BBI Advocates for Industry Change at the 2024 NCA’s Washington Forum

BBI made a strong impact at the Washington Forum held at the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C., from September 17–19, 2024. This annual event is hosted by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), which brings together key leaders of the $48 billion U.S. confectionery industry to meet with lawmakers and discuss crucial industry issues. With more than 100 industry professionals and 50 members of the NCA, this year’s forum focused on advocating for reform in the U.S. sugar program as part of the upcoming 2024 Farm Bill.

BBI was represented by Robert Taylor, Jr., Brantley Taylor, and Lori Davis, who participated in critical meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. The BBI team met with Florida representatives, including Lois Frankel, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, and Byron Donalds, while Lori Davis tackled discussions with Louisiana lawmakers.

The primary focus of these meetings was encouraging Congress to pass the 2024 Farm Bill, which would include reforms to the sugar program—an essential topic for the confectionery industry. These reforms would increase the domestic sugar supply, stabilize pricing, and offer greater flexibility in managing the sugar program. Such changes would benefit BBI’s clients, particularly those impacted by rising sugar costs, ensuring they can continue producing the sweets that drive the industry forward.

For BBI, attending the Washington Forum is more than just supporting industry-wide initiatives—it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their clients to create meaningful change. As a key player in the confectionery industry, BBI recognizes the impact that sugar costs have on its clients and is dedicated to working with lawmakers to drive positive outcomes. By engaging in advocacy efforts, BBI is proving its commitment to ensuring a brighter future for the industry it proudly serves.