LAS VEGAS — The National Confectioners Association (NCA) today announced Billie-Ann Plastics Packaging Corp. as the winner of the 2026 Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation for its RPET Clear Cylinder with Optional Snap In/Snap On Top and Printing. The award will be presented during the Sweets & Snacks Expo Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 18 in Las Vegas.
“The confectionery industry continues to evolve through investments in people, innovation, and new technologies that strengthen manufacturing and support long-term growth,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “The Ruby Award recognizes supplier partners that are delivering creative solutions to help confectionery companies operate more efficiently, innovate responsibly, and meet changing consumer expectations.”
Created in 2018 to celebrate breakthrough innovations from the supplier community that advance the confectionery industry, the Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation recognizes a National Confectioners Association supplier member company that has developed an innovation in the past year that improves the ability of confectioners to manufacture, distribute, market, and/or sell chocolate and candy.
The winning innovation from Billie-Ann Plastics is a recyclable confectionery packaging solution made with a minimum of 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET content, offering confectionery companies a sustainable alternative to traditional virgin plastic cylinders without sacrificing premium shelf appeal or product visibility.
Billie-Ann Plastics developed the packaging solution in response to growing demand for more sustainable and reusable packaging options that could seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing operations. The cylinders require no tooling changes, new equipment or filling-line modifications, making adoption accessible for confectionery businesses of all sizes.
NCA also recognized Cargill as a finalist for NextCoa™, a portfolio of cocoa-free confectionery alternatives developed in partnership with Voyage Foods. Made with upcycled grape seeds, NextCoa™ is designed to deliver a chocolate-like sensory experience while helping manufacturers address cocoa supply challenges, cost volatility and sustainability goals.
For more information, check out the official Sweets & Snacks Expo Media Kit for additional show details and media resources.
To set up an interview with a Sweets & Snacks Expo spokesperson, please email candy@teamlsg.com.
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À propos du salon Sweets & Snacks Expo
Le salon Sweets & Snacks Expo est le rendez-vous incontournable des secteurs de la confiserie et des snacks. Mettant à l'honneur les lancements de nouveaux produits, les solutions de développement commercial et les innovations en matière de merchandising, ce salon annuel rassemble des professionnels qualifiés de la vente au détail de confiseries et de snacks ainsi que des représentants d'entreprises qui présentent les dernières nouveautés dans ce domaine. L'événement est organisé par la National Confectioners Association. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur SweetsAndSnacks.com.
À propos de la National Confectioners Association (NCA)
La National Confectioners Association est le porte-parole de l'industrie américaine de la confiserie. Nos entreprises membres créent des moments de joie grâce au chocolat, aux bonbons, aux chewing-gums et aux pastilles à la menthe, génèrent 55 milliards de dollars de ventes au détail et ajoutent une touche de douceur à la vie. La NCA défend des politiques qui aident les fabricants de confiseries et les autres acteurs de ce secteur unique à prospérer, tout en rappelant aux consommateurs que le chocolat et les bonbons sont des friandises. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur CandyUSA.com ou suivez la NCA sur Facebook, X et Instagram.
