TAMPA, Fla. -- The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) bestowed its Distinguished Service Medal on Michael Gilmore, vice president of business development for Ferrara Candy Co. Inc., during the recent Candy Hall of Fame induction and banquet. The medal is awarded to NCSA members who have committed years of service, dedication and hard work on behalf of the group.
A 2001 Candy Hall of Fame inductee, Gilmore has worked in the industry for more than 40 years, holding positions including management and executive positions for Standard Brands Inc. as well as CEO for Rowntree Ltd. USA in the 1980s. He has also held the positions of COO and director for Ferrero USA Inc. from 1988 through his retirement in 2007. Gilmore served as association president from 2007 to 2009 and chairman from 2009 to 2011. In addition, he was chairman of the National Confectioners Association (NCA) in 2009 and 2010.
"This award recognizes Michael's outstanding service to the NCSA," Mark Antonucci, NCSA chairman, said. "As president, and later chairman, he led from the front, helping the association transition through a challenging period. He was instrumental in advocating long-term plans and adherence to the principles of the Candy Hall of Fame."
Accepting the award, Gilmore thanked industry colleagues: "Having now spent more than 40 years in this great industry, I have been blessed to have worked with and befriended many individuals. They have been truly inspiring to me in my work and leadership roles, as they give tirelessly to improving the industry and raising the tides of the confectionery category globally."
Forest Park, Ill.-based Ferrara Candy is a leading U.S. nonchocolate confectionary company with brands including Trolli, Black Forest, Brach’s, Lemonhead, Now And Later, Sathers, Bobs, Red Hots, Atomic Fireball, Chuckles, Boston Baked Beans, Sweet Stripes, Super Bubble, Fruit Stripe, Rain-Blo, Jujyfruits and Jawbusters.
The NCSA honored 13 industry veterans with induction into the Candy Hall of Fame: Russell Berg, of E.A. Berg Associates; Robert Boutin, of Knechtel, Inc.; Robert Edelheit, of Hanson Faso Sales & Marketing, Inc.; Larry Graham, of the NCA; Pat Huffman, of The Warrell Corp.; Michael Koch, of Morley Candy Makers/Sanders Candy; Keith McDaniel, of Wythe Will Tzetzo LLC; Michael Rainey, of Liberty Orchards Co., Inc.; Michael Rosenberg, of The Promotion In Motion Cos., Inc.; John Scardina, of Eby-Brown Co., LLC; Leo Tanis, of Tanis Confectionery; and Dennis Witzel, of Dennis Witzel Sales & Consulting. It inducted posthumously William Luden, founder of the Luden throat drop brand.
The association also honored top product introductions with its annual New Product Awards, recognizing innovation in six categories. The winning items were Twizzlers Bites from The Hershey Co.; Jelly Belly Bean Tabasco Bottles from Jelly Belly Candy Co.; Snickers Bites and 7-Layer Dip Combos from Mars Chocolate North America; Lindor Caramel Milk Chocolate Truffles from Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc.; and Warhead Super Sour Candy Canes from Impact Confections Inc.
The National Confectionery Sales Association, formed in 1899, is dedicated to furthering positive growth and acceptance of confectionery products, and recognizing the achievements of category leaders from all sectors of the international industry. The Candy Hall of Fame was founded in 1971, and recognizes lifetime career achievements in the confectionery industry, with induction based on dedication to the overall betterment of the industry.
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