Washington — The NCA has named Sylvia Buxton, president and CEO of Perfetti Van Melle Americas enterprise unit, as its 2026 Advocate of the 12 months. The award honors Buxton’s excellent management and dedication to elevating the trade’s voice in coverage discussions at each degree of presidency.
“Sylvia’s dedication to advocacy exhibits the energy of our trade once we work alongside policymakers to make a distinction,” John Downs, president & CEO of the NCA, says. “Her strategic views, willingness to have interaction straight with policymakers, and management in navigating complicated legislative and regulatory points has made an amazing influence. We’re proud to acknowledge her with this well-deserved honor.”
The NCA notes that Buxton has been a robust advocate for insurance policies that help the confectionery trade’s longevity. Her hands-on outreach and engagement with points starting from tariffs to meals ingredient laws has strengthened NCA’s capability to symbolize its members in Washington, D.C., Kentucky, and past.
“I’m honored to be acknowledged as NCA’s Advocate of the 12 months,” Buxton says. “NCA’s key mission is advocating for the long-term well being of the confectionery trade, and with so many coverage points on the desk, it’s essential this 12 months greater than ever for every member firm to offer their help. It’s been energizing to make use of my expertise to additional these efforts with lawmakers on the federal, state, and native ranges.”
Buxton is a seasoned world govt with greater than three many years of expertise in shopper items and iconic manufacturers. Because the Americas enterprise unit president and CEO for Perfetti Van Melle, she oversees greater than 2,400 staff throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. Underneath her management, the corporate frequently performs host to key Kentucky policymakers, providing political leaders firsthand perception into the financial significance of the confectionery trade and reinforcing the real-world impacts of coverage selections.
A revered chief in each her neighborhood and the confectionery trade, Buxton serves on a number of regional boards and has been acknowledged with honors, together with NCA’s Lady of Affect award, induction into the Sweet Corridor of Fame, and choice as a finalist for the Kettle Award. She additionally serves on NCA’s Board of Trustees and Strategic Advisory Committee and is a devoted mentor dedicated to advancing future trade leaders.
The Advocate of the 12 months Award celebrates people who go above and past to guard and advance the confectionery trade’s pursuits in coverage discussions. The award will likely be offered at NCA’s 2026 State of the Business Convention.
