Supplier showcase sparkles for Indy’s Sweets & Snacks Expo
A diverse array of innovative businesses across equipment, systems and ingredients segments were on hand in Indianapolis today for the supplier showcase of Sweets & Snacks Expo, writes Neill Barston.
More than 200 companies from across the region, as well as from across Europe, gathered to play their part in the event that opened this afternoon, and continues tomorrow morning.
The event featured several education sessions that showcased aspects of the sector including how to utilise AI in snacks production, as well as augmenting packaging for the wider confectionery industry amid a notably competitive landscape.
Among those appearing at the show is the Coperion group, which includes several significant equipment brands operating around the world, including UK based Baker Perkins, that has become a part of the wider family of companies.
Mark Nagley, industry manager for Coperion, (below, right) commented: “It’s the first time we’ve ever been to the event as a company, and it’s a nice city here and location, so we’re excited to be here.
“We have been talking to people about the total package that we can offer with our business, from the ingredients, through to depositing and bar forming machinery. We have noticed there’s a very diverse group of exhibitors here, there’s lots of software companies, packaging businesses, as well as ingredients firms too.”
For his part, Martin Freudenberg, regional sales manager for packaging equipment specialists LoeschPack also reported a solid start to the show.
He said: “Compared to last year, this has been going very successfully for us. We have had visitors from international confectionery companies, so we’re happy to be here. We have started well, and I have a feeling that we will have more visitors than we did last year.
“Business is running very well for us right now, especially in the US, where we have many new contacts, where we have been showcasing our high-speed flow wrapping machine, which has shown a market for nutrition bars,” noted the director, who felt the show had been a particularly worthwhile edition so far.
For a full review of the event, see our next edition of Confectionery Production magazine, as well as additional exclusive online coverage.
