Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today joined the National Confectioners Association and executives from Lindt USA at the Lindt headquarters in Stratham, NH. The visit was an opportunity for Secretary Perdue to tour the manufacturing facility of a major employer in the state of New Hampshire, and experience firsthand the economic impact that the confectionery industry has on the state and national economy. As one of the state’s largest employers, Lindt provides 1,200 jobs in New Hampshire – and nationwide, the company employs more than 4,000 people.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to meet with Secretary Perdue and discuss issues that impact our business,” Andreas Pfluger, president & CEO of Lindt North America said. “We hope that this experience will help educate and inform the important policy decisions that the Secretary and the department will make moving forward.”
In addition to touring the Lindt plant, Secretary Perdue joined representatives from Lindt and NCA to discuss ways in which policymakers can support economic growth in the confectionery industry. Chocolate and candy companies support 55,000 jobs in more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities across the country. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood. In fact, for every one job that is created in the confectionery industry, another seven are supported in related industries.
“We were appreciative of our time with Secretary Perdue and discussed a number of issues with him, including NAFTA renegotiation, federal labeling requirements, and the need to reform the U.S. sugar program,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “Sugar reform remains a top priority for our industry, and we look forward to continuing our conversation with Secretary Perdue and Members of Congress as we approach the next farm bill.”
To learn more about the economic impact and voluntary leadership of the U.S. confectionery industry, please visit CandyUSA.com/PowerOfSweet.
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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 $35 billion U.S. confectionery industry, NCA educates the public to help ensure that it understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 55,000 workers in more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities across the country. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood. For every one job that is created by confectionery companies, another seven are supported in related industries. Learn more about the “Power of Sweet” at CandyUSA.com, or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Source: National Confectioners Association (NCA)
