Snacks & Candy

NCA Appoints Wilson to Lead Customer Relations Team

Experienced CPG exec will sweeten relationships with confectionery industry
WASHINGTON -- The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the addition of Larry Wilson as vice president of customer relations. Wilson is charged with leading NCA's customer relations team in strengthening relationships with trade customers, providing insight into category performance and growth and executing the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo, the industry's leading trade show targeting confectionery and snack buyers.

Wilson has more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development through a variety of positions with the Campbell [image-nocss] Soup Co., a global manufacturer and marketer of soup, baked snacks and healthy beverages. He most recently served as director of category management at Campbell's world headquarters in New Jersey. He has a proven track record of developing strategic alliances with both manufacturers and brokers in many classes of trade including a special emphasis in supermarkets and wholesalers.

"Being able to access such an experienced professionalone with in-depth knowledge of category management, strategic category growth and the inner-workings of the supply chainwill help strengthen the overall value of NCA," said NCA president Larry Graham. "Our strategic plan demands and our members want the association to help sell the value of candy to customers and facilitate relationships between those who manufacture and those who buy candy. Larry possesses the unique package of qualities and skills needed to excel in this diverse position."

In addition to his extensive background in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, Wilson has significant experience analyzing syndicated shoppers data through partnerships with both Nielsen and the SymphonyIRI Group. He is also well-versed in managing insight-driven research projects and working to develop aisle and shelving best practices including one featured at the 2009 Food Marketing Institute show.

Top priorities for Wilson in his new role include strengthening high-level relationships with leading confectionery customers, discovering innovative ways to enhance the Sweets & Snacks Expo for all stakeholders, involving NCA committees in developing strategic goals to further the association's customer development plans and developing a sustainable plan for showcasing the value of confectionery for all trade customers.

NCA has more than 600 members and is the major association representing the entire confectionery industry, offering education and leadership in manufacturing, technical research, public relations, retailing practices, government relations and statistical analyses. NCA fosters industry growth by advancing and promoting the interests of the confectionery industry, its customers and its consumers.

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