Retail and wholesale support of the confectionery industry is the lifeblood of your company’s success.
Some retail and wholesale buyers, category managers, and executives go above and beyond to support the confectionery industry. These individuals stand out through innovative thought leadership, embracing change, valuing strong industry partnerships, and recognizing the full potential of confectionery products. The Confectionery Leadership Award honors these professionals on an industry-wide level, celebrating their collaboration, category management, and innovations in merchandising and confectionery products in-store.
You can see examples of Confectionery Industry Award winners below.
Recipients of this award must exemplify several of the following criteria:
- Leverage leadership and insights to advance the confectionery industry in today’s competitive market.
- Build strong relationships and drive new business with confectionery brands and shoppers.
- Promote best practices in retail and supply chain.
- Lead category growth, product innovation, and cross-functional collaboration in retail.
Recipients will be expected to attend the State of the Industry Conference, March 2-4, 2025, in Miami, FL to receive the award.
More than just an award
Confectionery Leadership Award honorees receive year-round recognition from us, including feature stories in Candy & Snack TODAY magazine.
We launched the awards program in 2011, in collaboration with Candy & Snack TODAY, to celebrate the industry’s top category champions and leaders. It’s our way of honoring outstanding retailers and wholesalers for their exceptional customer marketing, shopper-focused shelving, and innovation in product development and promotion.
Past Recipients:
2024
Katie Alexander, Dollar Tree
Susan Grassey, Harris Teeter Supermarkets
2023
Tiffany Trombley, Target
Todd Budzinski, Sam’s Club
2022
Todd Gean, Hy-Vee, Inc.
Drew Germain, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
2021
Maureen Keenan, CVS
Peter Kempton, Travel Centers of America
2020
Michael Smull, Five Below
Melody Phan Rich, Walmart
2019
Cindy Maly, Casey’s General Store
Stephanie Panzetta, Weis Markets
2018
Krisanne Flamini, Wawa, Inc.
Barry Phillips, SpartanNash
2017
Christina M. Groth, The Kroger Company
Brian Rinker, Walgreen Co.
2016
Julie Bierman, Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Jennifer Dilts, Dollar General Corp.
2015
Mike Maslen, Hudson Group
Dave Schulze, H-E-B
2014
Jamal Parker, Sam’s Club
Tim Erceg, Hy-Vee
2013
Julia Bischoff, Smart & Final
Kimberley Felice-Dooley, CVS
AJ Jesswani, Meijer
2012
Paul Minger, Walgreens
John Scardina, Eby-Brown Company
Val Stansfield, Rite Aid Corporation
2011
Rebecca Fries, U.S. Marine Corps Exchange
Bill Walker, McLane Co.
Tim Tackett, Giant Eagle
