Sweets & Snacks Expo 2021

Sweets & Snacks Expo revs up and heads to Indianapolis

20-May-2021 - Last updated on 25-May-2021 at 13:24 GMT

Chicago 2019: 'The Largest Confectionery, Sweets & Snacks Trade Event in North America' returns in June. Pic: NCA

This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo, one of the world’s largest confectionery trade fairs, is set to take place in Indianapolis next month when more than 400 candy and snack companies converge on the city to celebrate the industry’s most innovative products.

It’s the first time the trade fair has been held in Indianapolis – it’s usually held every year in Chicago but after the cancellation last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers the National Confectioners Association (NCA) secured down a new venue and date to make sure the show went ahead in 2021.

“The Sweets & Snacks Expo offers the candy and snack industries the chance to come together and share their latest new products and innovations,” said John Downs, president & CEO of the NCA. “This year, this event is even more important as confectionery and snack products have helped consumers improve their emotional wellbeing during a challenging time. We know after a year of treating and snacking at home during the pandemic, they’re hungry for new product innovation from their favourite brands.”

Indianapolis has played host to important events this year, including the NCAA Men’s March Madness basketball tournament, and the Sweets & Snacks Expo will join these events to give the candy and snack industries the chance to get back to business and deliver the latest innovations from some of America’s favourite candy and snack companies, the NCA said in a release.

The NCA’s latest numbers indicate growing industry excitement around the show:

2,250 retail attendees representing 1,400 banners across all classes of trade and counting
95% of attendees say networking at the Sweets & Snacks Expo exceeds their expectations
92% of attendees say Sweets & Snacks Expo education exceeds their expectations

More than 70 suppliers to the candy and snack industries have locked in their attendance at the inaugural Supplier Showcase, which takes place Tuesday, 22 June, the day before the show begins.

How does new COVID-19 guidelines affect the Sweets & Snacks Expo in

On May 14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued

The new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that fully vaccinated people may forgo masking and social distancing in many indoor situations. This latest guidance, combined with the CDC previously stating that fully vaccinated people can travel, is welcome news, said the Expo's organisers.

The said masks remain required to attend the Sweets & Snacks Expo, and Marion County health officials reiterated that the mask mandate in Indianapolis remains in effect. In issuing updated guidance on masking and events, the CDC said that masks are still advisable for large gatherings. "The more precautions we can take together as attendees, the safer we will all be, which is why it is so critical to wear a mask at this year’s show."

"This is all such exciting news and a sign that we are on the verge of a post-pandemic 'normal'," said a spokesperson.

The NCA said the Sweets & Snacks Expo show management, the City of Indianapolis and the Indiana Convention Center have worked together to ensure that the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be successful and safe for all attendees.

The City of Indianapolis has invested $7m in convention centre upgrades, including hospital-grade air filtration, touchless doors, Clorox 360 sanitation, hand sanitiser stations and safe concessions and dining areas. Additionally, the show will require masking, social distancing, and daily temperature checks.