Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the 2014 Sweets & Snacks Expo hosted a sold out show at Chicago’s McCormick Place to an audience of more than 16,000 qualified industry professionals.

The Expo, held May 20 – 22, again offered visitors a chance to overdose on candy, as they searched for the next big thing in the candy world. From a new gum that dissolves in your mouth to new Dark Almond Turtles, there’s sure to be something to hit your sweet spot!

Bazooka’s da bomb!

Bazooka shows off some of the company’s most innovative products, including its new Major League Baseball Ring Pops, and it’s extremely popular Juicy Drop lines. The company is planning to launch aJuicy Drop Gummy in January, which will come in four flavors: Blue Rebel, Knock Out Punch, Watermelon Blast and Apple Attack.

A new gum-chew hybrid

Ice Breakers Cool Blasts Chews– New Ice Breakers Cool Blasts Chews provide an icy cool blast of freshness in a quickly dissolving chew. Available in a 0.8-oz. innovative slide pack, Ice Breakers Cool Blasts Chews come in Spearmint and Peppermint flavors (S.R.P. $1.99). Available September 2014.

Dove Chocolate: Now with fruit!

Dove Whole Fruit dipped in dark chocolate is a delicious combination of real fruit dipped in silky smooth Dove Dark Chocolate. It’s available in three varieties of real, whole fruit — cranberry, cherry and blueberry — the top-selling fruits on the market.

The Cranberry and Blueberry be flavors will be released in September, in 6-oz. bags. Then, in January, Mars will launch 6-oz. bags of Cherry. The 6-oz. bags will have an S.R.P. of $3.59-$4.79. And Cranberry and Blueberry flavors will also be released in the Sharing Size in January, which will have a S.R.P. of $1.99-$2.59.

Ghiradelli joins the bite-size revolution

A woman from Ghirardelli poses with the chocolate company’s newest product, Ghirardelli minis. The bite-size candies will come in a pouch bag and will be available in three flavors, including: Milk Chocolate & Caramel, Dark Chocolate & Brownie, and Sea Salt & Almond.

Mike Bianco Candy Industry’s 69th Kettle Recipient

Kettle Award Winner Mike Bianco, Senior V.P. of Global Operations & Distribution, Jelly Belly Candy Co., stands in the center of nominee Steve Hegedus, President, ceo and owner, Abdallah Candies Corp., (left) and Joseph Dutra, president/ceo Kimmie Candy Co. Be sure to check out the August issue of Candy Industry Magazine for full coverage of the Kettle Awards and Mike Bianco.

Wrigley’s newest treats

Wrigley representatives talk to managing editor Crystal Lindell (far left) about the company’s newest products, including Starburst super fruit flavors, a new sharing size of Starburst Minis, and 5 Gum Ascent, an intense peppermint flavor. 

In July 2014, Juicy Fruit also is introducingJuicy Fruit Fruity Chews, a flavorful new gum experience. At first bite, Juicy Fruit Fruity Chews deliver a vibrant burst of sweet, fruity flavor for instant fun. The new soft chew gum format is packaged in a bottle to make sharing easy and fun for the entire family. They’ll be available in two flavors: Juicy Fruit Original andJuicy Fruit Strawberry, in a 40-ct. bottle with an S.R.P. of $3.49.

Peeps get Mini!

The iconic Peeps marshmallow chick will now be available in new snackable mini size chicks 365 days a year, making every day a holiday!

“Peeps entry into the everyday candy category with Peeps MINIS is the next big step in giving consumers a new way to express their Peepsonality year round,” says Brian Bachrach, senior marketing manager.

The Peeps Minis will have suggested retail price of $3.99.

The best combination of chocolate and peanut butter, now in a spread!

The perfect combination of the taste of chocolate and peanut butter is now spreadable. New Reese’s Spreads brings together Reese’s peanut butter and the taste of chocolate to make snacking even more delicious. Available in a 13-oz. jar (S.R.P. $3.89). Available December 2014.

Turtles’ show their dark side

DeMet’s Candy Co. launched a new indulgent Dark Chocolate Almond Turtles.  The new flavor will rollout nationwide October 2014, just in time for the Holiday Season.

Inspired by the ever growing consumer demand for dark chocolate confections, Dark Chocolate Almond Turtles are an irresistible treat. Lightly salted almonds, creamy sweet homemade caramel and 60 percent cacao dark chocolate create a distinct taste unlike any other chocolate caramel nut cluster on the market.

A 2.9-oz. bag will have an S.R.P. of $2.39, 4.7-oz. stand-up bags will have an S.R.P. of $3.99, the 6.4-oz. lay down bag will have an S.R.P. of $4.79, and the 10.5-oz. assorted gift tins will have an S.R.P.: of $9.99.

Sweet Statistics

16,032 
Total number of people who registered for the 2014 Expo.

165,500
Total number of square feet sold to exhibitors. 

167
Number of first-time exhibitors at the show. 

650+
Number of exhibitors of candy, snack and gourmet products at the show. 

23
Number of countries the exhibitors traveled from to attend the show. 

Nearly 6,000
Number of pre-qualified candy and snack trade customers registered to attend to the Expo.

280+
Number of products were submitted for NCA’s Most Innovative New Product Awards, up almost 25 percent from last year. 

315+
Number of products submitted to the New Product Showcase.  

May 19-21, 2015
Dates for the 2015 Sweets and Snacks Expo, which will again be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place. And, even though the 2015 show floor has increased, it is already nearly 90 percent sold out. For more information or to reserve your space, contact the NCA at (202) 534-1440.