WASHINGTON – It is no secret that the way we shop has changed this year. But will these habits stick around? What does the future of retail look like, and how can retailers inspire consumers? At the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo, Destination Retail is where retailers and manufacturers can get informed on the latest retail merchandising trends and technologies.

“This year has shown the importance of connecting with consumers where they feel most comfortable,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “Destination Retail explores how key consumer rituals, celebrations, and occasions become opportunities to attract shoppers and inspire new purchase occasions. Candy and snacks are an important part of how we make our days special during this uncertain time, and as we head back into stores, it’s important to keep retailers and consumers inspired to enjoy the high-performing treating and snacking categories.”

Destination Retail serves as a guide for show attendees to capture and convert consumers through creative promotion and merchandising. In Destination Retail, retailers and others will be able to immerse themselves in front end and center store merchandising examples and education sessions that will provide thoughtful ways to:

  • Innovate checkout experiences and e-commerce platforms;
  • Drive incremental purchases through emerging and underleveraged moments and occasions; and,
  • Incentivize in-the-moment purchases in the queue line and beyond.

“Shopping in our stores has always been about the experience. It’s more important than ever that we find new ways to entertain and surprise our customers. At the Sweets & Snacks Expo, surprises, innovations, and great ideas can be found in every booth. I wouldn’t miss this show,” Jeff Rubin, founder and CEO of IT’SUGAR, said in a recent testimonial about why he attends the Expo.

The Sweets & Snacks Expo will take place in June, which is National Candy Month. June is a great time to enjoy the fun of summer with chocolate and candy. And, for retailers across the country, National Candy Month presents the opportunity to bridge the gap between the spring and fall major holidays and occasions. Destination Retail will feature ideas on how to take advantage of National Candy Month as an incremental sales opportunity and cross-promote candy and snacks into this emerging promotional season.

The 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier event for the candy and snack industries, and this year there will be two years of product innovation on display. For more information and to register, visit SweetsAndSnacks.com.

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About Sweets & Snacks Expo
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier event for the confectionery and snack industries. Featuring new product launches, business-building solutions and merchandising innovations, this annual trade show brings together qualified candy and snack retail professionals and company representatives who showcase the latest in candy and snack products. The event is sponsored by the National Confectioners Association. Learn more at SweetsAndSnacks.com.

About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.