NCA tracks and monitors legislation in all 50 states that impacts confectionery manufacturing and sales. In-state advocacy days are effective tools to address issues that impact access to and availability of chocolate, candy, gum and mints, as well as to preserve and enhance the image and reputation of the confectionery category.
The legislative and regulatory items we monitor at the state level and discuss during advocacy days include:
Candy Taxes
There are about 20 states that tax candy differently from food and grocery products. These taxes on confectionery products single out our member’s products over other foods and burden retailers, distributors, and manufacturers while increasing the cost for consumers. Working directly and with in-state allies, we consistently point out the unique role that candy plays in America and our industry’s place as an economic engine to defeat additional tax burdens on confectionery products.
SNAP Implementation
Around the country, states continue to attempt to limit food choice for SNAP benefit recipients. NCA works with state governments to ensure that SNAP consumers have the resources necessary to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet without limiting food choices. Limiting SNAP choice contradicts current federal dietary guidelines focusing on moderation rather than categorizing foods as “good or bad.” Education on moderation and balanced eating is much more impactful on Americans’ health than restrictions on what they can and cannot purchase and consume. SNAP benefit recipients deserve the same freedom of what goes into their grocery cart as all American consumers.
In addition to SNAP Implementation and Candy Taxes, NCA tracks several additional issues at the state level that impact the confectionary industry. These include issues such as restrictions on products available in vending machines, limitations on types of packaging material used when packaging, distributing, and selling products, and ensuring the availability of ingredient supplies for confectionary products.
In order to best address these issues, the association engages in education of state lawmakers on the business of making candy, our impact on communities and the power of sweet. Engagement also includes annual state advocacy days.
State Advocacy Days
Although federal legislation can have a sweeping impact on the confectionery industry, state-level legislation can have an equal impact on the confectionery manufacturers in the state. NCA’s State Advocacy Days bring together confectionery manufacturers, suppliers and allied retailers in key confectionery manufacturing states to share their concerns with state legislators and showcase the confectionery industry’s impact on the state’s economy. For more information on NCA’s State Advocacy Days, please contact Jennifer Gardner.
