National Confectioners Association

Founded in 1884 in Chicago by representatives of 69 confectionery manufacturing firms, the National Confectioners Association 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).

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.

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.

The "chocolate council", chaired by James G. Hagedorn, is a council representing various global players through their directors and executives:

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