2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo Showcased Innovative Trends and Transparency Initiatives

Washington, D.C. (June 21, 2018)—The 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo, the annual trade show hosted by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and the premier event for the candy and snack industries, was held May 22-24 in Chicago. With 18,000 professionals from the confectionery and snack industries and 810 exhibiting companies, including more than 100 first-time exhibitors, attendees experienced new or soon-to-launch innovative products, flavors and packaging, most of which will be available to consumers by fall 2018. 

The Expo provided companies of all sizes the opportunity to promote their latest products. Thousands of products debut each year at the Expo and hundreds of them compete for the industry’s prestigious Most Innovative New Product Awards. This year, Hostess Brands won the 2018 Best in Show award for its Bakery Petites Double Chocolate Cake Delights. 

Of the 300 products submitted, other winners of the Most Innovative New Product Awards include:

                        
            Chocolate:                  The Hershey Company, Hershey’s Gold Standard Bar

            Non-Chocolate:          Nestle USA/Ferrara Candy Company, Big Chewy Nerds

            Sweet Snacks:           Justin’s, Justin’s Organic White Chocolate Mini Peanut Butter Cups

            Salty Snacks:             Sahale Snacks, Tangerine Vanilla Cashew-Macadamia Glazed Mix

            Savory Snacks:          Alli & Rose, Trail Mix Crackers

            Novelty/Licensed:      Impact Confections, Inc., WARHEADS Dippin’ Ring

            Seasonal:                    Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., Golden Heart for You & Me

            Gourmet:                    That’s How We Roll, Trios Original

            Gum & Mints:             Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., Juicy Fruit Cool Tropical 

Many products fell under one of several show trends: Sweet and Salty; A Hot New Take on Fan Favorites: Caramels and Coconut; Chickpeas, Cauliflower and Lentils, Oh My!; and Unique Flavor is the Name of the Game.

A new award, the Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation, was also created this year to celebrate suppliers who are helping advance confectionery manufacturing. The inaugural recipient was Barry Callebaut, a leading supplier of chocolate and cocoa products, who was honored for the creation of ruby chocolate (from which the name of the award was inspired). A fourth type of chocolate to join dark, milk and white chocolate, the innovation is made from “ruby” cocoa beans and is “one of the biggest breakthrough inventions in the chocolate category in more than 80 years,” John Downs, president and CEO of NCA, said. 

Other notable highlights of the Expo: 

• • More than 25 countries were represented on the show floor, including six international pavilions representing Brazil, Mexico, Germany, China, Turkey, and—new for 2018—Belarus. 
• • Also new for 2018, two U.S. states hosted pavilions for the first time at the show. Candy and snack makers from Minnesota and Michigan were represented by each state’s Department of Agriculture, connecting statewide companies to domestic and international buyers. 

Confectionery products, and the people and companies who make them, are the focus of National Candy Month, celebrated each June in the United States. “National Candy Month is a time to celebrate the fun treats that confectionery companies have been producing for more than a century, as well as the strong economic impact of the industry,” Downs said. “Across the nation, the confectionery industry accounts for approximately 465,000 jobs, and confectionery items account for $35 billion in retail sales annually, including $2 billion in exports. This month of recognition will also highlight the role chocolate and candy can play in family celebrations, holiday traditions and moments of enjoyment for many generations.”

Find out more about National Candy Month by visiting: www.CandyUSA.com/nationalcandymonth. 

National Candy Month is also a good time to learn more about the Always A Treat Initiative, a five-year commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America by America’s leading chocolate and candy companies to provide consumers with more information, options and support as they enjoy their favorite treats. As part of the initiative, over the next few years, consumers can expect to see more products in smaller pack sizes and clear calorie labels right on the front of the packaging.  

Find out more at: www.AlwaysATreat.com. 

“Ninety-two percent of Americans believe that candy is always a treat, and our members are proud to make authentic, transparent, good-tasting and fun treats,” said Downs. “The industry has made a commitment to help consumers manage their sugar intake, and empower them to make informed choices about their favorite treats.” 

The 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held May 21-23, 2019, in Chicago. Details will be posted at: www.sweetsandsnacks.com.  

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 18,000 qualified professionals attend with global presence from 90 countries. More than 800 companies displaying over 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.