Vincent holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Business Administration in marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he sits on the Dean’s Council. He also serves on numerous industry boards and councils and has been recognized for his enterprise leadership. 

“Anton Vincent embodies the spirit of the Kettle Award,” says Audra Vogler, NCSA vice president and Kettle Committee liaison. “His visionary leadership and ability to drive meaningful growth across one of the world’s most influential confectionery portfolios has had a lasting impact on our industry. Anton’s dedication to people, performance and progress makes him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.”

The Kettle Awards were established in 1946 by Candy Industry publisher Don Gussow. Each year, the Kettle Awards Committee selects the nominees for their dedication to confectionery manufacturing and operations, superior achievement in education and personnel training, energy and environmental contributions, quality advancement, production and plant improvement, and research and product development. 

The Impact Award, in its second year, honors an individual who has recently made a notable and specific contribution in operations, research and development, manufacturing, supply chain, or similar fields in the confectionery industry. This award is designed to recognize a particular effort, event, invention, patent, or achievement that stands out for its significance in the candy category.

“The Impact Award was created to recognize innovation that moves our industry forward, and Elaine Wu is a perfect example of that purpose,” continued Vogler. “Through Peelerz, Elaine transformed a simple consumer insight into a revolutionary product. Her work demonstrates how confectionery innovation can deliver not only technical excellence, but meaningful experiences for consumers around the world.” 

Wu is being recognized with the Impact Award for the innovation of Peelerz, a peelable gummi inspired by everyday sensory rituals and designed to deliver play, stress relief, and emotional comfort. This innovation has reportedly become a viral social media trend and is now distributed to consumers worldwide.

Growing up in China during a time when sugar was scarce, Wu says she learned early that candy was more than a treat; it was a rare source of comfort, joy, and emotional connection. That belief has shaped her career and innovation philosophy ever since, she notes. After graduating from university, she joined Amos Ma in 2004 and co-founded Amos Sweets. Wu leads global market strategy, consumer insight and brand innovation for the company, now Amos Food Group, and under her leadership, the company has evolved from a traditional factory into a global, innovation-driven group exporting to more than 80 countries. In addition to being the visionary behind Peelerz, Wu has been instrumental in developing multiple world-first confectionery innovations, including 3D gummi building blocks and the first lollipop capable of recording and playing sound. 

The Kettle Awards are supported by the members of The Kettle Club – Adams & Brooks, Inc., The Clair Family and Brown & Haley, Goetze’s Candy Co., Just Born, Inc., Pim Brands, Inc., and Spangler Candy Co.

The 80^th Kettle Awards presentation is free and open to the industry. To learn more about the Kettle Awards, visit kettleawards.com.

Related: NCSA names Tony Jacobs as 2025 Kettle Award recipient