The NCA’s John Downs is most looking forward to this year’s Sweets and Snacks Expo

In the midst of how National Confectioners Association is getting ready for the upcoming Sweets & Snacks Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago, NCA President and CEO John Downs takes a moment in a SmartBrief to discuss what guests will be able to expect and the benefits of attending. 

This year marks an important moment to The Sweets & Snacks Expo, since it’s the last year of the show in Chicago. For over 25 years, we’ve worked with city officials in Chicago to create and host the world’s top food and candy show. We anticipate more than 800 vendors this yeararound 250 of them are first-time exhibitors at the Sweets & Snacks Expo. The demand for our event has increased to the point that there is a waiting list for more exhibitors. There has also been an impressive increase in international exhibitor and attendee numbers and are planning to host more than 5,000 retail participants. The value that Sweets and Snacks Expo brings to confectionery and snack businesses is extremely crucial and is a major factor in the growth of these two thriving sectors.

Downs/NCA

SB Which are some of the innovative trending trends you’ve seen in the world of sweets and snacks this year? What are we likely to be able to see featured at the Most Innovative New Product Awards?

Downs: The Most Innovative New Product Awards are unique to the Sweets & Snacks Expo and show the factors that make these two categories extremely exciting. Before each event, we publish the latest trends that we have observed across snack and confectionery companies. This is a crucial preview for those who are attending the show, and also provides information for shoppers looking for something different on the shelves. Here are a few trends that attendees can expect to observe at this year’s event:

Collaborations with brands: Some of your favourite brands working together to make something fresh and exciting.

Flavor mashups are flavor combinations that will please you. Sweet, salty, sour, spicy, or savory, there’s something to suit all tastes.

Interactive treats that are social media friendly The treats allow you the ability to play with your food and share it with your social media friends,

The options are endless: Everybody enjoys snacks and treats differently. That’s why companies that sell snacks and confectionery offer a variety of sizes for packages and styles that are suitable for every occasion.

SB: Could you talk to us about the importance of places like Specialty Market and Startup Street at the Sweets and Snacks Expo?

Downs: Specialty Market caters to customers who are looking for an item for every type of shopper. The variety of merchandise is growing every year, as well as pushing industry forward with innovative concepts and ideas. Startup Street is how we attract new and emerging companies and give them the chance to display alongside the most well-known brands around the world. The categories of snacks and candy are only as good as the innovations that are coming to market. By establishing these areas on the floor, we highlight the new innovations in a manner that benefits consumers in the present and also the overall sector for the years to come.

SB: There’s an emphasis on the connections that can be made during Sweets & Snacks. What makes these connections so crucial, and how can this event make these connections more important?

Downs having the chance to conduct business in person is never more important than it is in the post-COVID world. Our industry is a relationship-driven one, and it is extremely important for our attendees to build relationships with industry peers and thought leaders who are on the cutting edge of modern methods. The attendees at our events tell us about how crucial these meetings in-person can be for achieving success in the future.

It’s all to say that The Sweets & Snacks Expo is an ideal opportunity to network to share ideas, and develop connections. This year’s industry buzz networking reception is going to be a wonderful opportunity to allow our whole Expo community to get together. It will also be our way of saying goodbye to Chicago as well as a chance to express our gratitude to Chicago for all its help and hospitality for over 25 years.

SB: Attendees are enthusiastic over The Supplier Showcase and the overall Expo setting, however education is also an important aspect of the event. What are the main educational sessions this year? What are the ways that these sessions might be different from the ones in the past?

Downs The company is providing 40 educational sessions on three stages of the Sweets & Snacks Expo. Experts in the field will address pertinent topics, including opportunities for e-commerce and innovations in product design and trending categories, sales optimization and much more. These are just a few of the topics worth mentioning:

state of Snacking: Circana will provide insights into what is driving the growth of certain categories, and offer strategies to turn these categories around, and identify new opportunities for consumers as they continue to adapt to new ways of consumption and shopping.

5×5 five confectionery companies and five snack firms that are part of Startup Street brand new exhibitors at Sweets & Snacks Expo – will introduce their newest and innovative products before a panel of retailers in less than five minutes.

Preparing for Success at Indy The session is designed to prepare participants and exhibitors for the next show.

A Fresh Look at the most indulgent Products Georgetown University’s Hank Cardello will provide a analysis based on data of sweet treats and a review of consumer behaviours related to eating snacks and treats.