Candy Hall of Fame

Candy Hall of Fame The NCSA administers the Candy Hall of Fame & Kettle Awards. confectionery manufacturing.

The Candy Hall of Fame honors those who’ve dedicated their careers to the confectionery industry, while the Kettle Awards recognize an outstanding individual in U.S. The Candy Hall of Fame was founded in 1971 to recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals committed to the confectionery industry. Each year up to 12 individuals are honored with induction at a black-tie gala, attended by friends, family and industry peers.

Congratulations to Brent Cotten on an incredible career and a well-earned retirement!A member of the Candy Hall of Fame ...
06/18/2026

Congratulations to Brent Cotten on an incredible career and a well-earned retirement!

A member of the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2019, Brent is retiring after 34 years with The Hershey Company and more than three decades of leadership, partnership and service within the confectionery industry.

On behalf of the NCSA and the Candy Hall of Fame, thank you, Brent, for your lasting contributions to our industry. We wish you all the best in retirement.

For more than 50 years, the Candy Hall of Fame has celebrated the people who make our industry extraordinary.What does t...
06/17/2026

For more than 50 years, the Candy Hall of Fame has celebrated the people who make our industry extraordinary.

What does the Candy Hall of Fame mean to you?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us about a memory, mentor or moment that has made an impact on your confectionery journey. 🍬

The NCSA is proud to recognize 2026 posthumous Candy Hall of Fame inductee Juan Gallicchio, founder of Molino Distributo...
06/15/2026

The NCSA is proud to recognize 2026 posthumous Candy Hall of Fame inductee Juan Gallicchio, founder of Molino Distributors and Anpesil Distribution Services, and later Chairman of what is now Thayer Distribution.

Over more than 35 years in the confectionery industry, Juan built a respected distribution business grounded in integrity, discipline and hard work. After emigrating from Argentina with limited English and no capital, he began selling candy from the trunk of his car and turned that determination into a lasting legacy.

Known for his unwavering word, fair business practices and commitment to helping others succeed, Juan mentored employees and fellow entrepreneurs while strengthening relationships across the confectionery community.

We are honored to recognize Juan's lasting contributions as part of the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2026 this October.

"When Betsy and Jerry sat me down 34 years ago to see if I was interested in the business, they said, 'You'll never know...
06/12/2026

"When Betsy and Jerry sat me down 34 years ago to see if I was interested in the business, they said, 'You'll never know if you don't try.' And I tell everyone, I've been trying ever since. But tonight, I want to thank you for making my life's work so rewarding."

Andrew Young, 2025 Candy Hall of Fame Inductee

Hear Andrew's full acceptance speech:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwTsZ0vJDks&t=8s

"To be recognized in this industry means more to me than I can fully express. I entered the confectionery industry in 19...
06/10/2026

"To be recognized in this industry means more to me than I can fully express. I entered the confectionery industry in 1999, and since then, candy has become not only my career but also a very meaningful part of my life."

Elaine Wu, 2026 Impact Award Recipient

Hear Elaine's full speech here: youtube.com/watch?v=T6BJlytgT5E&feature=youtu.be

Amos Sweets

Huge shout out to 2022 Candy Hall of Famer Ed Seibolt for completing the Pedaling for Hope: 335-Mile Ride to Fight Pedia...
06/09/2026

Huge shout out to 2022 Candy Hall of Famer Ed Seibolt for completing the Pedaling for Hope: 335-Mile Ride to Fight Pediatric Cancer!

Through grit, determination, and a lot of pedaling, Ed turned a physical challenge into a powerful vehicle for good, riding from Pittsburgh to DC in just 5 days!

The ride might be over, but you can still recognize Ed's achievement by making a donation.

https://www.mygiving.net/campaign/Pedaling-for-Hope-Join-Me-on-a-335-Mile-Ride-to-F?source=3

The Candy Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate Doug Simons, Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2021, on being recognized in his l...
06/09/2026

The Candy Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate Doug Simons, Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2021, on being recognized in his local community.

A recent Grand Junction Daily Sentinel editorial highlighted Enstrom Candies' continued growth and the positive impact the fourth-generation family business has had on its hometown of Grand Junction, Colorado.

Doug’s confectionery career began humbly — cleaning freezer floors at Enstrom during college — and grew into decades of leadership, service and industry involvement. Today, he serves as president of Enstrom alongside his wife, Jamee, and their sons, Doug Jr. and Jim, helping carry the nearly century-old company into the future.

Congratulations, Doug, on this well-deserved community recognition.

Read the article here: https://www.gjsentinel.com/opinion/editorials/enstroms-growth-is-good-news-for-the-community/article_493f09f6-53e3-4d04-a215-93dc5d93ee79.html

🍬 It's National Candy Month!Behind every great candy brand, product and innovation are the people who help move the conf...
06/08/2026

🍬 It's National Candy Month!

Behind every great candy brand, product and innovation are the people who help move the confectionery industry forward.

The National Confectionery Sales Association brings together industry professionals to connect, learn, celebrate achievements and support the future of confectionery through programs like the Candy Hall of Fame, Kettle Awards and IMPACT Award.

Whether you're looking to expand your network, stay connected to industry leaders or support the traditions that make our industry unique, we'd love to have you as part of the NCSA community.

Interested in becoming a member? Fill out the membership form: https://candyhalloffame.org/about-us/membership/

"A big thank you to this industry. I've been in many industries, and this one is unique. While we compete vigorously, an...
06/04/2026

"A big thank you to this industry. I've been in many industries, and this one is unique. While we compete vigorously, and trust me, I know we do, we are one community."

Anton Vincent, 2026 Kettle Award Recipient

Hear Anton's full speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5mnEcAOKOA

06/03/2026

Happy birthday to all the Candy Hall of Famers celebrating in June! 🎉🍬

Join us in wishing them a happy birthday and thanking them for the sweet legacy they continue to inspire.

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Cleveland, OH

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+12166318200

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