Game Changers Driving the Sweets and Snacks Industry

The Sweets & Snacks Expo, the annual trade show hosted by the National Confectioners Association, brings together more than 18,000 confectionery and snack professionals from around the world to uncover product and market trends from more than 800 exhibitors. Across the expansive show floor, retailers will find concepts and innovations with instant profit potential. Check out the game changers that are propelling these industries into the future:

• Game Changing Products: On average, more than 2,000 new products are launched across four acres of show floor at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, giving attendees an advantage over other retailers, wholesalers and distributors to see, touch and taste new products before they are added to store shelves. New products drive consumer sales, with an estimated 6 percent of confectionery sales and 4.8 percent of sales in the snacking category being driven by new products. The 2019 New Product Showcase is set to introduce more than 300 innovations in products, packaging and merchandising.
• Game Changing Brands: Among the exhibitors, more than 100 are newly established companies and entrepreneurs eager to make a splash with innovative offerings. Innovation Avenue is where tomorrow’s next big trend is born – like Hippeas, Sheila G’s and Project 7, all of whom launched at the Sweets & Snacks Expo and are now multi-million-dollar success stories.
• Game Changing International Influence: More than 90 countries are represented on the show floor, bringing authentic products and region-specific flavors to the market. International influence greatly contributes to the confectionery and snacking industry, bringing global innovation to the marketplace.
• Game Changing Initiatives: Most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy two to three times per week, averaging about 40 calories and one teaspoon of added sugar per day. The Sweets & Snacks Expo will highlight the industry’s Always A Treat Initiative, a five-year commitment by America’s leading chocolate and candy companies to help consumers manage their sugar intake while enjoying their favorite treats. Data-driven education sessions will touch upon topics such as brand transparency and ingredient labeling to demonstrate the importance of brand trust, health and meeting the needs of a changing consumer.
• Game Changing Education: Research and insights are the catalyst to turn plans into purpose and goals into action. At the Sweets & Snacks Expo, more than 25 data-driven, expert-led education sessions will offer category insights and macro trends as well as micro topics affecting the entire confectionery and snacking industry. Gaining deeper category, consumer and shopper insights is a game changer for any retail attendee.

The 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo brings the best of the confectionery and snacking industry together in Chicago, May 21-23. Visit www.sweetsandsnacks.com for more information.