Mars Snacking North America President Anton Vincent wins 2026 Kettle Award for confectionery excellence
Vincent recognized for driving transformative growth since joining Mars in 2019
- As President of Mars Snacking North America and Global Ice Cream at Mars Inc., Vincent leads one of the most iconic consumer brand portfolios, including M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, SKITTLES®, Cheez-It® and Pringles®.
- This award comes on the heels of Mars acquiring Kellanova, bringing together two iconic businesses with beloved brands to shape the future of snacking.
- Administered by the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA), the Kettle Award is one of the highest honors in confectionery manufacturing and operations.
NEWARK, NJ (February 3, 2026) – Anton Vincent, President of Mars Snacking, North America and Global Ice Cream, has been named the 2026 Kettle Award recipient. Presented by the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA), the Kettle Award honors outstanding contributions to the confectionery industry across education and personnel training, energy and environmental sustainability, product innovation and more.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this year’s Kettle Award and join the ranks of other distinguished confectionery powerhouses,” said Vincent. “This award is a recognition of the tireless efforts of our Associates who have helped position our iconic snacking portfolio for continued growth. It is a core belief at Mars that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and I am energized to see what’s ahead.”
Vincent became President of Mars Snacking, North America, nearly seven years ago. In that time, he has driven significant growth in the business, repositioned the company’s’ largest consumer portfolio and fostered the development and success of thousands of Associates across his regional and global Mars teams. Vincent also acts as the lead for cross-company reputation building in the U.S. The Kettle Award is a testament to Vincent’s visionary leadership and the profound impact he has had on the Mars business and confectionery industry.
“The Kettle Award was created 80 years ago to honor leaders who don't just drive growth but also shape the future of our industry — and that is precisely what Anton has done,” said Teresa Tarantino, Executive Director of the NCSA. “His forward-thinking leadership has delivered impressive results for some of the most beloved confectionery brands while consistently prioritizing people and progress. We are proud to celebrate his impact this year.”
Under Vincent’s leadership, Mars has advanced key initiatives across the business, including a $2 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing. He also serves as a mentor for Unreasonable Food™(Opens a new window), advising startups on how to scale their sustainable food innovations. In addition to his achievements within Mars, Vincent was named one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and earned the 2023 NCA Distinguished Service Award, among other accolades. He is a founding member of Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA), a Distinguished Alumni for his undergraduate and graduate alma maters, Sam Houston State University and Indiana University, and an NCA Board of Trustees member.
The award will be formally presented to Vincent at the 80th Kettle Awards on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Learn more about the Kettle Awards and read Vincent’s Kettle Award commendation here(Opens a new window).
Media Contact:
Hannah Messinger
hannah.messinger@effem.com
