Sanders Vice President Honored with Kettle Award at Sweets & Snacks Expo

Mike Koch, Sr., vice president of manufacturing of Sanders and Morley Candy Makers, was named the 2016 Kettle Award recipient at an awards reception held during this year’s Sweets and Snacks Expo, which was held in Chicago May 24-26. With only four industry professionals receiving a nomination, the Kettle Award is widely considered the highest recognition an individual working within the U.S. confectionery industry can attain.

Koch expressed his gratitude during a heartfelt acceptance speech.

“They say hard work is its own reward, but to be recognized by one’s peers is the greatest honor an individual can receive,” Koch said. “Today I am honored and humbled to be the recipient of this award.” 

Koch began his career with Morley Candy Makers in 1973 as a high school student sweeping and mopping the chocolate factory floors each night. Before becoming vice president of manufacturing, Koch took on several roles within the organization including candy maker, maintenance supervisor, quality control director, warehouse manager, and director of research and development. In 2008, he also became part owner of the company. Under his leadership, Sanders and Morley Candy Makers became ISO certified and attained SQF Level 3 certification.

Koch’s passion for confections extends far beyond his accomplishments at Morley. He has been an active member of the Confectionery Education Advisory Board since its inception and is often a speaker and educator at Retail Confectioners International (RCI) and American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) education forums and conventions. He has also served on the RCI’s board of directors and is a past president of the organization. Furthermore, Koch recently completed his term as a board member of the National Confectioner’s Association (NCA).

Koch is a member of the NCA Candy Pac, and he participates annually in the NCA’s Washington Forum, visiting members of Congress and the Senate to help promote the needs and interest of the confectionery industry. 

Prior to receiving this year’s Kettle Award, Koch received the RCI President’s Award in 2012, and in 2013 he was inducted into the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA)’s Candy Hall of Fame.

“Many people know how much Mike has done for the candy industry, but his commitment to the local community is also quite admirable,” says Koch’s wife, Ann Marie. “He has a true passion for life, and I love that he is always finding the next opportunity that will allow him to help others.” 

Koch has been Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for more than 15 years and earned the Spark Plug Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He has served as chairman for the local American Cancer Societies, Relay for Life and is active in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocacy program.

For 25 years, he has also volunteered with the Lake Shore Public Schools, serving on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee and has been the president of athletic boosters. He is the current president of Saint Clair Shores Goodfellows, an organization that is dedicated to ensuring that “No Child Goes With-Out a Christmas.” Koch is an avid sailor and sits on the North Star Sail Club’s board of directors.