Preparations are continuing to gather pace for the US-based National Confectionery Sales Association’s plans for a permanent home of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience in Chicago, writes Neill Barston.

The distinctive US development is set to be completed by next summer, set within a 60,000 square-foot, multi-level site, in the “Windy City’s Magnificent Mile, with the area being widely regarded as the confectionery capital of America.

As the national organisation noted, the site was selected earlier this year following a major evaluation that came down to a final trio of options including Chicago, Orlando, and New York City.

Chicago’s longstanding role in confectionery manufacturing, which includes key links to the Ferrara, Mars and Blommer Chocolate groups, that have all had their key input to for the overall sector and also helped distinguish the city in the selection process.

“For more than a century, Chicago has been home to some of the most iconic names in American candy, including Ferrara, Mars, Brach’s, Tootsie and Wrigley. Even Milton Hershey found his chocolate inspiration in Chicago at the 1893 World’s Fair,” said Shelly Clarey, Chairman of the NCSA. “Establishing the Candy Hall of Fame Experience here reflects the city’s deep connection to the industry and creates a home to celebrate the people who helped build it.”

As the NCSA noted Candy Hall of Fame Experience will be a permanent attraction bringing together the history of the confectionery industry, the development of well-known candy brands and the innovators and entrepreneurs behind them.

Moreover, according to the group, it has partnered with Jeff Rubin, a Candy Hall of Fame inductee and former founder and CEO of IT’SUGAR. He is known as an innovator in confectionery experiences, and has spent more than 35 years finding ways to delight shoppers. He is the creative mind behind some of the most innovative retail concepts, including FAO Schweetz and Dylan’s Candy Bar.

To bring the Candy Hall of Fame Experience to life, Rubin has assembled a creative team that includes experience designer Janet T. Planet, whose work has supported brands such as Nestlé, Wonka, Disney and Marvel, and David Korins, a Broadway set designer known for productions including Hamilton and Beetlejuice. Korins will serve as creative director for the project.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of the City of Chicago. Chicago is the obvious home for the Candy Hall of Fame. It’s the candy capital, full stop,” said Rubin, CEO of the Candy Hall of Fame Experience. “Generations of companies built this industry here, and the stories behind those creations deserve to live where they began. This isn’t just a location choice; it’s a homecoming.”

Together, the team will develop the Candy Hall of Fame Experience as a public venue highlighting the products, brands and industry milestones that have shaped the confectionery world.