BBI Champions Industry Advocacy at the 2025 NCA Washington Forum

BBI continued its commitment to industry leadership and advocacy at the 2025 NCA Washington Forum, held September 9–11 on Capitol Hill. Hosted annually by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the Forum brings together confectionery manufacturers, brokers, and suppliers from across the country to engage directly with lawmakers on issues critical to the industry. This year, BBI was proudly represented by Brantley Taylor and Zahra Wilson, who joined fellow Florida constituents in championing the economic and legislative priorities of the chocolate and candy sector.

With confectionery manufacturing supporting nearly 700,000 jobs nationwide, Brantley and Zahra met with congressional staff to discuss the far-reaching impact of FDA policy and sugar-cocoa tariffs. The team expressed gratitude to lawmakers for their support of sugar reform within the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” while advocating for continued tariff exemptions and a unified national FDA system. “We really got to educate staff on how these decisions impact our industry from start to finish,” Brantley shared. “From acquiring raw goods to the final cost of finished products, every step matters.”

For Zahra, the experience was both eye-opening and energizing. “As a first-time attendee, I was grateful for the opportunity to network with other members of the NCA and learn more about the impacts of these bills on our industry,” she said. “It was incredible to visit the offices of our senators and representatives and to thank them for their support. I left DC feeling more knowledgeable and inspired.”

BBI’s presence at the Washington Forum underscores its dedication to driving meaningful change for the confectionery industry. By standing alongside clients and peers in these critical conversations, BBI continues to advocate for policies that protect jobs, promote growth, and ensure a sweet future for all.

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