To make the whole world smile!
-- Logan (Part 1, Chapter 1 paragraph 8)

Importance: When the novel begins, the reader learns the purpose of Logan and the candy company his father owns and operates. They are dedicated to providing delicious candy that will make the world smile. To do so requires great skill and great love for the craft of candymaking, something which Logan will truly come to understand by the end of the novel.

But if he were to somehow win this contest, as his father and grandfather had when they were his age, he would not only prove to the candymaking community that he had what it took to make great candy, he would prove it to his parents and to himself.
-- Narrator (Part 1, Chapter 1 paragraph 38)

Importance: Logan, despite being raised in a candymaking environment, has not been able to get the hang of candymaking just yet. He longs to win the contest in order to prove himself and gain prestige...