Americans Celebrate National Candy Month in June

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Jun 12, 2017, 09:00 ET

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- June is National Candy Month, and the National Confectioners Association will be helping Americans celebrate by highlighting sweet innovation in chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and spotlighting the men and women who make the special treats that have played a unique role in cultural traditions and seasonal celebrations for thousands of years. The summer holiday arrives on the cusp of America's leading confectionery companies' recent announcement that they are redoubling their efforts to educate consumers on the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle.

"National Candy Month is a time to celebrate the sweeter side of life and reflect on a classic American manufacturing success story that includes strong leadership from America's leading chocolate and candy companies when it comes to helping people manage their sugar intake," John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said.

Many of America's candy companies have been family-owned for generations. Chocolate and candy companies provide 55,000 American manufacturing jobs, creating a direct economic impact of $35 billion. And for every one job that the industry creates in manufacturing, another seven are supported in related fields, including retail, agriculture, and shipping – totaling 465,000 jobs that rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood.

Just last month, five global chocolate and candy companies announced that they are coming together with the Partnership for a Healthier America to provide consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats. The companies include Mars Chocolate, Wrigley, Nestlé USA, Ferrero, Lindt, Ghirardelli, Russell Stover, and Ferrara Candy Company. PHA will report independent, third-party verification of the commitment, and progress will be monitored by PHA in conjunction with a well-respected policy research organization called Hudson Institute.

"Chocolate and candy have always been a treat, and this is a big commitment by the participating companies to satisfy consumers changing tastes and desires," Downs said. "This is the first step on our journey to recruit other companies to join us as we work to help consumers manage their sugar intake and ensure that they feel empowered to make informed choices during National Candy Month and all year long."

The commitment details include:

By 2022, half of the individually wrapped products made by the participating companies will be available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack. Chocolate and candy are currently available in a wide variety of options – packages ranging from fun size to share size – that can bring a little enjoyment to any occasion. Right now, more than 60 percent of the companies' individually wrapped products contain less than 250 calories per pack. In the next few years, consumers will see more options in smaller sizes – and innovative new products.
Within the next five years, 90 percent of the best-selling treats made by these companies will have calorie information printed on the front of the pack, which puts calories for the entire package at consumers' fingertips.
Over the next five years, the newly established AlwaysATreat.com will begin to evolve into a digital resource full of easy-to-use information for consumers to better understand the unique role that confections can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle.

"Most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy two to three times per week, averaging about 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day," Downs said. "Our groundbreaking commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America will help reaffirm that chocolate and candy are treats, and empower consumers with the tools they need to make informed decisions."

How to Engage During National Candy Month:

NCA will be celebrating all things chocolate and candy this month with a number of engagements planned, from social media fun to random acts of sweetness.

Social Media: Join the conversation with #NationalCandyMonth, and follow NCA on Twitter (@CandyUSA), Instagram (@CandyUSA), Snapchat (CandyNCA), and Facebook (NationalConfectionersAssociation) for the latest news on National Candy Month as well as some fun candy humor.
Random Acts of Sweetness: We'll be handing out chocolate, candy, gum, and mints at locations throughout Washington, D.C. during the month of June. Keep an eye out for our teams, and be sure to stop by for a treat!

The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these special treats. As the leading association for the $35 billion U.S. confectionery industry, NCA educates the public to help ensure that it understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 55,000 workers in more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities across the country. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood. For every one job that is created by confectionery companies, another seven are supported in related industries. Learn more about the "Power of Sweet" at CandyUSA.com, or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact: Chris Gindlesperger | 202-534-1440 | [email protected]

SOURCE National Confectioners Association