There’s something magical about seeing Chicago’s McCormick Place transform into Candy Land for the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted May 23-25 by the National Confectioners Association.
Getting the word out about the newly formed company takes time, pladis’ new exec admits, but a bevy of strong brands makes him optimistic about the future.
Given that the National Confectioners Association (NCA)’s Innovation Awards were to be announced the next day at 11:30 on the first day of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which was held May 23-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago, I was thrilled to get a sneak preview.
Preparations for this year’s yummex Middle East, the trade fair for sweets and snacks in the MENA region staged annually in Dubai, are progressing at top speed.
The nominees, who were selected based on their accomplishments, activities and contributions to the confectionery industry in 2016, include Shawn Askinosie, founder and ceo of Askinosie Chocolate; Sara Clair, director of product development, Brown & Haley; Steve Genzoli, v.p. of quality assurance/research & development, Ghirardelli Chocolate Co.; and Kirkland Vashaw, ceo of Spangler Candy Co.
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) created the All Candy Expo, now known as the Sweets & Snacks Expo, to bring manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers together.
Wrigley and Mars Chocolate North America have implemented a fresh, research-driven approach to driving incremental purchases across all products typically found at check out.