Voortman® Announced as “Official Cookie” of the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo

WASHINGTON (March 9, 2021)—The National Confectioners Association announced that Voortman®, which was acquired by Hostess Brands, LLC in 2020, has been named the “Official Cookie” of the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo. With this designation, the Voortman brand will have a widespread presence across the show, which regularly draws thousands of confectionery and snack industry professionals. 

“As the exclusive Official Cookie of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, Voortman will be able to take advantage of exclusive and prominent brand awareness opportunities at the show,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “We’re excited to be partnering with such a beloved cookie brand and look forward to creating similar opportunities for brands in other snack categories to bring new excitement to our show and our attendees.”

Hostess Brands, LLC acquired Voortman Bakery in January 2020 as part of its long-term growth strategy and commitment to diversifying its existing sweet baked goods snacking and breakfast portfolio. Voortman is the #1 player in crème wafers[1] and sugar-free cookies[2] with distribution mainly in the United States and Canada. Voortman’s uniquely positioned and differentiated products provide Hostess Brands, LLC with the potential for greater growth opportunities that comes with a more diverse portfolio of brands and products.

"As Hostess Brands, LLC extends its growing portfolio into the cookie and better-for-you sweet snacking categories, we look forward to showcasing the unique and delicious Voortman Bakery wafers and cookies to the Sweets & Snacks Expo audience,” David Darch, general manager of Voortman Bakery, said. “Much like Hostess and Voortman, the Sweets & Snacks Expo brings the confectionery and snack industries together in a way that elevates snack offerings to meet the changing tastes of today’s consumers. We’re very excited to share these products at the show.”

The Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held in Indianapolis from June 23-25, with a special pre-show day on June 22. Voortman is the first exhibitor to take advantage of the show’s official snack program. Its partnership with the Sweets & Snacks Expo is one of many partnership opportunities available to snack companies at the 2021 show, and designations for other snack items, such as chips, nuts, meat snacks, pretzels and more, are available to help snack brands expand their impact during the show. 

Brands interested in inquiring about a partnership with the Sweets & Snacks Expo should contact Kim Nolan. 

[1] Hostess Brands, LLC calculation based in part on data reported by Nielsen through its ScanTrack Service for the Crème Wafer Cookies category (branded only) for the 52-week period ending 10/31/2020, for the total U.S. market, xAOC, according to the Nielsen standard product hierarchy. Copyright © 2020, Nielsen Consumer LLC.

[2] Hostess Brands, LLC calculation based in part on data reported by Nielsen through its ScanTrack Service for the Sugar Free Cookies category (branded only) for the 52-week period ending 10/31/2020, for the total U.S. market, xAOC, according to the Nielsen standard product hierarchy. Copyright © 2020, Nielsen Consumer LLC.

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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 trade organization that promotes the unique role of chocolate, candy, gum and mints in a happy, balanced lifestyle and the companies that make these special treats. Through advocacy and regulatory guidance, communications, industry insights and retail and supply chain engagement, NCA helps create an environment that enables candy makers and confectionery retailers to thrive. As the leading association for the $36 billion U.S. confectionery industry, NCA works to ensure that chocolate and candy are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 55,000 workers in more than 1,300 manufacturing facilities across the country. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Hostess Brands, LLC
Hostess Brands, LLC is a leading packaged food company focused on developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing sweet baked goods in the United States and Canada. The history of Hostess® dates back to 1919, when Hostess® CupCakes were introduced to the public, followed by Twinkies® in 1930. Today, Hostess Brands produces a variety of new and classic treats in addition to Twinkies® and CupCakes, including Donettes®, Ding Dongs®, Zingers®, Danishes, Honey Buns and Coffee Cakes. In January 2020, Hostess Brands, LLC acquired Voortman Cookies Limited, which produces a variety of cookie and wafer products, including sugar-free products under the Voortman® brand. For more information about Hostess® products and Hostess Brands, please visit HostessCakes.com. Follow Host