NCA names 2026 Advocate of the Year
Sylvia Buxton, Perfetti Van Melle, took home the honors.
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced Sylvia Buxton, president and CEO of Perfetti Van Melle Americas business unit, as the 2026 Advocate of the Year. This award honors Buxton’s outstanding leadership and dedication to elevating the industry’s voice in policy discussions at every level of government, NCA notes.
The Advocate of the Year Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to protect and advance the confectionery industry’s interests in policy discussions. The award will be presented at NCA’s 2026 State of the Industry Conference next month in Orlando.
“Sylvia's commitment to advocacy shows the strength of our industry when we work alongside policymakers to make a difference,” says John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association. “Her strategic perspectives, willingness to engage directly with policymakers, and leadership in navigating complex legislative and regulatory issues has made a tremendous impact. We’re proud to recognize her with this well-deserved honor.”
Advocacy in action
Buxton has been a powerful advocate for policies that support the confectionery industry's longevity, the org says. Her hands-on outreach and engagement with issues ranging from tariffs to food ingredient legislation has strengthened NCA’s ability to represent its members in Washington, D.C., in Kentucky, and beyond.
“I’m honored to be recognized as NCA’s Advocate of the Year,” Buxton says. “NCA’s key mission is advocating for the long-term health of the confectionery industry, and with so many policy issues on the table, it is critical this year more than ever for each member company to provide their support. It’s been energizing to use my experience to further these efforts with lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels.”
Buxton is a seasoned global executive with more than three decades of experience in fast-moving consumer goods and leading brands. As the Americas business unit president and CEO for Perfetti Van Melle, she oversees a business unit of more than 2,400 employees across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. Under her leadership, the company regularly plays host to key Kentucky policymakers, offering political leaders firsthand insight into the economic importance of the confectionery industry, and reinforcing the real-world impacts of policy decisions.
Reportedly a respected leader in both her community and the confectionery industry, Buxton serves on several regional boards and has been recognized with honors, including NCA’s Woman of Influence award, induction into the Candy Hall of Fame, and selection as a finalist for the Kettle Award. She also serves on NCA’s Board of Trustees and Strategic Advisory Committee and is a dedicated mentor committed to advancing future industry leaders.
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