POLICY & ADVOCACY
Chocolate, Candy,
Gum + Mints
We’re advocates for the U.S. confectionery industry, which includes all types of chocolate, candy, gum and mints. Our mission is to advance, protect and promote America’s favorite treats and their unique role in a happy, balanced lifestyle.

Power of Sweet
Manufacturers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints directly employ nearly 58,000 people across the United States with almost 700,000 jobs supported in related industries, including agriculture, retail, transportation and more. Altogether, the confectionery industry contributes more than $37 billion in retail sales to the U.S. economy each year and has at least one manufacturing facility in each of the fifty U.S. states.
An Engaged Industry
CandyPAC
The confectionery industry’s leading political action committee, CandyPAC, supports candidates for Congress who understand the issues, needs, and concerns of 600,000 Americans whose jobs are linked to the confectionery category. CandyPAC is funded by industry leaders who value the importance of sharing the issues we care about most with congressional candidates.

Washington Forum
Each fall the confectionery industry takes to Capitol Hill during the Washington Forum to speak with our congressional leaders with a united voice. The Washington Forum gives confectionery manufacturers a chance to advocate for their interests, forge a relationship with their congressional representative and outline our industry’s economic contributions to leading elected officials.
State Advocacy
Change doesn’t just happen at the federal level. Building strong relationships with leaders and regulators in confectionery-producing states can open dialogue for confectionery manufacturers and showcase their immense contributions to the state economy.
Grassroots
As individuals strive to get more involved in advocating for the confectionery industry, we’re providing opportunities for them to directly connect with their elected officials.
Candy on Capitol Hill

Congressional
Candy Caucus
The Congressional Candy Caucus is a bipartisan caucus formed to acknowledge the American candy industry’s long history of creating jobs and recognize the economic impact, responsibility commitments and community involvement of candy manufacturers in all 50 states.
U.S. Senate
Candy Desk
The Senate Candy Desk, located in the back row on the Republican side of the Senate, has been a popular destination on the Senate floor since 1965, thanks to its selection of candy provided by NCA members from its occupant’s home state.
Always A Treat
America’s leading chocolate and candy companies have committed to providing consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats, pledging half of their individually wrapped products will be available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack and 90 percent will feature calorie information on the front of the pack by 2022.
A Purpose-Driven Industry
Our industry has taken a leadership position on the role of marketing in companies’ business operations. The majority of chocolate and candy on store shelves is made by companies that do not advertise to children under the age of 12. Our commitment on this front is monitored and evaluated by BBB National Programs.