“The retail landscape continues to change dramatically as consumers reach for both new confectionery products and treats that spark a sense of comfort,” said John Downs, president & CEO of the NCA. “Over the past year, both Todd and Drew have carved out unique retail experiences for their customers that speak to the current retail moment and celebrate the best the confectionery industry has to offer.”
The 2022 Confectionery Leadership Awards will be presented in conjunction with NCA’s State of the Industry Conference, which is set to take place from 13 to 15 March in Miami, Florida.
With more than 25 years of experience working in procurement for Hy-Vee, Gean has blended his immense knowledge with his sense of creativity to deliver unique solutions in the confectionery category for Hy-Vee over the past five years, the NCA said in a release.
Germain has led the confectionery category for Cracker Barrel for nearly seven years, earning a reputation for executing top-tier retail displays for the latest candy innovations without losing the Cracker Barrel brand’s signature nostalgic point of view. His keen sense of the Cracker Barrel consumer has brought new life to nostalgic candy retail while ensuring a positive experience for consumers and manufacturer partners alike.
NCA, in collaboration with its Candy & Snack TODAY magazine, created the Confectionery Leadership Awards programme in 2011 to recognise and honour the confectionery industry’s best and most innovative category champions and leaders. The programme allows NCA manufacturers and brokers to recognise outstanding retailers and wholesalers in the confectionery community for their leadership, industry collaboration, confectionery category promotion and innovation.
