MAIN NAVIGATION Our Industry Policy & Advocacy Inside NCA Industry News MyNCA Login POLICY & ADVOCACY Chocolate, Candy, Gum + Mints We’re advocates for the U.S. confectionery industry, which includes all types of chocolate, candy, gum and mints. Our mission is to advance, protect and promote America’s favorite treats and their unique role in a happy, balanced lifestyle. What We Stand For Fair Sugar Policy Free Trade No Food Taxes Practical Regulation Responsible Labor Practices SNAP Choice Extended Producer Responsibility Distinguishing Edibles from Confectionery Modernizing the U.S. Sugar Program The U.S. sugar program is a complicated mess of price supports, market allocations, quotas and government guarantees that are ultimately covered by taxpayers. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, for every sugar-processing job preserved through artificially high U.S. sugar prices, three American manufacturing jobs are lost. We support a simple, bipartisan solution to provide a spoonful of fairness to American food manufacturers that is modest in scope and doesn’t abolish the program or hurt farmers. Learn More Power of Sweet Manufacturers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints directly employ nearly 58,000 people across the United States with almost 700,000 jobs supported in related industries, including agriculture, retail, transportation and more. Altogether, the confectionery industry contributes more than $37 billion in retail sales to the U.S. economy each year and has at least one manufacturing facility in each of the fifty U.S. states. Learn More Meet our Member Companies An Engaged Industry CandyPAC The confectionery industry’s leading political action committee, CandyPAC, supports Congressional leaders who understand the issues, needs and concerns of 600,000 Americans whose jobs are linked to the confectionery category. CandyPAC is funded by industry leaders who understand that an investment in building relationships with members of Congress is an investment in their long-term business success. Learn More Washington Forum Each fall the confectionery industry takes to Capitol Hill during the Washington Forum to speak with our congressional leaders with a united voice. The Washington Forum gives confectionery manufacturers a chance to advocate for their interests, forge a relationship with their congressional representative and outline our industry’s economic contributions to leading elected officials. Learn More State Advocacy Change doesn’t just happen at the federal level. Building strong relationships with leaders and regulators in confectionery-producing states can open dialogue for confectionery manufacturers and showcase their immense contributions to the state economy. Learn More Grassroots As individuals strive to get more involved in advocating for the confectionery industry, we’re providing opportunities for them to directly connect with their elected officials. Learn More Candy on Capitol Hill Congressional Candy Caucus The Congressional Candy Caucus is a bipartisan caucus formed to acknowledge the American candy industry’s long history of creating jobs and recognize the economic impact, responsibility commitments and community involvement of candy manufacturers in all 50 states. U.S. Senate Candy Desk The Senate Candy Desk, located in the back row on the Republican side of the Senate, has been a popular destination on the Senate floor since 1965, thanks to its selection of candy provided by NCA members from its occupant’s home state. Always A Treat America’s leading chocolate and candy companies have committed to providing consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats, pledging half of their individually wrapped products will be available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack and 90 percent will feature calorie information on the front of the pack by 2022. Learn More A Purpose-Driven Industry Our industry has taken a leadership position on the role of marketing in companies’ business operations. The majority of chocolate and candy on store shelves is made by companies that do not advertise to children under the age of 12. Our commitment on this front is monitored and evaluated by BBB National Programs. Learn More Contact the Public Policy & Advocacy Team Brian McKeon Senior VP of Public Policy Dan Shorts Director of Government Affairs Courtney Hogan Manager of Grassroots and Public Policy Contact the Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Team Paige Smoyer Senior Manager of Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs Our Industry Our Story Everyday Insights Seasonal Insights The Sweet Life Policy & Advocacy Issues Economic Impact Candy in Your State What is the CandyPAC? Inside NCA About NCA Join NCA Events Our Staff News Latest News Press Releases CEO Corner Candy & Snack Today © 2021 National Confectioners Association. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Legal Contact Us