for your Kettle nominee here.

Confectionery Foundation Board members who join Jean Thompson in receiving Kettle accolades are: Chairman Sara Clair, Brown & Haley (2017 recipient), Vice Chairman Rob Nelson, Elmer Chocolate (2015 nominee), Board Member Bill Kelley, Jelly Belly Candy Company (2006 recipient)

The Confectionery Foundation board creates educational mentoring initiatives to foster an American manufacturing-bound culture among students training in food science, communications, business, engineering, robotics and marketing.

Through our Sweets and Snacks Expo Next Generation education program, we work with colleges and companies to link the workforce of tomorrow with our industry today. College students – click to learn more.
Industry Members – click here to join us. Congratulations to all of the nominees!