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Confectioners are hoping to influence proposed US legislation
In this ‘Sweet Politics’ special edition ConfectioneryNews.com looks at the lobbying efforts of the top US confectioners who are pumping big bucks into campaigns to influence proposed legislation in this presidential election year.
Recently published data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics details the amount Hershey, Mars, Nestlé and Kraft Foods (now Mondelez International) have devoted to lobbying in 2012 and lists the focus issues of each company.
All statistics presented in this article series are publically available HERE and were compiled from data published by the Senate Office of Public Records in September.
The total US lobbying spend across industries and organizations stands at $1.68bn so far this this year.
Food processors have contributed $14,552,179 to this total, with confectionery companies among the biggest spenders.
Companies are lobbying bills passing through US Congress
Confectionery companies' spend on US lobbying in 2012
| Nestlé | $1,399,000 |
| Mars | $1,360,000 |
| Kraft Foods | $1,310,000 |
| Hershey | $777,000 |
However, the food industry spend is negligible when compared to the $124,441,774 dedicated to lobbying from companies in the Pharmaceuticals/Health Products sector.
Pharmacetical companies' spend on US lobbying in 2012
| Eli Lilly & Co | $5,896,000 |
| Merck & Co | $5,890,000 |
| Pfizer Inc | $5,880,000 |
The biggest outlay from a company in all sectors is General Electric, which has spent $11,180,000 so far this year on campaigning.
