The 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, set an all-time attendance record for the second consecutive year as more than 18,000 industry professionals from nearly 90 countries were welcomed to McCormick Place to experience the latest trends and innovations in the candy and snack categories. Exhibitors grew nearly 6 percent representing more than 800 candy and snack companies showcasing over 4 acres of product innovation over two halls.
Press Releases
How Sweet It Is! National Confectioners Association Names Most Innovative New Product Award Winners
Hershey recognized for Best in Show; Buddah Brands Company takes home first-ever Small Business Innovator award Recognizing the latest innovations in candy and snacks, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) announced its 2017 Most Innovative New Product Award winners. The delectable…
At Premier Industry Event, Chocolate and Candy Companies Announce Plans to Help Consumers Manage Sugar Intake
As its annual trade show, the Sweets & Snacks Expo, kicks off this week in Chicago, Ill., the National Confectioners Association is proud to unveil a ground-breaking new initiative to provide consumers with information, options and support as they enjoy their favorite treats. The initiative, a commitment to transparency, portion guidance and consumer education that was announced earlier this month in cooperation with the Partnership for a Healthier America, is the focus of the industry’s premier event for manufacturers and customers that takes place May 23 through May 25 at McCormick Place. With more than four acres of chocolate, candy, gum, mints, and snacks on display, it is clear that innovation is a priority for the industry.
Record Number of Start-Up Entrepreneurs to Exhibit at Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Innovation Avenue
The 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo (May 23-25, Chicago, IL), hosted by the National Confectioners Association, will welcome 20 burgeoning candy and snack companies to Innovation Avenue, areas on the show floor dedicated to start-up companies who are just launching their confectionery and snack businesses. The concept was introduced in 2011 to allow Expo attendees to view some truly unique products and ideas.
Leading Global Chocolate and Candy Companies Announce Commitment to Transparency, Portion Guidance, and Consumer Education
Five leading global chocolate and candy companies are coming together to provide consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats. The companies include Mars Wrigley Confectionery, Nestlé USA, Ferrero, Lindt, Ghirardelli, Russell Stover, and Ferrara Candy Company. By making this commitment, these organizations are redoubling their efforts to create more options in innovative packaging, and educate consumers about how unique products like chocolate and candy can play a role in a happy, balanced lifestyle.
Sweets & Snacks Expo to Display Latest Retail Technology
The 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo is proud to debut Destination Retail, an immersive experience where show attendees can explore the latest technology and merchandising solutions driving shopper engagement. This new addition to the Sweets & Snacks Expo show floor will encompass the Merchandising Gallery of Success along with new technology pods demonstrating the latest in-store advances from leading companies.
Sweets & Snacks Expo Sold Out for Fifth Straight Year
With less than seven weeks to go until the 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo, May 23-25 in Chicago, IL, the trade show floor has sold out and started a wait list for the fifth consecutive year. The 2017 Expo will welcome more than 800 companies showcasing four acres of confectionery and snack product innovation. More than 17,000 industry professionals from nearly 90 countries are slated to attend the premier trade show for the candy and snack categories.
Entrepreneurs to Pitch Products at Sweets & Snacks Expo
Based on the success of its debut last year, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is thrilled to welcome back the Power Pitch session to the 2017 show. It will provide a rich learning lab for new product entrepreneurs on what retailers want to see when pitching their latest candy or snack item. Three emerging companies within the confectionery and snack categories will present to a panel of leading retail experts about their product offerings. The panel will then provide invaluable feedback to the presenters on improvements that can be applied to their businesses.
Survey Says… Americans Celebrating Easter with Chocolate
Roughly 90 percent of Easter baskets will include chocolate or candy, according to a national survey by the National Confectioners Association.
“Americans enjoy having chocolate and candy to help make celebrations like Easter even more fun and special,” said John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association. “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.”
Sweets & Snacks Expo Announces Category Specific Educational Tracks
The 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo is pleased to offer customized tracks for the confectionery, snack and specialty categories. Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, the 2017 Expo will house nearly 20 educational sessions ranging from consumer insights to the latest industry trends for the candy, snack and specialty categories. New for 2017 will be a track especially designed for first-time attendees to help them optimize their experience at the industry’s premier trade show.
Sweets & Snacks Expo Adds New Award Geared Toward Small Businesses
The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, has announced many new features including a new award for the 2017 Most Innovative New Products Program. The Small Business Innovator Award was added after retailer and attendee feedback indicated that there was a need to recognize smaller companies.
