CHICAGO (May 22, 2019) – Packaging manufacturer Cascades was honored with the Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation for its next-gen Northbox packaging, the first-ever fully recyclable insulated packaging in North America. The packaging is itself made of recycled materials and provides multiple insulation options for various shipping needs.

The Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation is presented at the Sweets & Snacks Expo by the National Confectioners Association to celebrate the breakthrough innovations from the supplier community that advance the confectionery industry.

“Sustainability is becoming more and more important for consumers as they seek companies that source responsibly and proactively recycle,” John Downs, NCA president & CEO, said. “With the introduction of its Northbox packaging, Cascades has created a unique solution to help confectionery manufacturers meet the changing demands of both their retail customers and consumers. In addition to being both recycled and recyclable, the Northbox product provides an energy-efficient alternative to refrigerated trucks and is a terrific option for confectionery distributors.”

Founded in 1964, Cascades has been producing eco-friendly insulated shipping boxes since 2010.

“We are thrilled to have our work recognized with the Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation,” Luc Langevin, president and COO of Cascades Specialty Products Group, said. “We at Cascades believe in providing more eco-friendly alternatives for our customers, and it is affirming to have that commitment recognized by the National Confectioners Association.”

Food and beverage ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle also earned recognition as a runner-up for the 2019 Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation for its creation of low-calorie sugar replacement Dolcia Prima Allulose. The sweetener, which comes in a syrup and a newly developed crystalline form, has a similar taste and behavior profile to sugar with 95 percent fewer calories.

The Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation was named for its inaugural winner, Barry Callebaut, and its development of ruby chocolate, the first new type of chocolate since the creation of white chocolate 80 years ago. The award recipients are determined by a panel of judges representing leaders in the confectionery industry.

This year’s panel of judges included:

  • Jeff Brown, VP Operations, Jelly Belly Candy Company
  • Norberto Chaclin, Global Head Gum & Candy RDQI, Mondelēz International
  • Estee Farber, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Madelaine Chocolate Company
  • Tim Jones, Director, Procurement and Supply & Demand Planning, Just Born Quality Confections
  • John Kretchmer, CEO, American Licorice Company
  • Brendon Myers, Director, Purchasing, Spangler Candy Co.
  • Bhavna Ramani, Director, R&D/Quality, The Promotion In Motion Companies, Inc.
  • Mark Schlott, EVP Operations/COO, R.M. Palmer Company

To learn more about the Sweets & Snacks Expo, visit sweetsandsnacks.com.

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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these special treats. As the leading association for the U.S. confectionery industry, NCA helps ensure the public understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 54,000 workers in more than 1,300 manufacturing facilities across the country. For every job created in confectionery manufacturing, another ten are supported in related industries. In total, more than 607,000 American jobs are supported by the U.S. confectionery industry. America’s leading chocolate and candy companies support the Always A Treat Initiative, a commitment to transparency, portion guidance and choice, and consumer education. Learn more at CandyUSA.com, or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Sweets & Snacks Expo
Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the confectionery and snack industry’s most successful, world-class event. It is unrivaled in new product launches, business building solutions and innovations in merchandising. Qualified candy and snack professionals attend with global presence from 90 countries. More than 800 companies displaying more than 4 acres of candy and snack products participate in the Expo. The event is held each May at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Contact
Carly Schildhaus
202-534-1440
carly.schildhaus@CandyUSA.com