Celebrating the People Who Make the Confectionery Industry Great!
2025 Kettle Award Recipient
Tony Jacobs
Bazooka Candy Brands
With nearly three decades of experience, Tony Jacobs has been a transformative leader in the confectionery industry. For the past 11 years, he has expanded Bazooka Candy Brands significantly, tripling its bottom line and more than doubling its size. Jacobs has strengthened the company’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities and developed marketing and product innovation, allowing Bazooka to break into new categories and channels. Jacobs’ passion for the confectionery industry extends to his help with government relations and industry associations, including serving on the National Confectioners Association board for the past decade to support the confectionery industry. Jacobs earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.
“I am incredibly proud to work in an industry that brings so much joy to so many people,” said Tony Jacobs. “With such an incredible array of exceptional companies and individuals, it is truly an honor to be selected as the recipient of the Kettle Award, and it is a testament to all the hard work of everyone here at Bazooka Candy Brands.”
2025 IMPACT Award Recipient
Sean Oomens
Sean Oomens has been working in the confectionery industry for nearly 30 years, serving as a product developer and food scientist at Gumtech International, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., The Topps Co., Nestlé and now Ferrara Candy Company. With innovation and renovation as his focus areas, Oomens boasts a background in research and development and manufacturing operations. Most notably, Oomens is credited with leading the development of the award-winning NERDS Gummy Clusters. The product has been recognized with the Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Most Innovative New Product Award’s 2021 “Best in Show” and the 2022 Product of the Year, the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in the food industry, among others. Oomens earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.
“Partnership and collaboration across teams is a big driver of success for me and for Ferrara,” said Sean Oomens. “Ideating and fearlessly brainstorming with colleagues in marketing, consumer insights, and on the manufacturing line is what keeps our innovation and renovation relevant, exciting and fun.”