Member News: Perfetti van Melle

Perfetti Van Melle’s Sylvia Buxton Inducted into NCSA Candy Hall of Fame



 
Erlanger, KY – (Oct. 30, 2024) Congratulations to Sylvia Buxton, President and CEO of Perfetti Van Melle Americas Business Unit, who has been inducted into the 2024 National Candy Sales Association (NCSA) Candy Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Orlando, FL, and is one of the highest honors in the confectionery industry, recognizing lifetime career achievements, loyalty to the industry and going above and beyond job requirements.
 
"This year’s Candy Hall of Fame celebration epitomized the best of the confectionery industry,” said Teresa Tarantino, Executive Director of NCSA. “The event celebrated creativity, passion and the legacy these individuals have contributed to our industry. Their work inspires us all to continue giving back in meaningful ways that help build and strengthen the worldwide confectionery industry.”
 
Buxton has more than 30 years of experience in the confectionery industry, and has been in her current role since 2018, leading the Americas business unit including brands such as Airheads and Mentos. Under her leadership are more than 2,000 employees across the U.S., Canada and Mexico and now encompassing LATAM Export. She is the only woman on the company’s global executive team and is a dedicated advocate for women’s leadership, mentoring aspiring professionals and actively contributing to industry events. Buxton is also active in the local Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky community, serving on numerous Boards of Directors. She was honored as one of the 2022 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky by the Women’s Initiative of the NKY Chamber and recognized as the 2024 Woman of Influence by the National Confectionery Association Women’s Leadership Group.
 
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected alongside several other well-deserving colleagues for induction into the NCSA Candy Hall of Fame,” said Sylvia Buxton, President and CEO of Perfetti Van Melle North America. “This recognition is not just a testament to individual achievement, but a celebration of the collaboration, innovation and passion of the entire industry.”
 
Before joining Perfetti Van Melle, Buxton’s leadership in fast moving consumer goods included shepherding and growing high profile businesses and brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, and Airwick.  
 
Since 1971, the Candy Hall of Fame has recognized members from all disciplines within the confectionery industry. To be selected, honorees must have at least 20 years of service to the confectionery industry, be 50 years of age at the time of nomination, and complete a rigorous and competitive nomination process. Honorees should demonstrate loyalty to building and supporting the confectionery industry through active participation over and above job requirements.
 
About Perfetti Van Melle:
Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) is a privately owned company that manufactures and distributes confectionery and chewing gum in more than 150 countries. PVM is a global leader in the confectionery industry, thanks to delighting consumers around the world with its innovative, diverse, and most loved products. 
 
The company boasts a diverse portfolio of iconic local and internationally recognized brands cherished by generations such as Mentos, Chupa Chups, Alpenliebe, Airheads, Center, Fruit-tella, Big Babol, Vivident, Golia, Vigorsol, Smint and Frisk. In addition, Trident, Hollywood, Dentyne, Stimorol, V6 and Bubblicious in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2023 Perfetti Van Melle Group reported net sales close to € 3.5 billion. U.S. operations are based in Erlanger, KY with factories in Erlanger and Rockford, IL.
 
www.perfettivanmelleus.com
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CONTACT:
Casey Kroger
Communications Manager
Mobile: 859.287.2926
Casey.Kroger@PerfettiVanMelle.com