Founded in 1884 in Chicago by representatives of 69 confectionery manufacturing firms, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) is one of the oldest trade associations in the world. It is currently based in Washington, DC. In 2008 it merged with the Chocolate Manufacturers Association of the USA (now called the Chocolate Council).
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The association has 700 members, which include domestic and international confectionery manufacturers, such as Abdallah Candies, and suppliers to the industry. It aims to meet challenges and problems in the confection industry.
The NCA offers education and leadership in manufacturing, technical research, public relations, retailing practices, government relations, and statistical analyses.
Annual exposition
The NCA sponsors a yearly exposition of candies, gums and other snack foods at the McCormick Place convention center in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Up to the year 2009 the event was called the All Candy Expo, but since 2010 it is called the Sweets & Snacks EXPO. The trade show has hundreds of booths staffed by representatives of dozens of companies debuting their latest creations.
Controversy
On March 7, 2017, the Washington Post reported that the NCA was lobbying the Trump administration. The NCA's goal, as reported by the Post, was to advocate for the rollback of government policies that make the production of NCA members' products more expensive. One of the controversial issues reported by the Post was the scheduling of NCA events at Trump-owned properties. Thus, money is being paid by the NCA to Trump as they seek to influence government policy.
Cocolate Council
The "chocolate council", chaired by James G. Hagedorn, is a council representing various global players through their directors and executives: