Organizers for the Sweets & Snacks Expo are seeking nominations for the Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation, an honor given annually to a National Confectioners Association (NCA) supplier member company for advancing the confectionery industry through breakthrough innovation. 

The award is named after its first recipient, Barry Callebaut, for its creation of Ruby chocolate.

“Supplier innovation is vital to the success of the confectionery industry,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “As we look ahead to the future, we know that innovations in equipment, ingredients, packaging, services and supplies will be critical to our industry’s ability to manufacture, distribute and market chocolate and candy, and to meet our consumers where they want to be met. We are thrilled to present this award in recognition of these efforts.”

Eligible innovations must have debuted in 2019 or 2020 and not have been developed for use by a single company. The recipients of the Ruby Award are selected by a panel of representatives from leading chocolate and candy companies. Past winners are Barry Callebaut for Ruby Chocolate and Cascades for their Northbox packaging innovation.

Nominations for all NCA supplier member companies are welcome, regardless of input or service supplied. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged, and all nominations are due by April 23, 2021.