Sweets & Snacks roars off to a fine start with key new product awards
Lakrids by Bulow was one of many winners of accolades at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: Neill Barston
This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo opened with an air of celebration, as companies across the region, and from around the globe celebrated gaining coveted New Product Awards, reports Neill Barston.
The event is due to formally kick-off tomorrow, between 14-16 May, but opened up for its fast-rising annual supplier showcase, which also continues for a final session tomorrow morning.
Mars Brand Hubba Bubba is among award winners at the Sweets & Snacks Expo
As for the awards showcase, a diverse array of new product development across chocolate, sweets and snacks, categories, with Confectionery Production on hand to cover the show, as it makes a transition from its traditional home in Chicago to its new destination of the Indiana Convention Centre.
There was a palpable sense of anticipation for this year’s awards, as venue’s packed ballroom cheered on the finalists and winners for the raft of accolades across 13 categories across the full value chain of the sector.
The awards also saw an appearance from Indy 500 racing star Marcus Ericsson (below), who welcomed the audience to Indianapolis and set the scene for the final afternoon on Thursday, featuring a session viewing practice sessions for the latest series of high-octane racing later this month.
John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association hosting the event welcomed the diverse range of entrants that delivered some inventive flavours and product concepts that met with the approval of the experienced independent judging panel for the showcase.
“With the Most Inovative New Product Awards, we celebrate the innovation that sets flavor and product trends for the confectionery and snack categories, and, in many ways, carries heavy influence across the entire food industry,”
“As consumers look to confectionery and snacks to enhance special moments, celebratory occasions, holidays, and everyday activities, this innovation is more important than ever before. Through these awards, we recognise the manufacturers, retail partners, suppliers, and brokers who play a role in delighting consumers across the country and around the world.”
As the NCA noted nach year, more than 300 confectionery and snack products are submitted for consideration in categories including Small Business Innovatorand Best in Show, and retail leaders specializing in these powerhouse categories serve as judges. Beginning May 14, these products will be on display in the Featured Product Showcase at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
The Most Innovative New Product Awards Winners are:
Chocolate: Skippy – Milk Chocolate PB Minis
Meat Snacks: Chyler’s – Hawaiian Beef Chips– Original with Roasted Garlic
Savory Snacks: For the first time in MINPA history…a TIE!
Our Home, You need This – Hot Cheddar Fries
PepsiCo Foods – Doritos Dinamita Smoky Chile Queso
Seasonal: Crazy Candy, Anderson’s Crazy Candy – Peanut Brittle
Gum & Mints: Mars Wrigley North America, Hubba Bubba – Mini Gum in Skittles Original Flavors
Gourmet/Premium | Candy: Lakrids by Bulow – Passionfruit Chocolate-Coated Licorice
Baked Goods: Simply Good Foods Company, Quest – Strawberry Cake Frosted Cookies
Novelty/Licensed: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Banana
Non-Chocolate Candy: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Mango
Salty Snacks: Nomad Snacks – Ramen Popcorn
Sweet Snacks: Nerdy Nuts – Banana Cream Pie Peanut Butter Treat
Small Business Innovator: Issei – Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mochi Gummies
Best in Show: Nerdy Nuts (Below) – Avalanche Peanut Butter Treat
