‘The most wonderful time of the year’ arrives, as registration opens for Sweets & Snacks Expo
pic: Adobestock
In the wake of the success with ‘Hoosier hospitality’ on display at the 2024 edition of Sweets & Snacks Expo, registration for next year’s event has now officially opened, and is anticipating a strong international audience, reports Neill Barston.
The key event, organised by the National Confectioners Association, is set to take place between May 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the sector gathers to celebrate the best innovations from across the industsry.
As the team behind the event explained, the longstanding show will being together thought leaders and industry experts to share and gain insights, connect with fellow professionals, and drive the candy and snack industries forward.
“We welcomed a record-breaking number of exhibitors to last year’s show, and attendees are so eager for the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo that we are opening registration earlier than ever before,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, host organisation of Sweets & Snacks Expo, said. “Sweets & Snacks Expo consistently delivers a best-in-class experience for manufacturers, retailers, brokers, and suppliers alike, and we cannot wait to see them again at the center of the candy and snack universe in Indianapolis.”
Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, Sweets & Snacks Expo welcomes attendees from around the world and features a diverse range of educational programming, including groundbreaking data insights and trend tracking. Additionally, the Supplier Showcase will return on May 12 and 13, providing a dedicated marketplace for suppliers to showcase ingredients, machinery, packaging, and other services that support manufacturers in addressing evolving consumer need. Details on registration can be found at sweetsandsnacks.com/
US gears-up for Christmas confectionery celebrations
Notably, as we draw towards the close of the year, the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ will see 2024 signed out in style, with 95% of Americans are ready to celebrate the winter holidays with chocolate and candy, according to a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association. Whether it’s hanging candy canes on the tree or gifting festive treats, candy can add the sweet touch that makes cherished moments feel merry and bright.
As the NCA observed, confectionery sales around the holidays reached nearly $7 billion in 2023 and are expected to grow up to three percent in 2024. The winter holidays are one of the big four seasons (which also include Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween) that account for 64 percent of annual sales for the $48 billion confectionery industry.
John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, enthused about the holiday season. He said: “Chocolate and candy are essential parts of the winter holidays, deeply connected to the traditions that define this time of year. From candy canes and chocolate coins to advent calendars and décor for gingerbread houses, confectionery products have been central to how families celebrate and create lasting memories across generations.”
NCA fun facts
How do you eat candy canes? When asked about the right way to eat a candy cane, 54% of people say they begin with the straight end while 30% start with the curved end. Another 16% of respondents break their candy cane into pieces.
It’s the season of giving – More than half of people in the U.S. share chocolate and candy as part of their winter holidays gifting. Foil-wrapped chocolates, a small box of chocolate, and candy canes ranked as the best treats for stocking stuffers.
Deck the halls! – Candy is a key element of delicious decorations. Half of Americans will adorn their Christmas tree or decorate packages with candy canes. The top treats to adorn a gingerbread house are gumdrops, chocolate pieces, candy canes, gummy candies, and peppermints.
