The 167-year-old company is approaching its 60th year of ownership by the Nelson family, and Robert A. Nelson, who recently received Candy Industry's 75th Kettle Award, has been part of its leadership for three decades.

The event, which was held for the first time since 2019, also honored nominees Judy Hilliard McCarthy, formerly of Hilliards Chocolates, and Mark Schlott of R.M. Palmer Company.