WASHINGTON -- The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, , to be held May 21-23 at Chicago's McCormick Place, continues to expand as a global resource for products, innovations and insights, with companies from 23 countries securing booths or pavilions on the show's floor.
"NCA recognizes the power of U.S. brands around the world and the Expo serves as a destination for global markets to come together," said Larry Graham, president of NCA. "The 2013 Expo is the ideal venue to connect with industry professionals from around the world and to discover international products and trends that will set retailers apart from the rest."
The show will welcome back the Brazilian, Chinese, German and Mexican pavilions and will also host the Ecuadorian pavilion for the first time.
"Every year we host a number of country pavilions, but in 2013 we are thrilled to host a new country's pavilion, and a number of new international companies, as well," Graham said. "Our far-reaching global efforts in the past year including hosting reverse trade missions and partnering with Euromonitor and Planet Retail on e-learning opportunities have helped established that both NCA and the Sweets & Snacks Expo are open for international business."
The Expo also offers several features and amenities including an International product showcase, an Exporter floorplan and a guided retail tour that make it easier for International attendees to explore both on and off the show floor.
The Expo is positioned to present the newest products from around the world, including those from a number of renowned European companies like Panda in Finland, Pure Chocolate Ltd. from Latvia, Hellema Hallum BV in the Netherlands and TotteGott Confectionery Group, Candy People, Solberga Konfektyrfabrik AB and Nyakers Pepparkator AB from Sweden.
The Expo will also provide customers access to Argentinian, Saudi Arabian and Russian products, as OBLITA, National Biscuits & Confectionery Co. Ltd and POBEDA confectionery will exhibit for the first time.
"This year we will also welcome the Prime Minister of Latvia, Valdis Dombrovskis, who will visit NP Foods (Laima) and Pure Chocolate, Ltd.," said Graham. "His participation demonstrates how essential the confectionery business is to their economy, and his belief that the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the candy and snack industry's most successful, world-class event."
As in years past, the Expo will host the International Welcome Lounge adjacent to the show floor where translators and representatives can answer questions, offer concierge services and assist in making global visitors comfortable and their visit productive.
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