Monday March 5, 2012

NCA Honors Supplier Cees Boon

Miami — Cornelis “Cees” Boon, of Beneo-Palatinit, Inc., was honored for his significant contribution to the industry with the NCA’s 2012 Supplier of the Year award during the association’s annual State of the Industry Conference.

NCA Chairman Mitchell Goetze presented the award to the 36-year candy veteran in front of more than 560 industry peers on Tuesday, February 28. The award honors individuals who have built lasting and successful business partnerships with confectionery manufacturers, according to the association.

Boon began his career in the confectionery industry as a cocoa powder salesman for Holland-based Wessanen Cocoa in 1976. When the company was sold in 1990, he started Boon Inc., an industrial ingredients representation company supporting confectionery suppliers. He became the national representative for companies including Palatinit Inc. and Silesias Flavors, and in 1998, he became vice-president of sales and marketing for Beneo-Palatinit.

He serves on the NCA’s Board of Trustees and is Chairman of its Supplier Advisory Committee. Boon was also active in the industry’s Kettle Committee from 1992 to 1993, and received the NCA’s Distinguished Associate Award in 1992. In 2010, he was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame.

“I think the way we look at this market, everything we do is helping our industry to make better candy,” Boon said after accepting the award. “This is what I'm proud of.”