The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Confectionery Leadership Awards: Angela Mayo, merchant director of basic candy at Walmart, and Alan Yarmaloff, lead director of confections and front of store merchandising at CVS Health. 

“The Confectionery Leadership Awards recognize the people who bring creativity, strategy, and collaboration to the candy aisle,” says John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association. “Angela and Alan exemplify what strong retail leadership looks like, balancing innovation with execution and always keeping the customer at the center. Their work continues to elevate the confectionery category, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.” 

More about Angela Mayo:

As merchant director of basic candy at Walmart, Angela Mayo connects store and site to deliver an efficient, customer-centric experience, NCA says. With more than 20 years of retail experience, including time as a store manager, she aims to balance long-term category strategy with the practical details of omni execution, striving to ensure candy is intuitive for shoppers and operationally efficient across in-store, pickup, delivery, and online channels. Mayo collaborates closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to sharpen assortments, elevate digital content and searchability, and align price and availability across channels. 

“I balance long-term category strategy with the practical details of omni execution,” Mayo says. “My guiding principle is ‘easy to shop, easy to stock, easy to zone, easy to pick.’ Candy should be fun, and I’m proud of the impact our team delivers as we create simple choices, clear value, and on-trend excitement for customers everywhere they shop.” 

More about Alan Yarmaloff:

With a 34-year career in retail, including 14 years in confections, Alan Yarmaloff has helped position CVS as a leader in confectionery retail by prioritizing the consumer experience, NCA notes. By embracing the fun of confections, leaning on talented teams, and collaborating closely with leading CPG companies, he has positioned CVS to meet its shoppers’ core confectionery needs while also offering products that aim to enhance the shopping experience.

“Working within the confections category has served as a reminder that work can be both fun and enjoyable,” Yarmaloff says. “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented teams who have brought many of my ideas and visions to fruition. Building relationships has always been a priority for me, and it is truly an honor to receive the Confectionery Leadership Award for 2026.” 

The Confectionery Leadership Awards, established in 2011 by NCA in collaboration with an industry magazine, honor exceptional retailers and wholesalers for their leadership, collaboration, and innovation within the confectionery industry. The program recognizes individuals who elevate the category through creative, strategic, and impactful initiatives, NCA says. The 2026 Confectionery Leadership Awards will be presented during NCA’s State of the Industry Conference in Orlando, FL. 

Related: NCA reveals 11th Future Leadership Program Class