The new queens of candy revealed
Photo: Julie Bierman, left, with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, and Jennifer Dilts, right, with Dollar General will be honored at the upcoming NCA annual meeting.
Top merchants from Dollar General and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service will be recognized with the National Confectioners Association’s highest honor when the trade group gathers in Miami for its annual State of the Industry Conference.
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) announced the recipients of its 2016 Confectionery Leadership Awards will be Julie Bierman, a senior buyer with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Jennifer Dilts, a senior buyer with Dollar General. The awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the recipients’ contributions to the category through their effective business collaboration, category management best practices, and innovations in merchandising confectionery products in stores.
“This award recognizes dedication and innovation on the part of the industry’s retail customers, those individuals who go above and beyond as role models for the industry,” said Larry Wilson, NCA’s vice president of industry affairs. “Many deserving and worthy candidates were submitted for the 2016 Confectionery Leadership Award, and both Julie and Jennifer impressed the committee as exceptional leaders who personify professionalism, leadership and success.”
Bierman, who has been with AAFES for more than 30 years, said: “It’s a privilege to be part of the Exchange team of dedicated people who are committed to better serving the military community, while working with an industry of amazing people that support our mission, and help make a difference”
Dilts also credits her team at Dollar General and the company’s dedication to serving its customers as the reason she has been successful in her endeavors.
“It is very humbling and rewarding to be recognized for the leadership award. I am grateful to be a part of an outstanding team at Dollar General, which is focused on serving our customers with quality, convenience and everyday low prices,” Dilts said.
NCA and Candy & Snack TODAY magazine created the awards program in 2011 to recognize and honor the confectionery industry’s best and most innovative category champions and leaders. The program allows NCA manufacturers and brokers to recognize outstanding retailers and wholesalers in the confectionery community for their effective customer marketing, shopper-driven shelving practices, and promotion of new items.
Bierman and Dilts will be presented with their awards in Miami at NCA’s annual State of the Industry Conference February 28 – March 2, 2016.