The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has its eyes on international markets following a recent announcement from the White House indicating it aims to double U.S. exports in the next five years.

The association has announced that it will create an International Strategic Plan that examines its members’ needs in identifying and entering international markets.

Specifically, the association’s staff will connect with industry members and the NCA’s international representatives to create a unified effort. The group will evaluate current markets and activities while identifying new targets to generate a long-term increase of U.S. confectionery exports.

“Creating an international strategic plan is a crucial step in identifying key goals going forward,” says NCA President Larry Graham. “The information we gather will result in a framework for future decisions for international activities and marketing decisions.”

Specifically, the NCA will work with Bryant Christie Inc. - an international affairs management firm that specializes in helping organizations expand into international markets - and Euromonitor International - a market and consumer research firm.

“This plan will positively enhance NCA members’ opportunities to participate and thrive in foreign markets,” says Frank Amato, chairman of NCA’s International Development Committee.

The ultimate goal of the strategic plan is to broaden the scope of business for U.S. confectioners worldwide. In doing so, NCA and its partners will include feedback from membership qualitative and quantitative surveys to create an action plan that will be implemented over the next one to three years.

For more information, visit www.candyusa.com.