WASHINGTON – At the National Confectioners Association’s 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo, Barry Callebaut was recognized with the association’s first-ever Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation for the development of ruby chocolate.
Named in honor of the award’s inaugural recipient, NCA created the prestigious accolade to celebrate break-through innovations from the supplier community that advance the confectionery industry.
“We realized that throughout this country — and all around the world — our supplier community is creating products that enhance confectionery manufacturing,” said NCA President & CEO John Downs. “New packaging concepts, mechanical inventions, and ingredient and flavor technology all contribute to what makes our category fun and unique.”
Characterized by its naturally unique color and taste profile of berry-fruitiness, ruby is the first new type of chocolate since the creation of white chocolate 80 years ago. Sourced from different regions of the world, the Ruby cocoa bean has a specific set of attributes, which Barry Callebaut unlocked through an innovative process that took several years to develop.
“It is an honor that this inaugural supplier innovation award recognizes the exciting opportunity presented by ruby chocolate,” commented Peter Boone, Barry Callebaut CEO & President Americas. “It is expected that ruby chocolate will be showcased in many new product applications in confectionery, snacking, and beyond.”
The Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation joins a myriad of esteemed NCA confectionery industry awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished Service Award and the Confectionery Leadership Award to name a few.
Barry Callebaut Americas’ Jerry Hagedorn, executive vice-president of business development, commented, “Thank you to the NCA for creating this new category of recognition, highlighting the role ingredient suppliers can play in bringing innovation to the confectionery and snack industries.”
For more information about all of NCA’s awards and recognition programs, please visit candyusa.com/ncas-confectionery-industry-awards.
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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these special treats. As the leading association for the U.S. confectionery industry, NCA helps ensure the public understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. We recently announced a ground-breaking new commitment, the Always A Treat Initiative, in support of transparency, portion guidance and choice, and consumer education. The agreement between NCA, the Partnership for a Healthier America and leading global confectionery companies, allows the industry to take the next step in an effort to provide consumers with more information, options and support as they enjoy their favorite treats. Learn more about the Initiative at AlwaysATreat.com, or follow NCA onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Source: National Confectioners Association (NCA)
