This month, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) , a member of the NAM’s Council on Manufacturing Associations, released the results of a new economic impact study at an industry and media briefing in Washington, DC. Joining NCA for the announcement were Members of Congress and leading confectionery manufacturers from across the country.
Data revealed that the confectionery industry directly employs 55,000 people in the U.S., and supports more than 400,000 additional jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries. Every job in confectionery manufacturing creates and supports seven more in related industries—meaning candy manufacturing drives a multiplier effect of 1:7! Overall the confectionery industry generates $35 billion at retail a year, and is comprised of a variety of small, medium and multi-national companies that operate more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states.
Following the event, industry leaders headed to Capitol Hill to share their data with members of Congress and advocate for policies and a regulatory environment that will allow the confectionery industry to prosper and create even more jobs in manufacturing and other fields.
“This is an industry positioned for growth and opportunity,” John H. Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “We are creating American products with American workers in cities and towns throughout America.” Downs added that confectionery products like candy, chocolate, mints and gum, represent honest, affordable, great-tasting, fun, transparent treats.
“Our 1:7 multiplier effect is a huge benefit to the nation’s economy,” Downs told reporters and DC-insiders at the briefing. “That is the power of sweet.”
NCA will partner with manufacturers across the country to support this year’s Manufacturing Day on October 2. Given that confectioners have been manufacturing some of the world’s most iconic brands for decades, it’s fitting that NCA will play a large role in an event created to celebrate modern manufacturing and inspire the next generation of manufacturers.
There are more than 2,000 Manufacturing Day events planned for 2015. For more information about this year’s Manufacturing Day or to find an event near you, visit http://www.mfgday.com/ .