Eric Schmoyer

Class of 2025

When Eric Schmoyer’s dream of becoming a rock star didn’t materialize, he found his true calling in the confectionery industry.

Born on October 14, 1963, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Thomas and Elizabeth, Eric grew up with his sister Karen. His childhood memories include those that taught him responsibility and shaped his future success.

Eric graduated from Conrad Weiser High School in 1981, and he briefly attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania before dropping out to become a rock star. He later took classes at Penn State Berks and Reading Area Community College, studying hospitality.

While working as a kitchen supervisor in a nursing home, Eric applied for a job at R.M. Palmer Co. He joined the company in 1987 on the second shift, quickly showing an aptitude for learning every job thrown his way. It was there he met Gerry Payne, a British R&D consultant, who sparked Eric’s curiosity and passion for confectionery science.

Gerry also introduced Eric to industry suppliers John Holland and Ed Wilson, both now in the Candy Hall of Fame, who helped him develop a knowledge of equipment and raw materials.

Eric spent 20 years with R.M. Palmer, rising to R&D Quality Laboratory Manager, before joining Barry Callebaut in 2007, where he dedicated 17 years to the R&D team, eventually attaining the title of Senior Manager of Applications. In 2024, he took on his current role as Technical Innovations Director at IRCA Group.

Active in the industry, Eric has served in several executive roles at AACT, including national president, and he has chaired multiple committees for PMCA, playing an instrumental role in student outreach and education. He’s also been a Board Member of Retail Confectioners International (RCI) and the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia (RCAP), in addition to serving on select committees.

Eric shares his knowledge through presenting at PMCA, AACT, and RCAP events on a wide range of topics, from enrobing to building relationships with customers and suppliers. He says he enjoys mentoring the next generation and volunteering his skills to local companies that need basic product development and technical help.

Receiving AACT’s Stroud Jordan Award in 2020 and earning the Chairman’s Award from Barry Callebaut are career highlights, Eric notes.

Eric’s top qualities include a strong work ethic, out-of-the-box thinking, and honesty, all of which he says propelled his advancement in the industry. He also attributes his success to building lasting networks, making himself available 24/7, and developing solutions for customers.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys time with his wife, Joanne — who he met while working at the Reading Nursing Center — and their son, Nicholas. A self-proclaimed “cowboy at work,” Eric also finds joy in planning family trips, playing the drums, and watching The Food Network.

Looking to the future, Eric points out: “We have to be the inspiration for those that come next, otherwise our organizations and knowledge wither.”