Covering a show floor span of more than four acres and with a global presence from more than 90 countries, the Sweets & Snacks Expo wrapped after three days of innovation, insights and indulgence at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Carly Schildhaus, National Confectioners’ Association (the event organizers) spokesperson, said: “Sweets and snacks manufacturers have always been at the forefront of defining outstanding consumer experiences, setting trends, and delivering a wide variety of options and choices. That excitement and the vibrancy of the category come to life on the floor of the show each year.”
More than 15,000 candy and snack professionals attended this year’s show. “With hundreds of innovations, insights and ideas to transform the world of chocolate, candy and snacks, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the most important annual event in the industry,” said Schildhaus.
Highlights this year included a newly re-designed Destination Retail experience, which zoned in on the latest technology and merchandising solutions driving shopper engagement and, with its new design, demonstrated how stores can create even greater appeal as a destination for consumers.
There was also a full curriculum of 25 cutting-edge learning opportunities including Discovery Theater sessions on the show floor sponsored by Barry Callebaut. Topics included consumer behavior, flavor trends, e-commerce, and the future of the retail experience.
- Check out our video for taste of this year’s Expo.
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2019 by numbers:
- There was more than 825 exhibitors at this year’s show, including more than 200 new exhibitors.
- More than 15,000 confectionery and snack professionals attend the show.
- The show floor spans more than 4 acres of candy and snack products.
- There is a global presence from more than 90 countries at the show.
- More than 1,300 brands will be represented on the show floor.
- Each year, confectionery items account for $35 billion in retail sales in the US.
- Each year, snack items account for $51 billion in retail sales.
- The confectionery industry directly employs nearly 54,000 Americans in manufacturing jobs, and supports more than 550,000 jobs in other industries.
- Illinois (where the event is held) is one of the top five confectionery-producing states in the United States.
