“Throughout the pandemic, one thing that has remained consistent is that Americans appreciate chocolate and candy for the sense of comfort they bring during challenging times,” said John Downs, NCA president & CEO.

The USDA recently released new 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For the candy industry, the parts that stand out relate to added sugars.

New report from the NCA focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new buying behaviors that have emerged as a result.

LA County, located in the state of California, is the largest in the country, with 10.4 million people. The county has had 249,241 cases of COVID-19 and 6,036 deaths.

This year’s NCA Washington Forum will be held virtually due to COVID-19. Registration will open today, Monday, Aug. 17.

It’s hard to imagine that a country navigating a pandemic is going to send its children to collect candy from a bunch of strangers this year.

A number of confectionery industry events are canceled as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Perhaps the most symbolic news came from Just Born, which announced it was shutting down production until at least April 7.

NCA President and CEO John Downs sent out a letter explaining the decision, citing restrictions on mass gatherings that have been in place in Chicago and Illinois, as well as guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sen. Bernie Sanders recently attacked the candy industry during a livestream, but the NCA has offered a response.