Sweets & Snacks comes to a close with resilient spirit and new launches

After several action-packed days, the latest iteration of Sweets & Snacks is about to close its doors after a host of new releasees from its major tally of around 1,000 industry businesses.

While there’s little doubting that global market conditions remain challenging for the sector, this week in Indianapolis has underlined the collective strength of the industry in the face of comparative adversity.

From tariffs, ingredients costs and general economic uncertainties, regulatory hurdles surrounding product dyes, such wide-ranging issues are having an ongoing impact on the sector. However, as sales figures for the region have revealed, the $54 billion US market remains steadfast in its determination to grow and develop in a positive fashion.

Enjoying my second visit to Indianapolis, I have certainly felt the famed “Hoosier Hospitality” that the city is famed for. It’s noticeable in the restaurants, bars, the baseball grounds and on its lively downtown district, which has made it an ideal home for the Sweets and Snacks Expo. (Watch our exclusive video review below).

One of the key cited reasons for its transfer from its former venue of Chicago to Indy has been in able to offer space to additional emerging enterprises which was no longer available at its previous site in the ‘windy city,’ with Indy delivering on space, as well as in entertainment stakes.

Significantly, the event is due to move on to Last Vegas next May, before returning to Indiana in 2027, where the event has become particularly popular with attendees – attracting an audience of around 14,000 registered visitors eager to catch the latest trends and innovations in the sector, including at its accompanying supplier showcase.

Few will have missed the emergence of Dubai Chocolate in the region, with a number of manufacturers engaging with the chocolate product of the moment, as well as exploring the continued preference for sour flavours, as well as unique flavour combinations that consumers are demanding.

Personally, this year’s show will stand out for a number of reasons – its continued joyous spirit, the passion of many of those behind brands large and small alike, and the collaborative spirit that has been very much in evidence. 

From the likes of Ferrero, Hershey, Mars, Pladis, Barry Callebaut and Mondelez putting out key new releases for 2025, through to smaller SME’s each with their own distinctive offerings, including a fresh array of snacks on the “Start-up-Street’ it’s felt like an especially engaging edition. Catch our further coverage online, key video reviews and our next edition of Confectionery Production magazine,

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