Chocolate and candy are what Americans want most for Valentine’s Day according to a national survey by the National Confectioners Association.
“Candy plays an important role in helping people celebrate special occasions like Valentine’s Day and is enjoyed as a treat year-round,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “Consumers understand the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Most people in the U.S. enjoy candy 2-3 times per week, averaging about 40 calories per day and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day from confectionery items.”
More than 125 companies from outside of the United States will exhibit at the 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo, making this year’s show the largest for international exhibitors. Hosted by the National Confectioners Association from May 23-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the 2017 Expo will be the center of the treating and snacking world as it welcomes more than 750 exhibitors.
Five young professionals have been selected for NCA’s 2017 Future Leadership Program. The 2017 class includes an emerging entrepreneur, several people who work for storied manufacturers within the industry, and a rising confectionery broker.
The National Confectioners Association is pleased to announce that Christina Groth from The Kroger Company and Brian Rinker from The Walgreen Company are the recipients of the 2017 Confectionery Leadership Awards. The award celebrates the honorees’ contributions to the category through their effective business collaboration, category management best practices, and innovations in merchandising confectionery products in-store.
McKee Foods, maker of Little Debbie snacks, and Clif Bar will exhibit for the first time at the 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo. Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the industry’s premier candy- and snack-buying event.
