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 recognize 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.”
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 led to 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.
With more than two decades at Lindt & Sprüngli and roots in the CPG and broker communities, Bradley has led sales strategy across regional grocery, convenience, value, military, travel retail and specialty channels.
He also oversees Lindt & Sprüngli’s third-party merchandising partnerships and has played a central role in developing the sales team through formal mentoring and professional development efforts.
“I’m surprised and humbled by the recognition, and I appreciate being nominated by our outstanding broker community,” he 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.”
Posthumous award honors R.M. Palmer
The National Confectioners Association 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, business leader who believed manufacturers and brokers were stronger together and creative force in developing solutions that benefited many. Schlott was named the 2019 NCA Advocate of the Year.
2026 Candy Dish Awards
Candy Dish Awards recipients are selected based on their ability to cultivate relationships, strengthen collaboration and build new business opportunities.
The 2026 awards will be presented in March during NCA’s State of the Industry Conference in Orlando, Florida.