NCA celebrates National Candy month following key Sweets & Snacks Success
Ferrero was among key exhibitors at this year's Sweets & Snacks Expo, which has primed the region for National Candy Month. pic: Neill Barston
The National Confectioners Association has officially kicked-off its National Candy Month, as its Sweet Land of Liberty campaign continues to gather pace, reports Neill Barston.
This year’s celebrations are extra special in helping mark America’s 250th anniversary of independence, with chocolate, candy and snacks expected to play their part in stoking-up the party this summer.
As Confectionery Production reported recently, Sweets & Snacks Expo showcased a significant volume of new product releases right across the full spectrum of industry, from independent firms through to major players including Ferrero, Mars, Mondelez, Hershey, Barry Callebaut, Blommer and Ferrara to name a few. (watch our exclusive video below).
With a record tally of some 17,500 visitors to this year’s event in the state of Nevada, the country, exhibitors went all-out to unveil a range of tempting treats that tap into major summer social occasions, which the NCA has sought to align with its Sweet Land of Liberty campaign.
Big themes
Significantly, as our title found reporting on this year’s event in Las Vegas, there were a number of trends finding their feet at the glitzy showcase, including manufacturers revealing a heightened desire from consumers for experiential confectionery ranges that go the extra mile to provide something a little different. There was also a notable shift towards inventive mixing of flavours, which formed a key characteristic of the show (see our full review in the next edition of Confectionery Production magazine).
As the organisation’s research has found, confectionery remains integral to US celebrations including road trips and barbecues across the year, including 83% enjoy chocolate and candy at the movies (and yes – 78% of people admit to sneaking candy into movie theatres)
80% include sweet treats in their Fourth of July celebrations, 79% bring chocolate and candy on family vacation, while some 73% enjoy confectionery products at picnics and barbecues
For his part, John Downs was on hand to make the most of the recent Sweets & Snacks Event, and speaking to our title, he expressed confidence in how 2026 was turning out.
Reflecting on the event, he sad: “For as long as there has been a United States, there has been a U.S. confectionery industry – meaning that for generations, chocolate and candy have been a key part of the fabric of American celebrations. National Candy Month shines a spotlight on how these treats continue to bring people together, from national holidays to everyday moments across this Sweet Land of Liberty.”
Further research from the NCA found that Summer traditions – enhanced: NCA’s new survey shows Americans’ top summer treats are chocolate, gummy candy, and hard candy, and they’re enjoying them everywhere:
83% take their favorite treats on road trips
83% enjoy chocolate and candy at the movies (and yes – 78% of people admit to sneaking candy into movie theatres!)
80% include sweet treats in their Fourth of July celebrations
79% bring chocolate and candy on family vacations
73% enjoy confectionery products at picnics and barbecues
In addition, when it comes to flavour, watermelon leads the way, followed by strawberry and tropical flavors. And for a classic summer staple, 69% of people say the perfect s’more starts with a golden brown marshmallow – and 56% of people will make theirs with milk chocolate.
