Two of the National Confectioners Association’s original video series, The Sweet Life: Season 3 and Sweet Land of Liberty, earned a combined six honors in the 47th Annual Telly Awards.
The awards recognize excellence in video and television across all screens, judged by more than 250 experts including representatives from advertising agencies, production companies and major television networks. Nearly 14,000 entries were submitted from across the globe – the most in the history of the awards.
“These awards are a testament to the remarkable people who make the confectionery industry one of America’s most innovative, resilient and beloved manufacturing sectors,” said John Downs, president and CEO of NCA.
“Every candymaker has a unique story to tell, and we’re proud that the Telly Awards continue to recognize the craftsmanship, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that have defined confectionery manufacturing for as long as there has been a United States. As America marks its 250th birthday, it’s especially meaningful to honor the companies and people whose stories are woven into the fabric of American history in communities across the country.”
Chocolate, candy, gum and mints are manufactured in all 50 states, generating more than $55 billion in annual retail sales and supporting almost 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities nationwide. For every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another 11 are supported in related industries, helping sustain nearly 700,000 American jobs overall.
The Sweet Life: Season 3 takes viewers inside confectionery companies across the country, highlighting innovation, dedication and passion that drive the candy industry. Featured companies include Endangered Species Chocolate (Indianapolis, Indiana); Ferrero (Parsippany, New Jersey and Franklin Park, Illinois); Mars Wrigley (Hackettstown and Newark, New Jersey); PIM Brands (Park Ridge and Somerset, New Jersey); Maeve, formerly Seattle Chocolate (Seattle, Washington); See’s Candies (Los Angeles, California); and Sprinkk (Omaha and Albion, Nebraska).
Sweet Land of Liberty celebrates the uniquely American story of confectionery manufacturing with a series of videos featuring iconic candymakers including Doscher’s Candy Company (Cincinnati, Ohio); Palmer Candy (Sioux City, Iowa); Sconza Chocolates (Oakdale, California); Shane Confectionery (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); South Bend Chocolate (South Bend, Indiana); and Sweet Candy Company (Salt Lake City, Utah). The series is set to an original soundtrack inspired by the spirit of American manufacturing and entrepreneurship and was created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.