Washington, DC – Expanding its status as a global resource for products, innovations and insights, more than 90 countries will be represented at the 2015 NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo, sponsored by the National Confectioners Association.
The sold-out Expo, to be held May 19-21 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, continues to be the premier tradeshow for the confectionery industry. Companies from 23 countries have secured booths or pavilions on the show’s floor.
“The international presence at the Sweets & Snacks Expo shows the power of confections globally,” commented John H. Downs, Jr. president and CEO of NCA. “Our retail partners and consumers understand and appreciate the role confections play in a happy, balanced lifestyle worldwide. Having experienced significant growth in floor size and attendees for the 18th year in a row is proof that confections have their place in the global marketplace.”
NCA has intensified its worldwide outreach efforts. Hosting reverse trade missions in collaboration with Food Export, the Sweets & Snacks Expo has become a can’t-miss event for the international confectionery industry. The 2014 Sweets & Snacks Expo’s reverse trade mission participants reported actual export sales of $17.8 million and 202 buyer/seller introductions with 18 companies seeing a sales increase of 20 percent or more.
“The Expo serves as a destination for global confectionery and snack markets to come together,” added Tim Quinn, Expo chairman and vice president, trade development, Mars Chocolate North America. “Worldwide, sweets and snacks are a $429 billion business. Our attendees know the exceptional selling power of sweets and snacks.”
Attendee registration is tracking nearly 10 percent ahead of 2014, with 10 percent of attendees traveling from outside of the U.S. historically. More than 6,000 pre-qualified confectionery and snack trade partners register to attend, representing key distribution channels like grocery, convenience, and mass as well as niche and specialty outlets. The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the only venue that represents all of the major U.S. distribution channels of candy and snack products in one location.
The Expo is also offering re-engineered, relevant knowledge-building sessions during both the keynote addresses and in an interactive TED-style theater live on the show floor. These comprehensive educational opportunities address a wide range of topics from global socio-economic issues impacting business, to research on the needs of millennial shoppers, as well as how to leverage sales through retail design and visual merchandising, and several others. “The Sweets & Snacks Expo is now positioned as the premier insights provider for connecting attendees with leading experts to help them solve challenges they face in their business,” noted Quinn.
Special amenities are offered to international attendees that make it easier for them to explore both on and off the show floor including an International Welcome Lounge. The lounge, located adjacent to the show floor, is a place where translators and representatives can answer questions, offer concierge services and assist in making visitors comfortable and productive during their visit.
In addition to the lounge, other features for international attendees include a global overview of the state of the confections and snacks industry, a floor plan that highlights export-friendly companies, a guided retail store tour and a new product showcase.
The Expo is uniquely positioned to present the newest products from around the world, including those from a number of renowned companies like Allie & Rose from Australia; Lir Chocolates from Ireland; Pure Chocolate Ltd and Laima from Latvia; Van der Meulen-The Masterbaker from Netherlands; Tago PPC Tadeusz Gotlebiewski, DR GERARD and Lotte Wedel from Poland; Vieira de Castro-Productos Alimentares S.A. from Portugal; AgrouSouz LLC and POBEDA Confectionery from Russia; Candy People from Sweden, Burton’s Biscuits Co. from the United Kingdom, Elledia S.p.A., Fini Golosinas Espana S.L.U., Pernigotti, Productos Churruca S.A., Messori Cioccolateria Srl and Vidal Candies from Spain.
