The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named Nancy Smith, national account manager at Premier Specialty, as the 2026 Golden Candy Dish Award recipient and Paul Bradley, sales director at Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc., as the Silver Candy Dish Award winner.
The awards celebrate those who have strengthened connections between manufacturers, broker sales agents and retail customers. This year’s honorees represent a unique pairing: a retail confectionery buyer-turned-broker and a confectionery broker-turned-manufacturer sales director.
“The Candy Dish Awards celebrate the deep relationships and collaboration that define our industry,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO.
“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.”
Posthumous award honors CEO R.M. Palmer
NCA also announced a posthumous Silver Candy Dish Award will honor Mark Schlott, the late CEO of R.M. Palmer Company. The sales agent community described Schlott as a “fiercely loyal” partner, a business leader who believed manufacturers and brokers were stronger together, and a creative force in developing solutions that benefited everyone. Schlott was named the 2019 NCA Advocate of the Year.
Smith brings more than 15 years of confectionery industry experience after a 25-year career in fashion apparel merchandising. She served as a buyer at Sweet Factory Stores and later at It’Sugar. Her relationships with brokers throughout her buying career paved the way for her 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.”
Smith has supported brand growth, strengthened manufacturer partnerships and championed collaboration across the industry. Her husband, three sons and daughter-in-law have joined her as taste testers and comparison shoppers over the years. She considers the NCA community and her candy industry colleagues extended family.
2026 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, Florida.
The National Confectioners Association is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry. Member companies create moments of joy with chocolate, candy, gum and mints, drive $54 billion in retail sales and add sweetness to life.