WASHINGTON (February 9, 2026) – The National Confectioners Association (NCA) announced today the recipients of the 2026 Golden and Silver Candy Dish Awards. Nancy Smith, national account manager at Premier Specialty, will receive the Golden Candy Dish Award, and Paul Bradley, sales director at Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc., will be honored with the Silver Candy Dish Award. These awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional ability to strengthen the connection between manufacturers, broker sales agents, and retail customers. And in a unique twist, this year’s honorees are a retail confectionery buyer-turned-broker and a confectionery broker-turned-manufacturer sales director, respectively.
“The Candy Dish Awards celebrate the deep relationships and collaboration that define our industry,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “Nancy and Paul’s career paths epitomize that spirit, with each of them exemplifying the leadership, partnership, and dedication that drive progress across confectionery sales. Their commitment to strengthening connections between manufacturers and the broker community makes them truly outstanding honorees.”
NCA also announced that a posthumous Silver Candy Dish Award will be presented to honor the life and industry contributions of
More About Nancy Smith
A Broker Who Stands Apart
With more than 15 years of experience in the confectionery industry, Nancy Smith has built a reputation for thoughtful, people-first leadership, relationship-building, and dedication to growing the category. After a 25-year career in fashion apparel merchandising, she transitioned to confectionery, serving as a buyer at Sweet Factory Stores and later in a similar role for It’Sugar. Her strong relationships with brokers throughout her buying career paved the way for her successful transition to Premier Specialty.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Golden Candy Dish Award,” Smith said. “This recognition belongs not only to me but to the entire broker community within the wonderful world of candy, whose hard work and passion help bring treats and snacks to consumers every day.”
Bio in Brief
Smith’s career has spanned retail buying, merchandising, and broker leadership. In the past 15 years, she has supported brand growth, strengthened manufacturer partnerships, and championed collaboration across the industry. For Smith, confectionery has truly become a family affair, with her husband, three sons, and daughter-in-law joining her as taste testers and comparison shoppers over the years. She said she considers the NCA community and her candy industry colleagues to be extended family, as well.
More About Paul Bradley
A Partner, Coach, and Mentor
With more than two decades at Lindt & Sprüngli and deep roots in the CPG and broker communities, Bradley has led sales strategy across regional grocery,
“I’m surprised and humbled by the recognition, and I appreciate being nominated by our outstanding broker community,” Bradley said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had across the industry and especially for the relationships, mentorship moments, and friendships that have shaped my career.”
Bio in Brief
Before joining Lindt & Sprüngli more than 20 years ago, Bradley gained essential sales and CPG experience working for several brokers in the Southeast U.S. At Lindt & Sprüngli, he has driven customer-facing strategy, strengthened broker partnerships, and advanced team development initiatives across all major classes of trade.
About the Candy Dish Awards
The Candy Dish Awards are presented annually by NCA’s broker community, recognizing one broker and one manufacturer who demonstrate exceptional leadership in confectionery sales, marketing, and management. Recipients are selected based on their ability to cultivate relationships, strengthen collaboration, and build new business opportunities. The 2026 Candy Dish Awards will be presented at NCA’s State of the Industry Conference in Orlando, Fla.
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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry. Our member companies create moments of joy with chocolate, candy, gum, and mints, drive $54 billion in retail sales, and add a little sweetness to life. NCA champions policies that help candy makers and other stakeholders in this unique category thrive while reminding consumers that chocolate and candy are treats. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
