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CHICAGO—The 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo opened this morning, kicking off its 26th year as the premier showcase for innovation in the confectionery and snack industries. Over four days, attendees will have the opportunity to discover cutting-edge confectionery and snack innovation, gain actionable insights through education sessions led by the top minds in the industry, and make meaningful industry connections with the thousands of professionals in attendance.
2023 marks the final time the show will take place at McCormick Place in Chicago before moving to new host cities. Beginning in 2024, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will cycle through a rotation of two years in Indianapolis followed by one year in Las Vegas until 2032.
“This year is an important inflection point for the Sweets & Snacks Expo, as it is the show’s final year in Chicago,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association and Sweets & Snacks Expo host organization, said. “For more than 25 years, we have worked in collaboration with the city of Chicago to build and host the world’s premier candy andsnack show. The value that the Sweets & Snacks Expo brings to confectionery and snack companies is incredibly important and it contributes in a major way to the success of these two great categories.”
This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo highlights:
- Nearly 250 new exhibitors.
- More than 210,000 square feet of sweet, salty and sour products.
- More than 800 exhibitors.
- 16,000 people are expected to attend.
- The Sweets & Snacks Expo brings about $21 million to the city of Chicago.
Additionally, attendees will get a first look at the latest candy and snack products, including those driving these key trends:
- Brand Collaborations: Your favorite treats/brands working together to create something new and exciting.
- Flavor Mashups: Flavor combos that will delight you. Salty, sweet, sour, spicy or savory – 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.
