Sweets and Snacks final preparations gather pace for key showcase

Some of the biggest names in the confectionery sector are set to take centre stage at the Sweets and Snacks Expo, as a huge array of more than two years’ of products will be on show at the US event, writes Neill Barston.

Due to be staged between June 22-25, in Indianapolis, the cancellation of last year’s showcase due to the ongoing pandemic has placed particular importance on this year’s showcase.

Regional authorities in Chicago had given an early indication that staging larger events in the city, which has been home to the Expo for more than two decades, meaning it will be staged as a one-off in the state of Indiana, before returning for its 25th anniversary in the ‘windy city’ at McCormick Place Convention Centre for 2022.

In anticipation of this year’s show, which has been developed with enhanced coronavirus safety measures, organisers have released their top trends for the 2021 confectionery and snack categories, and these explosive trends will be seen on the show floor in Indianapolis.

“The Sweets & Snacks Expo is where the top candy and snack companies showcase their newest products, and this year is even more important as we get back to business,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “While consumer purchasing habits may have shifted to meet the new environment, manufacturers are exceeding expectations with new products, flavours and innovations.”

Among the notable  trends expected at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo:

Smaller pack sizes: More companies continue to develop smaller pack sizes containing 200 calories or less. This trend empowers the consumer to make informed choices when they are ready to treat themselves to their favourite snack or candy.

Tropical flavours: So many consumers are dreaming of a day at the beach and enjoying all that summer has to offer. This year, tropical flavours will be prominent with a focus on pineapple and coconut.

Mix and match: Can’t decide which flavour to enjoy? Candy and snack manufacturers are bringing consumers the best of both worlds. Whether they are looking for sweet, salty, fruity, or tart, shoppers can’t go wrong when mixing up their favorite combinations.
Spice it up: Think you can handle the heat? At the Sweets & Snacks Expo, the hottest (and we mean hottest!) new spicy snacks featuring flavours like chili, sriracha, jalapeño and habanero will be on full display.

All these trends and more will be on display on the Sweets & Snacks Expo show floor and in the show’s Destination Retail, which showcases ideas for driving excitement around the four big confectionery sales seasons – Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the Winter Holidays – and National Candy Month as these incremental sales opportunities continue to grow. As a candy moment on the rise, National Candy Month, which occurs each June, presents the opportunity to bridge the gap between the major holidays in the spring and fall for retailers across the country, and Destination Retail spells out the value proposition of this unique opportunity.  For more information on the event, and how to register, visit SweetsAndSnacks.com.

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