Voting is now open for the Woman of the Year category at the International Confectionery Awards 2026, giving readers the opportunity to recognise outstanding women demonstrating leadership, innovation and dedication to the global confectionery industry.
The award celebrates the achievements of women making an important contribution to the sector, recognising individuals whose expertise, vision and commitment are helping to shape the future of confectionery.
Recognising Outstanding Women in Confectionery
This year’s shortlist brings together four finalists representing different areas of confectionery industry leadership, from ingredient innovation and scientific research to manufacturing excellence, entrepreneurship and responsible business development.
The finalists for Woman of the Year 2026 are:
Anne Mertens-Hoyng – Currently Bakery Category Senior Director at Cargill, Mertens-Hoyng has played an important role in confectionery innovation, particularly through the company’s partnership with Voyage Foods and the development of NextCoa, an alternative to conventional chocolate. Her leadership has helped manufacturers address cocoa supply challenges, affordability and sustainability while maintaining consumer expectations around indulgence. Her contributions include involvement in award-winning ingredient technologies and formulation development.
Arvi Felicia – Head of Application Group at PT Savoria Kreasi Rasa in Indonesia, Felicia brings more than 20 years of experience in food science, manufacturing and confectionery innovation. She has led the development of an efficient starchless gelatine gummy process that reduces conditioning time from approximately 24 hours to just 30 minutes, significantly improving production efficiency. Her work also focuses on developing technical talent and translating scientific innovation into commercially viable manufacturing solutions.
Courtney Gaine – President and CEO of The Sugar Association, Dr Gaine has demonstrated outstanding leadership in scientific research, nutrition education and industry representation. Since becoming CEO in 2016, she has championed evidence-based understanding of sugar’s functional properties and its role in food manufacturing. Her contributions include leadership positions with the Home Baking Association and World Sugar Research Organization, strengthening collaboration between scientific research, policymakers and the wider confectionery industry.
Ineke Nugteren – Founder of Nourish, Nugteren has transformed her background in nursing and functional medicine into a successful confectionery and sweet snacking business. Established in 2015, Nourish produces plant-based chocolate-covered treats and other products focused on natural ingredients and nutritional functionality. Under her leadership, the company has developed its own SALSA-accredited manufacturing facility, expanded into major retailers and championed responsible business practices, including charitable contributions supporting access to clean water.
Together, the finalists highlight the diversity of female leadership across the confectionery industry and the important contributions women are making to scientific advancement, manufacturing innovation, business development and industry collaboration.
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 Woman of the Year 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 Woman of the Year will be revealed during the International Confectionery Awards 2026 ceremony on Thursday, 26 November, broadcast via LinkedIn Live.
