Voting is now open for the Industry Champion category at the International Confectionery Awards 2026, giving readers the opportunity to recognise outstanding individuals demonstrating leadership, innovation and dedication to the global confectionery industry.
The award celebrates the achievements of industry professionals making a lasting contribution to the sector, recognising individuals whose expertise, vision and commitment are helping to advance chocolate production, cocoa sustainability, manufacturing technology and professional development worldwide.
Recognising Outstanding Confectionery Industry Leaders
This year’s shortlist brings together four finalists representing different areas of confectionery industry leadership, from cocoa sourcing and chocolate manufacturing to packaging innovation, international business development and industry education.
The finalists for Industry Champion 2026 are:
Francisco Gómez – Chief Executive Officer of Luker Agrícola, Gómez has dedicated more than 23 years to advancing Colombian Fine Flavour Cocoa and strengthening the global chocolate industry. His achievements include expanding Luker Chocolate’s international presence into more than 40 countries, supporting sustainable cocoa production and developing relationships with farming communities. Through his involvement with the World Cocoa Foundation and international industry organisations, he continues to champion agricultural development and responsible sourcing.
Jean-Erik Verbeke – Co-Owner of Chocolate World, Verbeke has helped strengthen the Belgian company’s international presence while championing chocolate craftsmanship, innovation and education. Since acquiring the business with his brother in 2024, he has supported the development of professional chocolate-making technologies and international partnerships, including a UK distribution agreement with Henley Bridge. His commitment to technical training and the Belgian Chocolate School continues to support chocolatiers and confectionery professionals worldwide.
Markus Rustler – President and CEO of Theegarten-Pactec, Rustler represents the fourth generation of the family-owned packaging machinery manufacturer. Since assuming overall leadership in 2009, he has helped advance high-performance confectionery packaging through automation, digitalisation and sustainable packaging technologies. His contributions extend beyond the business through his leadership of interpack’s Advisory Board and involvement with the German Engineering Federation, supporting international collaboration and technological development.
William Whitaker – Managing Director of Whitakers Chocolates, Whitaker has spent more than four decades advancing British chocolate manufacturing. As the fourth-generation leader of the business, he has overseen manufacturing innovation, product diversification and international expansion. His achievements include pioneering individually foil-wrapped chocolates, investing in new production capabilities and guiding the company’s transition into Bramble Foods Group in 2025, helping preserve its manufacturing heritage while supporting future growth.
Together, the finalists highlight the diversity of leadership across the confectionery industry and the important contributions individuals are making to manufacturing innovation, responsible sourcing, technical education and the long-term development of the sector.
Joseph Clarke, Senior Editor of International Confectionery, said: “The quality and diversity of nominations we have received this year highlight the creativity, innovation and expertise driving the global confectionery industry forward.
“Now it is over to our readers to decide who deserves to win from our finalists. These awards provide an opportunity for the industry to celebrate the products, solutions and individuals making a genuine contribution to the future of confectionery, and I would encourage everyone across the sector to get involved and cast their votes.”
Cast Your Vote Today
Voting for Industry Champion is now open here.
Readers can explore the achievements of the four shortlisted individuals before selecting the person they believe deserves this year’s award.
Voting closes on 9 November 2026.
The winner of Industry Champion will be revealed during the International Confectionery Awards 2026 ceremony on Thursday, 26 November, broadcast via LinkedIn Live.
