The annual Sweet & Snacks Expo gets underway today in Chicago, Illinois, bringing together thousands of confectionery and snack retailers, manufacturers and suppliers from all around North America - an event that's been a highlight in the industry calendar for over 25 years.
The Expo runs for four days and is the nation's biggest gathering within the confectionary industry. A whole host of product innovations will be on display as national and international brands showcase products both current and future, as well as industry insights and networking connections.
The latest innovation in chips, nuts, sweet snacks, jerky, pretzels and more can be found in the aisles of the Sweets & Snack Expo, with new flavours and formats galore.
Here are some of the trends attendees can expect to see in 2023:
- Brand Collaborations: Your favourite treats/brands working together to create something new and exciting.
- Flavour Mashups: Flavour combos that will delight you. Salty, sweet, sour, spicy or savoury – there is something for everyone!
- Social Media Friendly Interactive Treats: These treats give you permission to play with your food and share with your friends on social media!
- All About Options: Everyone treats and snacks a little differently, which is why confectionery and snack companies are offering a range of package sizes and product types that fit every occasion.
Inspiration at the Sweets & Snacks Expo goes beyond exciting new product debuts. The show brings together leading industry experts to offer big-picture insights that help attendees predict shopper trends and stay one step ahead of their competition.
"The Sweets & Snacks Expo continues to be a significant driver in flavour and product trends for the confectionery and snack categories enhancing our retail attendees' ability to delight their shoppers," John Downs, president & CEO of NCA, said. "Attendees of this year's show will be among the first to sample and experience these new trends helping them stay one step ahead of their competition."
Find out more about the Expo here.