Sweets & Snacks Expo returns to Chicago for final time ahead of switch to new venues
The Hershey stand at this year's Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: Neill Barston
Organisers of the Sweets & Snacks Expo have confirmed that registration for this year’s event is now open, as it returns to Chicago, Illinois, for a final time before subsequently moving on to two new locations in the US, reports Neill Barston.
The show is due to return to McCormick Place Convention Centre, where Confectionery Production was on hand to help celebrate its 25th anniversary last year, and is now set be staged alternately between Indianapolis starting next year, and Las Vegas, in a bid to reach out and engage with different communities across America. This will see it spread its wings from its present founding base, which has a major sector presence from the likes of Mars, Mondelez, Ferrero and Barry Callebaut, which have collectively retained a strong association with the event.
Visitors to the event can discover a broad array of the best place for attendees to discover brand new innovations, gain actionable insights and benefit from unparalleled access to category and retail industry professionals. (Our exclusive video review of the 2022 event can be seen here). While the event has traditionally been focused on the US market, recent editions have seen a growing influx of exhibitors and visitors from around the world.
“The Sweets & Snacks Expo is where the best minds in the candy and snack industries gather to share ideas, make deals and be inspired,” John Downs, NCA president & CEO, said. “These important categories have proven to be incredibly resilient through challenging times, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring people together in person to propel the candy and snack industries into the future.”
Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, the show provides exciting opportunities for more than 16,000 attendees across the candy and snack industries. The 2023 show features an education programme and data insights and trend tracking across the industry.
Significantly, there will also be a return for the supplier showcase, that will take place across the first two days of the event, focused on equipment, systems and ingredients and packaging businesses within the sector. This key element had previously been an early inclusion within the show, but after a number of years of not being staged, it was revived amid the pandemic for 2021’s event, and its second revived edition attracted significant interest from across the sector.
Another highlight from last year’s show, the Startup Street, will also be making a welcome return for the event, showcasing the best and brightest new newest candy and snack businesses looking to make their mark on the US confectionery business. For details and registration at this year’s event, visit SweetsandSnacks.com