Ferrara Candy honors suppliers in a ‘unique’ year for the company

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From Left, Ahmet Hepdogan, vice president of procurement (Ferrara Candy, Chicago) presenting “Supplier of the Year” award to Carlos M. Gonzalez Bolio representing Ingenios Santos (Monterrey Mexico) with Kristy Eidson, director of sweeteners Pprocurement (Ferrara Candy, Chicago). Pic: Ferrara Candy

Fifth Annual Supplier Recognition Event called for more innovation and transparency in the supply chain.

Ferrara Candy Company, which recently revealed plans to move to Chicago’s old Post Office building, has honored its suppliers for their contributions to its business in 2018.

The annual event gathered both long-time Ferrara suppliers, as well as partners that are new to the company because of the 2018 acquisition of Nestlé US confectionery business.

Ahmet Hepdogan, vice president of procurement for Ferrara Candy Company, acknowledged the past 12 months as a unique year for the company given integration and changing consumer and customer needs.

He used the event earlier this month to challenge suppliers to partner with the company on innovation and value generation, and underscored Ferrara’s commitment to trust, transparency, and fostering and nurturing relationships with its suppliers.

 “I’m proud of the progress we have made together to delight consumers, and we are grateful for your system-first behaviors,” he said.

Ferrara Candy Company’s chief human resources officer, Mike Goldwasser, shared the company’s plans for 2019, and encouraged suppliers to align behind its business direction, vision and values. “We are better because of you, and I’m here to recognize your contributions to our business,” he said.

Ferrara gave a Lifetime Achievement Award to Tony Moran of Morcor Industries, and inducted Les Jankowski into the company’s Hall of Fame. Jankowski passed away this year, and the company mourned the loss of their friend and colleague.