Preview the most exciting trends at the 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo

Make your way to the 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo to find out what treats will be trending in the coming year. We can’t reveal all the details just yet … but here are a few we’re salivating over!

Products from these categories have been entered into the Most Innovative New Product Awards, including more than:

  • 50 items that include chocolate
  • 20 items with artisanal salt
  • 15 new caramel items
  • 10 coconut products

To challenge your perceptions of treating and snacking, products made from chickpeas, cauliflower, quinoa, legumes, and root vegetables will be on display. They will launch alongside a number of items with unique flavors like hatch chile, sun-dried tomato, rosemary and garlic, maple syrup, prosecco, bourbon vanilla and blackberry habanero.

Confectioners and snack manufacturers come from around the world to unveil thousands of innovative new products that highlight the latest trends in treating and snacking each year at the expo. NCA’s goal is to bring unique products with a variety of emerging flavor profiles and inspirational packaging to attending buyers looking to drive retailer engagement. The more than 800 exhibiting companies at this year’s expo have been curated to showcase the most exciting, innovative and emerging industry trends.

Also at the show, you’ll find examples of the industry’s Always A Treat Initiative, a five-year commitment by America’s leading chocolate and candy companies to help consumers manage their sugar intake while enjoying their favorite treats. Much of the confectionery industry is moving toward products that offer consumers more information, options and support – whether that’s a wider variety of product sizes to choose from or clear calorie labels on the front of packaging, the industry is empowering consumers to make informed choices.

There is no better opportunity than the Sweets & Snacks Expo to immerse yourself in the upcoming trends in chocolate, candy and snacks. Join us in Chicago, May 22-24, as nearly 18,000 industry professionals come together to connect face-to-face with more than 800 candy and snack exhibitors. Get up to date on what’s happening in the industry and gain valuable insights from the biggest thought leaders and game-changers.

About the National Confectioners Association

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these special treats. As the leading association for the $35 billion U.S. confectionery industry, NCA educates the public to help ensure that it understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 55,000 workers in more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities across the country. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood. For every one job that is created by confectionery companies, another seven are supported in related industries. Learn more about the “Power of Sweet” at CandyUSA.com, or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Sweets & Snacks Expo

Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the confectionery and snack industry’s most successful, world-class event. It is unrivaled in new product launches, business building solutions and innovations in merchandising. Approximately 17,000 qualified professionals attend with global presence from 90 countries. More than 800 companies displaying more than 4 acres of candy and snack products participate in the Expo. The event is held each May at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Visit www.sweetsandsnacks.com for details.

Contact:
Susan Whiteside, 202-534-1440
Kate Blom-Lowery, 619-269-0948