Overview of the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024

Date & Venue:

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024 will be held from May 14-16 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. This marks a new era for the event, as it transitions from its long-standing home in Chicago to a new venue, reflecting the organizers' intent to refresh the experience and broaden its reach.

About:

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the largest confectionery and snack trade show in North America, organized by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). It serves as the premier platform for showcasing the latest innovations in the sweets and snacks industry, attracting professionals from across the globe. The expo offers a unique opportunity for retailers, wholesalers, and distributors to discover new products, trends, and business opportunities.

Industry Segments:

Confectionery, Snacks, Gourmet, Organic, Free-from, Plant-based, Packaging, Ingredients

Market Size & Overview of the Industry Segment:

The global confectionery and snack market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, valued at over $1 trillion in 2023. The industry has seen significant growth driven by increasing consumer demand for innovative, health-conscious, and convenient products. The Sweets & Snacks Expo plays a crucial role in this market by highlighting the latest trends and technologies that shape the future of the industry. With an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and consumer-driven products, the expo provides a comprehensive overview of the market’s trajectory.

Attendance & Participation:

The 2024 expo is expected to attract over 16,000 professionals from various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and distribution. The event will feature more than 800 exhibitors, offering a diverse range of products and services. Participants will include top industry players, emerging brands, and international companies, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the sweets and snacks industry.

Who Should Visit:

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is ideal for a wide range of industry professionals, including:

Retailers looking for the latest products to stock their shelves
Wholesalers and distributors seeking new partnerships and products
Manufacturers interested in the latest trends and innovations
Suppliers of packaging, ingredients, and machinery for the sweets and snacks industry
Marketing and R&D professionals focusing on product development and market trends

Exhibitor Analysis of the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024

Top 5 Major Exhibitors:

Mars Wrigley Confectionery: A global leader in the confectionery segment, Mars Wrigley is known for its iconic brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles. The company continues to innovate in both product offerings and sustainable practices, making it a key player in the sweets industry.
Hershey Company: One of the oldest and most respected names in the confectionery world, Hershey’s portfolio includes popular products like Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, and Kit Kat. The company is focused on expanding its snack offerings and exploring new flavors and formats.
Ferrero Group: Known for its premium chocolates, including Ferrero Rocher and Kinder, Ferrero is a powerhouse in the global confectionery market. The company emphasizes quality and tradition while also investing in new product development and sustainability.
Mondelez International: As the parent company of brands like Oreo, Cadbury, and Toblerone, Mondelez is a significant exhibitor at the expo. The company is focused on growth through innovation in snacks and confectionery, including healthy snacking options.
Adams & Brooks, Inc.: Adams & Brooks, Inc. is an American confectionery company with a rich history of producing high-quality, innovative candy products, including their famous lollipops, chocolates, and caramel treats. Renowned for their commitment to flavor and creativity, they have delighted consumers with classic and seasonal sweets for decades.

Participating Countries:

Total Participating Countries: 38+
Top 5 Countries by Company Count:
USA: 934 companies (78%)
Canada: 50 companies (4%)
Turkey: 35 companies (3%)
China: 32 companies (3%)
Mexico: 23 companies (2%)

Major Types of Companies:

Total Number of Unique Company Types: 67+
Top 5 Company Types:
Food Processing: 886 companies (74%)
Manufacturing: 635 companies (53%)
Food Brands: 154 companies (13%)
Retailers: 85 companies (7%)
Technology Services: 68 companies (6%)

Major Product Categories:

Total Number of Unique Product Categories: 384+
Top 5 Product Categories:
Confectionery: 505 companies (42%)
Snack Foods: 458 companies (38%)
Bakery Products: 103 companies (9%)
Packaging: 94 companies (8%)
Food Additives and Ingredients: 66 companies (6%)

Major Product Items:

Total Number of Unique Product Items: 5,973
Top 15 Products: Chocolate Bars, Lollipops, Cookies, Trail Mixes, Chocolates, Dried Fruits, Candies, Hard Candy, Gummies, Biscuits, Snacks, Cakes, Wafers, Healthy Snacks, and Beverages.

This detailed exhibitor analysis offers a comprehensive view of the participants, the diversity of products, and the global reach of the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024

Interesting Insights

Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Company Types:

Food Processing: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia and others
Manufacturing: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia and others
Food Brands: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Greece, Italy and others
Retailers: Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, USA
Technology Services: Canada, Germany, Italy, USA

Exhibiting Countries of Top 5 Product Categories:

Confectionery: USA, Canada, Australia, China, Pakistan, Belgium, India, Germany, UK, France, Japan
Snack Foods: USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Poland, Turkey, South Korea, Brazil, India, Italy
Bakery Products: USA, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Canada
Packaging: USA, China, Germany, South Korea, Canada, Poland, Italy, France
Food Additives and Ingredients: USA, Morocco, Poland, Peru, Greece, Canada, India, Netherlands

Exhibiting Countries of Top 10 Products:

Biscuits: Pakistan, India, Turkey, Morocco, Sri Lanka, USA
Candies: USA, Pakistan, Turkey, Japan, India
Chocolate Bars: Brazil, Canada, USA, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Mexico
Chocolates: USA, Turkey, Canada, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Italy, Japan
Cookies: USA, India, Netherlands, Poland, Canada, Mexico, Germany
Dried Fruits: Canada, USA, Turkey, Morocco
Gummies: USA, Canada, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, China
Hard Candy: USA, Belgium, Mexico, China, Turkey, Brazil
Lollipops: Canada, China, USA, Turkey, Morocco, India, Brazil
Trail Mixes: USA, Mexico

Top 5 Exhibiting Countries and Their Product Details:

USA
Trail Mixes, Dried Fruits, Cookies, Chocolate Bars, Gummies
Confectionery, Snack Foods, Packaging, Bakery Products
Food Processing, Manufacturing, Food Brands, Retailers
Canada
Gummies, Almonds, Cashews, Raisins, Sunflower Seeds
Confectionery, Snack Foods, Beverages, Packaging
Food Processing, Manufacturing, Distributors, Retailers
Turkey
Cakes, Chocolates, Wafers, Chocolate Bars, Licorice
Confectionery, Bakery Products, Snack Foods
Food Processing, Manufacturing, Retailers, Food Brands
China
Lollipops, Gummy Candy, Hard Candy, Jimmies Sprinkles, Biscuits
Packaging, Confectionery, Food Processing Machines
Manufacturing, Food Processing, Exporters, Equipment Providers
Mexico
Snacks, Confectionery, Cookies, Beverages, Healthy Snacks
Snack Foods, Beverages, Food Additives and Ingredients
Food Processing, Manufacturing, Food Brands, Distributors

Key Highlights

Key Industry Segments:

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024 spans several critical industry segments, each playing a pivotal role in the global confectionery and snack markets. The primary segments include:

Confectionery: This segment is the backbone of the expo, featuring a wide array of products such as chocolates, candies, and gummies. It's a dynamic category with both established brands and innovative newcomers showcasing their latest offerings.
Snack Foods: Another dominant segment, snack foods at the expo range from traditional chips and pretzels to healthier options like protein bars and trail mixes. The segment is driven by consumer demand for convenient, on-the-go products.
Gourmet and Specialty Foods: This includes premium, organic, and artisanal products. With an increasing consumer interest in high-quality and unique flavors, this segment is growing rapidly.
Packaging and Ingredients: These segments focus on the materials and substances that make products possible. Packaging innovations, especially those geared towards sustainability, are a significant focus, along with ingredients that cater to health-conscious consumers.
Plant-Based and Free-From Products: Reflecting broader industry trends, this segment includes products free from allergens, gluten, and animal products, meeting the rising demand for healthier and ethical snacking options.

Market Trends:

Several key market trends are expected to dominate discussions and displays at the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024:

Health and Wellness: There is a noticeable shift towards healthier snacks and confectioneries. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that are low in sugar, high in protein, and made from natural or plant-based ingredients. This trend is pushing companies to innovate in product formulations and ingredient sourcing.
Sustainability: Sustainability continues to be a major focus, particularly in packaging. Brands are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint by adopting eco-friendly packaging materials and practices. This trend is also extending to sustainable sourcing of ingredients.
Global Flavors and Fusion: Consumers are more adventurous than ever, seeking out bold and diverse flavors inspired by global cuisines. Products that combine traditional flavors with new, exotic tastes are becoming increasingly popular.
Premiumization: There's a growing appetite for premium products that offer superior quality, unique flavors, and artisanal craftsmanship. This trend is particularly strong in the confectionery segment, where luxury chocolates and gourmet candies are gaining traction.
Technology Integration: The integration of technology in production and marketing is another trend shaping the industry. Companies are leveraging data analytics, AI, and digital marketing to better understand consumer preferences and to personalize the customer experience.

Conclusion

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024 is more than just a trade show; it’s a dynamic hub where industry trends come to life, innovation takes center stage, and global connections are forged. From the latest in healthy snacks to cutting-edge packaging solutions, this event showcases the future of the confectionery and snack industries. With its diverse range of exhibitors, international participation, and focus on key market trends, the expo offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and learning.

The Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024: Exhibitors