Hans J. Becher

Class of 2000

Born in Arnstadt, Germany, Hans Becher graduated from New Jersey’s North Plainfield High School and went on to earn a B. A. in history from Rutgers University. Married to Gloria in 1974, the couple has two sons, Kieth and Eric.

Hans began his career in the food industry in 1974 when he joined Supermarkets General as a store manager and district trainer. In 1979, he made his debut in the candy industry, becoming key account manager for E.J. Brach & Sons’ metropolitan New York territory. Over the next 10 years he steadily assumed positions of increasing responsibility, rising to Brach’s vice-president, eastern region.

In 1989, Hans became vice-president, sales for the Stark Candy Co. and in 1990 joined the New England Confectionery Co. (NECCO) as vice-president, sales and marketing, the position he held at the time of his induction.

Throughout the course of his career, Hans has been honored many times for his contributions to his employers and the industry. An eight-time winner of Brach’s President’s Circle Award, Hans was named Brach’s Sales Supervisor of the Year and in 1984 garnered Brach’s top award for regional managers. In 1998, the NCBA awarded him its Silver Candy Dish as Sales Manager of the Year.

Hans advises those who follow to plan, persist, be patient and have passion for their work. He credits his skills in listening and asking questions as the biggest contributors to his success. Hans was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2000.