Four nominees for Candy Industry’s 2013 Kettle Award were selected by the magazine’s Kettle Committee.

The nominees vying for the prestigious honor next year are:

► Bill and Jeff Birnn, co-owners of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, Inc., South Burlington, Vt.  
► Patrick Huffman, president and coo of The Warrell Corp., Camp Hill, Pa.
► Greg McCormack, president of Kencraft Candy Co., Alpine, Utah
► Joseph Zanetos, president and owner, Anthony-Thomas Candy Co., Columbus, Ohio

Established by Candy Industry’s founder and publisher, Don Gussow, in 1946, the Kettle Award was meant as "recognition of the contribution for ‘great or good’ of the industry, not only on the part of the person selected for the distinction, but of every member of the confectionery field who has devoted himself in whatever measure to make the business of candy making and selling a more profitable and happier one."

Cognizant that the supplier community is intimately involved with the confectionery industry, Gussow created the Kettle Committee consisting of representatives from leading suppliers to the industry. The Kettle Committee was charged to first nominate candidates and then, through a balloting process involving readers and culminating with a final vote from the Committee, select a recipient. Russell Stover, president of the Russell Stover Candy Co., was the first to receive the cherished copper Kettle Award in 1946.

Readers of Sweet & Healthy and Candy Industry — as well as confectionery industry professionals —  can vote for the candidate of their choice by visiting the Kettle Awards Web site starting next week, or by mailing or faxing the ballot included in upcoming December issue of Candy Industry magazine. Full details about the candidates, committee members, past Kettle Award recipients and receptions are also on the website.

The 2013 Kettle Awards Reception will be held May 21, 2013 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Union League Club in Chicago during the Sweets & Snacks Expo. The reception is open to all involved in the confectionery industry