The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) presented Anton Vincent, president of Mars Snacking North America and Global Ice Cream at Mars Inc., with the 2026 Kettle Award May 19 during the awards’ 80th anniversary celebration during the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
The NCSA also recognized Elaine Wu, co-founder of Amos Sweets and SVP of Amos Food Group, with its IMPACT Award.
“We are proud to recognize Anton Vincent and Elaine Wu for their outstanding contributions to the confectionery industry,” said Audra Vogler, NCSA VP and Kettle Committee Liaison.
“Anton’s leadership has driven transformative growth across one of the world’s most influential confectionery portfolios, while Elaine’s innovation has redefined how consumers experience candy. Their impact continues to shape the future of our industry.”
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” Vincent shared. “We don’t make luxury, and we don’t make necessity. We make something different: small daily reminders that joy still has a place in people’s lives.”
Since joining Mars in 2019, Vincent has led a significant growth and earnings transformation, repositioning the company’s largest consumer portfolio to accelerate value creation. Under his leadership, Mars has generated about $45 billion in annual sales. Prior to Mars, Vincent built award-winning brands and led three divisions to record financial performance at General Mills.
The Kettle Awards are supported by the members of The Kettle Club – Adams & Brooks, Inc., The Clair Family and Brown & Haley, Goetze’s Candy Co., Just Born, Inc., PIM Brands, Inc., and Spangler Candy Co. The 2026 Kettle Awards sponsors include Amos Sweets, Barry Callebaut, Bazooka Candy Brands, Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Mars Snacking, NCA, and others.
IMPACT award honoree
The IMPACT Award honors an individual who has recently made a notable and specific contribution in operations, research and development, manufacturing, supply chain or similar fields. Wu was recognized for the innovation of Peelerz, a peelable gummi inspired by everyday sensory rituals and designed to deliver play, stress relief and emotional comfort. The product has become a viral social media trend and is now distributed globally.
Wu co-founded Amos Sweets in 2004 and now leads global market strategy, consumer insight and brand innovation for Amos Food Group. Under her leadership, the company has evolved into a global, innovation-driven organization exporting to more than 80 countries. She has also been instrumental in developing multiple world-first confectionery innovations, including 3D gummi building blocks and a lollipop capable of recording and playing sound.
In addressing reception guests, Wu said, “Innovation doesn’t always come from the biggest ideas — sometimes it begins in the smallest moments of everyday life. We’re not simply creating products; we’re creating emotional value. Candy may look simple, but the happiness, comfort and connection it brings to people is very real.”
About the Kettle Awards
The Kettle Awards were established in 1946 by industry publisher Don Gussow. Each year, the Kettle Awards Committee selects an individual for their dedication to confectionery manufacturing and operations, superior achievement in education and personnel training, energy and environmental contributions, quality advancement, production and plant improvement, and research and product development.
[RELATED: From Mashups To Mochi: Most Innovative Sweets, Snacks Revealed]