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SPECIAL: ASK THE EXPERTS:
A Conversation with Centerchem's David Jordan, Technical Sales Manager
David Jordan, technical sales manager (l), and John Dondero, vice president, Centerchem, Inc., man the company’s booth at the PMCA Supplier’s Exhibits.
1. CANDYMAIL: What new products are you introducing to the confectionery industry?
JORDAN: Our products for the confectionery industry consist of Capol polishes and glazes, as well as Maxinvert invertase. The new products we are introducing are typically the result of specific customer demands, as they are trying to meet certain label requirements, or specific functionality. We have been very active recently with products that are suitable for the natural and organic markets, as these continue to be areas of interest.
2. CANDYMAIL: Is panning one of the specific applications for your products? What are some other applications?
JORDAN: A great deal of the Capol products are used in panned products – hard, soft and chocolate panning. Capol products are used as a treatment for gummies and other molded products, as well as licorice and extruded pieces. Whenever there is a need for a surface treatment, Capol is potentially used. The Maxinvert Invertase is used in the manufacture of cherry cordials, and also for chocolate truffles or other panned or enrobed pieces with a creamy center.
3. CANDYMAIL: As the market is ever changing, do you foresee stronger sales trends in any of your existing products for confectionery? If so, which products?
JORDAN: We are fortunate, that we can benefit from the creativity of our customers. There continues to be many new products entering the market that are panned. Also, we are seeing an increase in gummies, fruit snacks, and other molded products, which also will positively affect sales.
4. CANDYMAIL: Does Centerchem view the confectionery and chocolate industry as steady, or increasing? Or otherwise? Are there new challenges or opportunities because of current global economic conditions?
JORDAN: We see the challenges that the industry faces with the ever increasing cost of raw materials, fuel, and other factors. That, coupled with the increase in global competition, has created so many challenges. We commend the industry for its ability to manage these increases and competition, and continue to see positive growth. I think a lot of this results from creativity exhibited by confectionery manufacturers and staying ahead of the competition.
5. CANDYMAIL: What are some of your business goals for 2012?
JORDAN: We do have a few products we may introduce this coming year, so that is always exciting. Aside from that, our goal is to continue to maintain the high level of support that the industry has grown to expect from Capol and Centerchem.
6. CANDYMAIL: In which industry events will Centerchem participate this year?
JORDAN: We will be exhibiting at PMCA, IFT, and AACT, as well as many of the regional supplier’s nights.
7. CANDYMAIL: We’d also like to get to know you a little better. What are some of your personal goals?
JORDAN: With two teenage sons, my personal goals are usually focused on making sure they get through high school and into college! I also am taking on a more active role with my aging parents, so I am the typical “sandwich generation.” Other than that, I am having a great time in the industry and looking to stay involved as long as possible.
8. CANDYMAIL: What was the last film you watched? Book that you read?
JORDAN: I had a chance to see “The Descendants” recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am in the middle of reading the The Hunger Games (on a Kindle) so that I am prepared to see the movie with my boys when it comes out.
9. CANDYMAIL: Can you tell us about some activities you pursue in your leisure time?
JORDAN: Year round, I am active in the martial arts and also scouting, both of which take up a great deal of time. During the summer, I try to get out to play a round of golf every now and then. As a family, we also enjoy sailing and kayaking whenever we get a chance.
10. CANDYMAIL: What drew you to the confectionery industry? How long have you been with Centerchem? What is some of your background before then?
JORDAN: I have a degree in Food Science, and did an internship at Hershey Chocolate. I then landed my first job at the Fleer Corporation (Double Bubble) and have been in the industry (with the exception of a few stray years) ever since. I have been with Centerchem for nine years.
END
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Yours Truly, Pat Magee, Editor/Publisher,
P Magee Enterprises, plmagee@earthlink.net.
Susan Tiffany, Contributing Editor, ssnjtffny@yahoo.com.
SWEET COMMENTS FROM READERS! THANKS.
On Confectionery Classics:
Wonderful use of some GREAT content Pat. How interesting!
Wow! You sure take magnificent photographs! I loved seeing all of your great photos from Interpack.
Hope you’re have a wonderful summer!
Libby
Libby Taylor
V.P. Meetings & Membership
National Confectioners Association
tel. 202-534-1440, ext. 112
cell 443-207-0135
email libby.taylor@candyusa.com
It was good to see you at Interpack - it's nice to be able to put a face to a name!
Alan Burgess, A & A Marketing, for Baker Perkins Group, Peterborough, UK
Thanks so much for your positive acknowledgement of the joint collaboration of RCI and the Philadelphia Candy Show. Your support of RCI is most appreciated. Next year I have the privilege of being president of this organization. I truly attribute the success of Candy House Gourmet Chocolates to being active members or RCI.
Terry Hicklin
Excellent candymail today and a big thank you for keeping me up on what is going on with my many friends in RCI.
Confectionately,
Tom Zahars
Thank you very much for taking the time to write this story. Already, we have heard from many wishing us congrats…obviously, your articles are well read!
All the best to you in 2010!
Sincerely,
Marc Johnstone, Rheo Thompson Candies Ltd.