At Candy Industry’s 73rd Kettle Awards, with nearly 250 guests in attendance, Mitchell Goetze, ceo of Goetze’s Candy Co., received the industry’s most prestigious award, the gleaming copper kettle. Craig Leva, president and owner of Arway Confections/Long Grove Confectionery; Chris Reid, president and ceo of Piedmont Candy Co.; and Jean Thompson, president and ceo of Seattle Chocolate Co. were also recognized as nominees for the award.

Together with his brother Todd, who serves as president and coo, Mitchell Goetze leads this iconic company and carries on the tradition started by their great-great-grandfather in 1895. As part of the fifth generation that produces Goetze’s trademark Caramel Creams and Cow Tales caramels, it’s not surprising to discover that Mitchell grew up in the candy business, attending his first candy trade show with his father when he was 6. Working alongside his father, uncle and grandfather has provided him a unique perspective on the issues facing food and confectionery companies.

Having graduated from St. Paul's School in Brooklandville, Md., a private boys school whose motto is "Seek truth, knowledge, and excellence; live by faith, compassion and integrity," Mitchell took to heart those values, using them to guide his decisions even to this day. Upon receiving a B.S. degree in business from New England College, Mitchell began his professional career at the family business.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the National Confectionery Association (NCA) for the past 15 years. That service evolved into executive board roles, beginning with treasurer, continuing with vice chairman and culminating as chairman.

Most importantly, Mitchell served as Chairman of NCA’s Strategic Planning Committee from its inception in 2008 through 2014, which helped guide the Association through an extensive reorganization.

Today Mitchell serves as a member of the NCA’s Leadership Strategy Committee and continues giving back to help guide the industry forward. In 2017 he was awarded the Doc Reed Silver Candy Dish award in recognition of significant contributions to the marketing and selling of confectionery items.

Mitchell and Goetze’s Candy support charities and organizations in Baltimore to strengthen the community, including the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Paul’s Place Outreach, Boy Scouts of America, Baltimore Tree Trust among others.  He and his wife, Nell, whom he met in high school, have been married since 1994 and have three children.

During his acceptance speech, an emotionally moved Mitchell said he felt honored to be included among past recipients, individuals he had worked with and admired.