NCA develops new on demand platform for Sweets & Snacks Expo
The organisers behind US major confectionery show, Sweets & Snacks Expo have developed a new ‘on demand’ digital platform aiming to offer year-round updates for the industry.
As the National Confectioners’ Association (NCA), which is behind the event, explained, its latest move will allow buyers and manufacturers to celebrate innovation, learn through education programmes and share and discover the sector’s latest products.
Its creation follows a decision in March to cancel the long-established annual showcase for this year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit the US extremely hard. The country now has the highest number of deaths registered in the world, at more than 130,000 people, which has severely impacted on the global economies.
As the NCA confirmed to Confectionery Production, the show is set to return in its full physical format in its usual May position, which attracts more than 850 businesses, between 24-27 May, 2021. The organisation’s latest development comes amid wider improvements to its online branding and web platforms, including the new ‘On demand’ element of the key US confectionery showcase.
“The role of the Sweets & Snacks Expo as an industry convener to create excitement and engagement for our category is as important as ever – even though we couldn’t be together this year, it’s crucial that we stay connected,” John Downs, NCA president and CEO, said. “We’ve created a dynamic platform where the community can interact with each other, gain a deeper understanding of the topics that are important to their businesses, and where retailers can discover innovative new candy and snack products as they look to spark growth in the category.”
Sweets & Snacks On Demand offers a four-part experience for the community:
Manufacturer Search: A searchable database of confectionery and snack manufacturers and brands, plus company news and contact information.
Innovation Center: Sweets & Snacks On Demand’s dedicated digital showcase of recently launched and not-yet-in-market product innovations from confectionery and snack manufacturers.
Product Spotlight: Candy & Snack TODAY’s new editorial showcase of all the products and promotions being shared digitally during Sweets & Snacks On Demand.
Sweet Insights: Unwrapped: A digital education series made possible by Barry Callebaut and designed to provide the industry with the latest in consumer, category and channel insight.
The Sweets & Snacks community can expect to see more products and features added during the coming months, including the launch of the Innovation Center this week – which will immediately enable connections with hundreds of the industry’s manufacturers, while offering access to the latest innovations, featured products, and insights that help retailers stay ahead of trends and grow their businesses. For more information, visit sweetsandsnacks.com