Reflections: Extended review of 2025’s major Sweets & Snacks Expo

Returning to Indianapolis, US, for the third time, Sweets & Snacks Expo proved a hotbed of innovation for new confectionery lines right across the industry’s full spectrum. Editor Neill Barston reports exclusively from Indiana for a specially extended review of the key event, speaking to a wide range of finished companies, equipment providers and the NCA organising team on the ground

Packed full of surprising novelties, innovative stands and equally engaging product launches, it’s little wonder that Sweets & Snacks Expo proved another highly memorable show that set the scene for what continues to be an especially memorable summer for the global sector.

For the third time in its eventful history, the event made a much-anticipated return to Indianapolis for its 2025 iteration, with a marked increase surrounding social media influencers attending the influential global confectionery industry showcase.

See our exclusive video review of the expo here, which brought a raft of memorable moments across its three and a half days (with our supplier showcase video further within this extended review).

With a tally of over 1,000 exhibitors, this year’s expo at the Indiana Convention Centre packed plenty of punch and dynamism, with an expanded education programme and broad array of critical releases that provided plenty of headlines. Confectionery Production was glad to play its part in once again reporting on an action-packed three and a half days at both its main exhibition floors, and the accompanying supplier showcase staged over two half days, which drew an impressive figure of over 200 businesses.

Moreover, considerable focus remains on Returning to Indianapolis, US, for the third time, Sweets & Snacks Expo proved a hotbed of innovation for new confectionery lines right across the industry’s full spectrum.

Editor Neill Barston reports exclusively from Indiana, speaking to a wide range of companies and the NCA organising team the US beyond the pure fact of it retaining its significant status as the single largest confectionery market in the world. Perhaps of key importance is the ongoing impact of its fresh policies on tariffs, ingredients costs and general economic uncertainties, as well as regulatory hurdles surrounding product colouring.

Such wide-ranging issues are having an ongoing impact on the region, which has continued to set the pace for the wider industry. For its part, Sweets & Snacks remains supported by a significant cross-section of the broader sector, from majors such as Mars, Ferrero, Hershey, Mondelez, pladis and Barry Callebaut, through to fast-rising stars of the future placing their portfolios on full display at the event’s “Start-up Street.”

Consequently, the enthusiasm was palpable from its record attendance of some 16,000 industry professionals. While organisers of this year’s show, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) noted, while tests have remained in the sector, the still-rising $54 billion US market remains steadfast in its determination to grow and develop in a positive fashion.

Indeed, the city’s famed ‘Hoosier hospitality’ was more than evident from walking the streets of Indianapolis.

The vibe of the whole city, from its bustling central bars and restaurants, basketball courts and baseball grounds, through to its lively downtown district. proved infectious.

Speaking to our publication, Carly Schildhaus, the NCA’s director of public affairs and communications, enthused that the industry had risen to the occasion across its bustling halls.

Despite the region’s market coming under pressure within its supply chains, with issues such as continued ingredients price rises posing notable tests, there was a considerably buoyant mood amid the Expo.

Carly said: “It’s been an amazing three and a half days that started with the innovative product awards and then the show here over two and half days here in Indianapolis, so we have been thrilled to be back for another lap around the track! “We’ve had more than a thousand exhibitors, here, and it’s been a record breaking show for us with them being on 250,00 square ft of show floor. We also had more than 15,000 attendees.

“The buzz is so strong here among those who are exhibiting and visiting for all the brand new exciting and innovative products. There’s nothing like being on the show floor of Sweets & Snacks,” noted the NCA’s spokesperson for the event. As she revealed, this year’s event had been especially memorable this year, with bold, engaging flavours taking centre stage. This included the emergence of Dubai chocolate being marketed in the North American region, as well as Swedish gummies, and super spicy products that challenged visitors taste buds during the key global showcase.

“There have been some really exciting global flavours, and consumers will expect a little adventure in the candy and snacks aisles. A lot of people are also looking for those ‘get them while you can products such as limited-time and seasonal offerings, and chocolate and candy can really enhance those occasions,” added Carly, who observed that it was especially significant that a full spectrum of companies, from the smallest, through to major corporations being represented at the show

Major brand presence
Significantly, Mars delivered another vivid stand display for its appearance at this year’s show. Speaking to Confectionery Production, Mike Gilroy, vice president of trade development and sponsorship, observed that the business had focused on three core areas for this year’s event that centred on its product innovation, as well as consumer insights behind key product creation, and taking a category first approach in wanting to elevate the company’s overall performance.

He said that delivering potential relating to seasonal trends had been an increasingly prime focus, especially given that major treating occasions throughout the year account for two thirds of retail sales.
This has seen the emergence of ‘Summerween,’ pre Halloween build-up celebrations, led by the enthusiasm of younger generations keen to extend special occasion, meaning pre-planning ranges is ever more important, and a “big area of opportunity,” according to Mike.

“The four trends we are seeing are around experiential areas – people want different forms, textures, tastes, as well as new packaging. We have found that younger consumers are really getting adventurous with international products, including spicy products, gummy products, anything they can get their hands on.

“We’re also looking at occasion-based solutions – in which people are looking not just for treats for themselves, but to share as a group, my family or after dinner with a movie. “Superbowl is a massive example, and also seasonal items, in making sure we have the right products for those moments,” noted Mike, who explains that many consumers are also increasingly considering wellness and balance in their eating experiences, as well as indulgent moments of luxury. This has also extended to seeking products with protein and added dietary fibre, which the company has increasingly engaged with.

Moreover, he believed the sector is increasingly honed on marketing towards gen Z consumers, particularly as they are widely projected to be one of affluent generations ever, with a projected buying power of $12 trillion by 2033.
“We have to make sure not leave our loyal fans, but also engage with those who are digital natives,” noted Mike, which had led to some significant range of releases this summer.

This includes Skittles Pop’d, which held court at its own dedicated event booth, as well as the new M&M’s peanut and jelly, and Snickers Pecan being among its core focuses for the show. “Working for a Company like Mars Wrigley is quite something. I love being here at Sweets & Snacks, and we’re a centrepiece of the NCA and are supportive of our partners. We call the show a family reunion, so it’s always good to be able to celebrate and showcase confectionery, lots of smiles, trying new things, so we love being part of it.”

Key innovations
The Hershey Company went big once again for this year’s Sweets & Snacks, with the business showcasing a broad spectrum of innovation across its portfolio. As our title discovered, this included latest milk chocolate with caramel bar offers a twist on a classic existing line that it has brought out just in time for summer snacking and campfire holiday season. Furthermore, as the business enthused, the new line has been developed to “level up your s’mores game” featuring a gooey milk chocolate texture and a caramel drip, all in one bite.

Other significant highlights of the Indianapolis expo for the company include its Hershey’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch variety, PRB&J Big Cups for its core Reese’s brand, and a revived Reese’s Jumbo Cup. The business has also made a key expansion of its Shaq-a-Licious Gummy series as a special collaboration with basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. Significantly, the major manufacturer was also showcasing its recently acquired Sour Strips brand, which the company confirmed had seen a surge of around 50 per cent in sales, reflecting a wider trend focused on all things sour.

Lindsay McCabe, of Hershey, (pictured below) commented: “I think everyone has been excited about the offerings that Hershey has brought to Sweets & Snacks this year. We have a lot of new products from our Sour Strips, as well as Jolly Rancher has been accelerating its range with three new offerings, as well as our iconic Reese’s and Hersheys bar new lines.

“This is the only time that our whole entire industry gets to come together and really support each other with all of the fun innovation, as well as meeting with our customers and the media influencers here who have been really important. Overall, the vibes have been very positive,” observed Lindsay, who added that placing a strong emphasis on making stands as vibrant as possible is a critical element.

While she felt that there were some strong areas of the positivity for the business, it has endured its fair share of challenges, including the prospect of enhanced tariffs surrounding its core cocoa supplies, which has continued to place pressure on the wider sector.

“It’s been a challenging year for sure, there’s a lot that we have had to navigate, and we have had to watch how the news is changing and how it is not only impacting our business, but the industry as a whole. We support the NCA, and they have been great partners in helping us guide where we are seeing the business go, but we are really generally optimistic about how we are heading towards the end of the year.”

Major show launch
There was also a real hive of activity surrounding the Ferrero stand, with its team engaging visitors with offering plenty of samples of its fresh batch of releases. Seth Gonzalez, of Ferrero North America (pictured below), remarked there had been an immediate response to its latest flavour innovation for its Nutella brand, which gained a new peanut variety unleashed at this year’s fast-paced event.

He said: “It’s been so far so good – we’re excited to launch it. Peanut is a taste profile that we have here in the US, so we wanted to see how we could blend this with the traditional flavour. It took us quite a long time to get this right – around five years. So far it has been great, and we have heard a lot of good feedback, sampling it on apples, crackers and on bread. “We think it will be transformative.

“This is the first time we’ve ever done flavour innovation on Nutella in its 60-year history, and it’s the first time we have ever done a ‘US first’ launch, so we are hoping that it will be successful and roll-out to other formats in other countries as well.”

He noted that of the company’s total tally of around 18 launches, another of its core releases was its Ferrero Rocher chocolate squares that have been released after the success of its tablets. In addition, the brand also showcased its Dr Pepper Tic Tac flavour, which he asserted were collectively gathering a head of momentum as the business continues to grow in the region.

Never miss a photo op
As has been traditional for many years, Mondelez was also among the most prominent among exhibitors at this year’s exhibition, which included the return of its popular Oreo photo booth.

This was backed by a number of innovations which the business was on hand to discuss with visitors from around the world.
Grace Howard (pictured right, below), a senior brand manager for Mondelez spoke to Confectionery Production, revealing there had been a welcome response to its latest array of releases.

She said: “It’s been great, and super engaging walking around seeing all the smaller brands and what they are up to, as well as seeing some of the bigger brands and what they are bringing to market. I’ve been able to meet a lot of fun new people, so all-in-all it’s been a really good few days. “I have seen a lot of freeze dried products, which continues to be a big trend, as well as filled gummy ranges that have been an engaging new category,” she stated, explaining its core launches have focused on Sour Patch Kids, as well as Swedish Fish glow-up gummies.

The latter are Strawberry and watermelon flavoured and include edible confetti that glows, which she explained had been gaining particular traction in the market. “We used turmeric extract in the confetti that has given it those glowing properties. It’s a super-engaging product that has been getting a lot of feedback from consumers in the market and also on our booth,” enthused Grace, who believed that the expo had been particularly valuable for its engagement with company and industry colleagues alike.

As for Ferrara, the business offered a fine showcase for some of its biggest hitters in terms of its high-profile sweets lines, including Nerds, Lemonheads, Brach’s and Tolli, as well as showcasing its recently acquired Jelly Belly confectionery series.

Greg Guidotti, chief marketing officer, hailed the 2025 show as being particularly successful for the company, which occupied a prime position within this year’s show halls.

He commented: “It’s been a great show, the excitement across the whole floor is pretty palpable. From a trends perspective, we are seeing a continuation of multi-flavour and multi-sensorial and multi-colour products.

What we are seeing and are progressing is different texture profiles such as freeze dried. That’s a big launch for us in August, and which is great that it is across our brands. There are a lot of people have got into that freeze dried market, with fruits or vegetables, but you really need to be an expert in it it to be dealing with sugar confection.

“The rocket ship that is our Nerds brand continues. In 2020, it was $70 million, then we launched gummy clusters, and now its at $900 million in retail, so that has been an amazing element. We are going to going to be continuing to drive news with that including two limited time varieties coming up for the football season. We also have an innovation, which we have won an award for in our Juicy Nerds Gummy Clusters.

“What’s more, we have now also acquired Jelly Belly, which is a beautiful product, and something that’s really crafted. It is the only jelly bean  that has a unique colour and flavour on the inside, and unique colour and flavours on the outside,” he enthused of its extremely active and ever-expanding portfolio.

There was also a real buzz on the PIM Brands stand, in the wake of several significant releases for the group.

As Lauren Rosenberg, marketing manager noted, this year’s show proved to be a highly memorable one.

She said: “We’ve had some exciting innovations including our Juicefruit fusions of one flavour on the outside and another on the inside. “We’re also bringing out our Mango peach fruit snacks, which are another exciting and delicious innovation,” added the executive, who added its other notable launches included its Sour Jacks, which had ‘been making a comeback’ which has featured a blue raspberry flavour introduced in Indianapolis.

“This has been invaluable, It’s the biggest show of the year for us, and we love meeting with customers, consumers and partners in the industry, and to continue to be a leader in this space, and we love it here more and more every year.”

More from Mentos
With plenty of brands showing an uplift in 2025, Perfetti Van Melle also reported a successful 2025 edition. The brand has become renowned for some of its key novelties, including Chupa Chups Melody Pop whistles, as well as core brands such as Mentos and Airhead confectionery.

As Sylvia Buxton (centre of image below), president of its North American division explained to our publication, there may well be tests in the market presently, but she noted in the near-decade of being with the business, it has continued to grow its operations. “We’ve been investing in manufacturing here in the US, and we have been continuing to do that, which will help us weather the storm that has come with the global trade war, as well as helping us satisfy the demands of consumers in the US.

The Perfetti Van Melle team at Sweets and Snacks Expo (including CEO Sylvia Buxton, centre), have reported a strong show so far,

“This year, we are continuing to see a lot of trends towards sour in the non-chocolate space, and are happy to bring forward our Airheads Extremes in very berry flavour that is also being released in regular and bitesize form. We think that this will be a real winner in the marketplace, and a key innovation for us,” remarked the president, who added that one of its major show attractions this year was its new Mentos Discovery Roll, which now has 14 different flavours, which are unique for this launch including blackcurrant, lime and grapefruit. In terms of footfall, she added that the company had engaged with a dynamic range of visitors.

In her view the move to Indianapolis, alternating with Las Vegas next year, has provided for a consistent level of innovation and devising new products on a consistent basis.

She concluded: “It’s really important that we have innovations coming forwards, particularly in non-chocolate, as I liked to use the phrase in this category that non chocolate consumers are promiscuous, unlike say a laundry brand, consumers in the non-chocolate category like to try different things, and like some old favourites, but like to try new things too. That’s why we are trying to keep them happy with new innovations each year.”

Moreover, there was also plenty of attention focused on the Haribo stand, as the business showcased additional variants for its classic gummy lines, with the company’s unmissable mascot, the Goldbear in attendance to ensure a fun atmosphere on its stand.

Lauren Triffler, (pictured) communications manager for the brand, agreed that Indianapolis had once again delivered the goods in terms of its hosting the show, which she felt had been another key event for the company.

She said: “It’s a great central location for the event, with people coming from all over the country, and some from all over the world, looking to find out what brands are innovating, what’s new on the scene. So I am really proud that we have been part of that.

 “One of our newest products this year, Tropical Twin Snakes and Tropical Goldbears goes back to driving our core, as well as offering some innovation and excitement,” explained Lauren, who said there had also been a notable response to its Starmix series. 

Significantly, she added that the fact the business now has manufacturing capability is also making a key difference as it continues to enjoy a high level of brand recognition and market share in the North American region.

Flipping the script
There was also a significant amount of innovation on display at the pladis stand, with the business leading a strong suite of household brands including Godiva Chocolate, Flipz and Turtles, which collectively ensured a really busy few days at the event.

As Ahad Afridi (pictured below, right), chief marketing officer for its Americas division, revealed to our title, delivering on creating premium experiences remains at a critical goal.

“This has been continually attained through smart advertising campaigns and a willingness to be bold in terms of its overall product development. With the company’s Godiva brand approaching its 100th anniversary next year, and new ranges emerging across the business, it has reported some positive gains in spite of conditions.

Ahad commented: “Flipz at its core is a chocolate covered pretzel, and historically what the focus has been, that later included a white fudge, version, which has focused on sweet and salty. “What we are trying to do now is take that beyond the pretzel – which has been known for being different – “We flip the script” in bringing those combinations together. That’s important as when you look at present trends and what consumers are looking for, it’s a question of them seeking variety and something new in experiences and tastes, and something unexpected.”

As he concluded, the company has been  seeking to identify how its ranges can meet its customers growing demand for occasion-based snacks, such as watching football or other sports matches. “What we’re saying to people is that you may have your chips, or your dips, but you also need your Flipz too!”

In addition, the company also used the show as a platform for a new innovation in the form of a chocolate bar featuring pretzel infusions, which is considered a key innovation for the segment.

“For Godiva, we are re-inventing the brand, and we are going bit by bit in recreating products, changing the formulation of them and making them more “Godiva-worthy” – which means using a certain type of chocolate, and bite experience, and leveraging the “Belgian-ness” of the chocolate by having a variety of great tasting fillings,” concluded Afridi he added would mark a significant new chapter for the brand.

Expanding presence
For its part, Canada’s Ganong revealed that this year’s event had drawn a consistent stream of visitors to its stand. This had been boosted due to it recently acquiring the licence for a traditional US confectionery brand that generated plenty of interest.

The brand is considered the country’s oldest confectionery brand dating back to the 1870s, operating across chocolate and non-chocolate categories, which has seen its offerings expand notably.

Sarah Caldwell, of the company, commented: “The show has gone very well, and for us personally, we have something new in our fold, some US presence – we recently acquired the licence for the Sixlets brand which has been on the market for a couple of years. “So, there’s a lot of action on the booth that we really didn’t have before. We do a lot of chocolate, and other non-chocolate categories, so we believe that we have a lot to offer. We have been adding new equipment in the last six months, and we have just commissioned a new coating line from DT&G Ltd,” who added that having the supplier showcase ensured an especially dynamic overall event.

Start-up Street
As we discovered reporting from the floor of this year’s iteration of the key NCA event, supporting emerging enterprises is of significant importance to its mission. This has seen the emergence of Start-Up street, placing a valuable spotlight on fast-rising businesses across the sector.

One such company, Carson’s Caramels, has steadily been building a name for itself, as founder Joanne Montz enthused about its prospects, having quickly established itself on a regional level. She said: “We have been in business for three and a half years, but the recipe for it comes from about 200 years ago.

“My grandmother in Copenhagen Denmark, started making and selling seasalt caramels on my grandfather’s shop counter during World War Two, “My mum would make these caramels for us when we were kids, and I would do them once or twice for my son, and during Covid-19, like everyone else, we were hanging around the house getting bored, and he said mom, let’s make that candy, and we had so many that we started giving them to our friends They told us that they were the best they’d ever had – we didn’t believe them and through that they were just being kind.

“That was around Christmas, and a couple of months later for Valentine’s people were trying to order them, so we thought we have something good here,” noting that the business has in fact struggled to keep up with orders.
The company presently stocks around 10 flavours of caramels, but it intends to ramp up its overall series to meet demand from across the region.

One of the standout independent ventures from this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo was an ambitious British collaboration between Freedom Confectionery, acting as a regional distributor for Sweetdreams Ltd.

The two UK firms were among a small band of companies flying the flag for their home nation at this year’s premier American show, which attracted visitors from over 90 countries and 1,000 exhibitors.

Significantly, the Lancashire-based allergen-free mallow and gummy specialist has facilitated a distribution deal for Sweetdreams core Choc Nibbles brand in the US region.

Matthew Stephenson, of Sweetdreams (above left, with Elvin Willgrass of Freedom Mallows), said: “It’s my first time here, and it’s an amazing show. Some of the stands here are just off-the-scale. It has been really interesting to see the broad spectrum of confectioner that you don’t necessarily always get to see.

But as far as finding the direction of where the confectionery world is going, this is the place to be.” All-in-all, the event, along with its sister supplier showcase, delivered in terms of entertainment factor, genuine product launches, and its ‘can do’ spirit that came to life in Indianapolis in some style, ahead of a much-anticipated call on the bright lights of Las Vegas next year.

Independents thriving 
Among the standout independent companies exhibiting were US confectionery business, Beemax was also catching plenty of attention with its take on the sizzling hot sensation of the past 18 months, in the form of Dubai Chocolate, which was in evidence across the show this year in Indianapolis.

Chatting to Confectionery Production, Seid Seidov commented: “The reaction has been really good, they love our Dubai Chocolate product, and it’s continuing to grow.

“We were one of the first companies to actually start production in the region, and we’ve focused on high quality ingredients for it, including Belgian chocolate. We are now available in ten countries, including in England, WH Smiths stores, as well as in airports, and we have had a lot of very good feedback from it.”

Another US business reporting a successful show was wholesaler Nassau Candy. Dana Rodio, of the business, believed there had been a strong response to its ranges this year.

She said: “We’ve had a really good reaction to our lines here this year, including our Nancy Adams range that is manufactured on Long Island, New York and is a trusted brand, which has some new ingredients that people are excited about.

“Our own factories specialise in ranges that include pan and enrobed confectionery, as well as caramels. Some of our best sellers also include chocolate covered almonds and peanuts, and we also import gummies and sours from all over the world,” she says of its diverse manufacturing operations, noting that it has sought to find the most innovative shapes and flavours to ensure a unique place in the market.

Fellow US business Squire Boone Village, introduced a number of novelties to this year’s event, which it believed had been well received. 

Marketing manager Carrie Rigsby, spoke to our publication, explaining it had offered a significant launchpad for its confectionery series.

She said: “We have been very pleased, there’s been a good mix of independent stores and national retailers visiting, we’ve been busy, steady, and there’s been a lot of positive energy. We didn’t know what to expect in this climate, but we’re happy with it.

“It’s crucial that we have had that long-term relationship. The NCA is amazing to work with – this is a very important show for us every year. Seeing it back to its more original energy in the past few years has been very nice.

Another high performing independent company from the North American region is Hawaiian Host, which has continued to prove instrumental to its island community, as well as expanding its presence across the US and beyond through maintaining a mainland presence. 

Daniel Verduzco, the company’s senior sales operations managr commented that  Sweets and Snacks had proved memorable in its previous Chicago home, but that Indianapolisis’s equally welcoming culture had made it another special year for the expo.

He said: “The visitors here in Indianapolis have been wonderful, we’ve seen a lot of the top buyers from the grocery market and convenience stores, so we are excited about doing this again in a couple of years, and also what will be ahead with the event going to Las Vegas next year.

“We try to bring the aloha spirit to the masses – Hawaiian host has that tradition, and we will be celebrating our centenary in a couple of years, we’re right on the cusp of that and are very excited about it,” explained Daniel, who said it was of significant importance that the business supported the Hawaiian economy with employment in terms of keeping manufacturing on a local level.

“It’s good to keep the community spirit that we have – whenever you see someone from the Midwest or East Coast of the US and you say that you’re from Hawaii, their eyes light up, so it’s great to be part of this tradition,” noted senior executive (pictured below). who is based in its US office.

He concluded: ” This year we were finalists in the new innovation award, with our white chocolate variety with macadamia nuts, which are launching from September. A few years ago we won an innovation award here as well, so we like to keep that positive momentum.”

Brazilian flair
As in previous years, the expo has gained a reputation for including exporters from outside of the region, and one of the most prominent nations to feature in the event has been Brazil.

This year didn’t disappoint, with a small, yet colourful delegation of sweets and snacks specialists returned to play their part in proceedings, to ensure that the show continued its truly international flavour.

Luis Simas (below), of Simas confectionery, explained that the company’s brand had continue to enjoy a memorable 2025 event.

As he explained the Brazilian business, which has its headquarters in the North of the country, in Natal, has continued to generate notable export business, with the US remaining a significant market for the long-established sweets manufacturer.

“It’s our second time here in Indianapolis, and I think the engagement has increased, not only with the companies that are here, but there are more people visiting, and a lot of new products, which is very good to see.
We’ve found that it is also good for networking in being able to see our customers, and everyone is here. It’s a chance for everyone to be together in the same place,” noted Luiz.

While the company has enjoyed solid fortunes in its operations so far this year, he believed the introduction of tariffs by the US had created notable economic headwinds.

He added: “I think that everyone is being affected by the tariffs, and with us in Brazil, we have a level of 10% – and when you are talking about candies, that’s a lot of money, though we are not as impacted as some countries that may have 40-50% tariffs, so we just hope that it does settle down.”

Supplier showcase success
As our title has previously covered, the show’s supplier showcase has grown from strength to strength since its re-integration into the expo, with this year’s iteration attracting more than 200 significant businesses for the region. 

Notably, it also attracted equipment, systems and ingredients businesses from outside of North America, including European companies that either had direct divisions in the region, or sales distributors working the territory.

Cody Marsh, of Heat and Control’s US team, offered notable praise to the organising team.

He commented”  “I think it’s been a great show, we have a lot of footfall through the area to see us equipment providers. We have had quite a few good leads, and overall it’s a been a great time getting to know people in the industry, and I’ll have had time to walk the snacks show as well,” adding that the city of Indianapolis had been notably welcoming, and living in the immediate region himself, he was pleased to see Indiana gain a slice of the expo action.

“As a local guy, it’s great that all the people who are here to see my favourite city. Our business has its headquarters in the California, but we have offices around the world, as far away as Australia, and recently opened a new facility in Guadalajara, Mexico in the past couple of years, which has a great testing capabilities. We work in a wide range of markets, but for confectionery, we have been doing quite a lot on the inspection side, as well as in packaging.”

For his part, Patrick Avelange, regional sales manager for TNA, explained that the company has been positively evolving over the years, with its performance in North America continuing to follow an upward trajectory.

The business, which has now been going over 40 years, has thrived with its flagship Robag form, fill and seal technology, has grown its areas of specialism across packaging and processing for confectionery and snacks, which shows no sign of slowing.

Patrick enthused: “Historically, Sweets and Snacks Expo has been very good for TNA, in that we have been exhibiting at the showcase, as well as visiting some of our customers in the other halls.

“So it’s a great balance of equipment and new products, and we have met both those who have our ranges and people who are new to as well, so it’s a great win-win situation for us.

“This year has been a busy one for us, there have been some very interesting developments in the small-bagging side of the business for the US mainly, and we can see that growth all over the world as well. There’s been big focus on speed and automation of these lines, alongside delivering full lines for companies.”

Breaking into the region
Another international business making its mark on the US has been Tanis Confectionery, which has provided a broad series of machinery for the market including gummy processing lines.

Donna Butler, (right of image) area sales manager, who has gained a wealth of experience over the decades in the wider industry, noted that recently joining her present employer has opened an exciting chapter in her career to date.

She said: “This is a great show, and one of the best that the NCA puts on, offering a wonderful opportunity to see new products, for  processing and packaging and there’s been a lot of new customers that we’re able to provide a service to in the region.

“It has been wonderful starting my new role – I didn’t want to change industries and wanted to keep the same customers and knowledge base that I had, and I had some choices to make, and after a lot of research, I believe Tanis was the best place for me to be. The company is technologically advanced, and constantly putting resources into the next level of machinery, ” noted the sales manager, who conceded that while the issue of tariffs is continuing to impact for the entire industry, the company is more than holding its own in terms of its development within the region.

Notably, the supplier showcase provided a platform for equipment and systems businesses from outside of the region seeking to cement their place in a competitive field.

One such company was the UK’s DT&G Ltd, specialising in chocolate coating and product polishing systems, which has continued to gain traction in the region through the dedication of its teams in forging connections within North America over the years.

Managing director Lyn Pitt explained to our title that there had been some encouraging prospects from the 2025 edition, which saw a host of technology-led solutions across packaging and processing enjoy their moment in the limelight.

Lyn (below, left of image and above), commented: “It’s great to be back here in Indianapolis at the supplier showcase event. Initially when I came, it was just as a visitor to walk the halls, but this element of it is a great opportunity for people here. There are so many different suppliers from right across the industry, and it’s a chance for us to connect with them.

“I saw the event continued to grow when it was in Chicago, and the second year here for us in Indianapolis, we have found there’s a really good atmosphere, including with the education presentations they do, which are a fantastic opportunity for everyone,” remarked Lyn, who added that the networking side of the overall event remained another major bonus and attraction for companies from around the world to engage with.

Meanwhile, for its part, packaging and processing machinery business, TNA, was also amid businesses that have built a key presence in the region, reporting a positive experience for 2025’s show.

Martin Freudenberg, sales manager for German-headquartered packaging machinery business, Loeschpack was similarly impressed by the engagement of visitors to the supplier event.

While the it may be smaller in stature in being split across an afternoon and following morning for the expo, he asserted that it had proved particularly worthwhile for the business.

LoeschPack were among key businesses at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Epxo supplier showcase. Pic: Neill Barston

“I think it seems like there are more visitors this year than previously, and perhaps that is because it is better known now. Our business is running very well right now, especially in the US, and we’ve many new contact here, and shown our latest equipment including our high-speed flow-wrapping machine that has a special in-feed for nutrition bars, so we have found the event has been very successful for us.”

With such diversity across both the supplier showcase side, and the main halls placing a vibrant spotlight on an eclectic array of sweets and snacks offerings, made for an action-packed few days in Indianapolis.

On the evidence of this year’s participants, the future of the US confectionery sector seems exceptionally bright indeed, as it prepares to head out for a dazzling new chapter in its rich history.