2016 Sweets and Snacks Expo offers lots of sweet moments

Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, the show set an all-time record in attendance as more than 17,000 industry professionals from more than 90 countries.

Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, the show set an all-time record in attendance as more than 17,000 industry professionals from more than 90 countries set foot in Chicago’s McCormick place to view the latest trends and innovations in the candy and snack categories.

The show floor also expanded into a second hall for the first time year — the new Skyline Hall — to accommodate the growing exhibitor base. It featured more than 115 exhibitors and a second educational theater, Discovery Theater.

“The Sweets & Snacks Expo continues to be the premiere, world-class event in the candy and snack industry,” says John Downs, president and ceo of the NCA. “This year we welcomed more than 200 new exhibitors who were able to connect with thousands of pre-qualified candy and snack customers representing nearly every distribution channel from the largest global retail chains down to small, independently-owned candy shops.”

Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees represented 80 percent of the buying power in the candy category and nearly 75 percent of the buying power in the snack category. Attendees were able to experience more than a dozen companies in Innovation Avenue, while the Most Innovative New Product awards featured more than 300 submissions. In addition, there were more than 20 educational sessions, double the amount from the year prior. The educational sessions provided insights on innovation, technology and marketing for the confectionery and snack industry featuring executives from some of today’s leading companies.

You can find full coverage of the show on our website here, including a look at some of the best moments from show, like insight from Mars’ Tim Quinn about natural colors, Maria Sharapova’s thoughts on her new Sugarpova chocolate, and the winners of the Most Innovative New Product Awards.

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.