New product innovation at US expo
The 2014 Sweets and Snacks Expo, sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, was held 20-22 May this year at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
The Expo hosted more than 650 exhibitors of candy, snack and gourmet products from 23 countries with global industry participation from more than 90 countries. In addition, nearly 6,000 pre-qualified candy and snack trade customers registered to attend, representing distribution channels like grocery, convenience, and mass as well as niche and specialty outlets.
This year more than 280 products were submitted for NCA’s Most Innovative New Product Awards, which recognise the hottest new confectionery and snack products on the market.
“The number of products submitted for this awards programme were up almost 25 per cent from the year prior, demonstrating the nimble innovation that happens in the candy and snack category,” says Tim Quinn, Expo chairman and vice president of trade relations at Mars Chocolate North America. “New candy and snack items in 2013 alone were the leading source of growth for both categories which together delivered over 20 percent of center store growth; our manufacturers know how important it is to meet the demands of the consumer through innovative and diverse products.”
