WASHINGTON -- Expanding its status as a global resource for products, innovations and insights, more than 90 countries will be represented at the 2015 NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo, sponsored by the National Confectioners Association (NCA).
The sold-out Expo, to be held May 19-21 at Chicago's McCormick Place, is considered to be the premier tradeshow for the confectionery industry. Companies from 23 countries have secured booths or pavilions on the show's floor.
"The international presence at the Sweets & Snacks Expo shows the power of confections globally," said John H. Downs Jr. president and CEO of NCA. "Our retail partners and consumers understand and appreciate the role confections play in a happy, balanced lifestyle worldwide. Having experienced significant growth in floor size and attendees for the 18th year in a row is proof that confections have their place in the global marketplace."
NCA has intensified its worldwide outreach efforts. Hosting reverse trade missions in collaboration with Food Export, the Sweets & Snacks Expo has become an important event for the international confectionery industry. The 2014 Sweets & Snacks Expo's reverse trade mission participants reported actual export sales of $17.8 million and 202 buyer/seller introductions with 18 companies seeing a sales increase of 20% or more.
"The Expo serves as a destination for global confectionery and snack markets to come together," said Tim Quinn, Expo chairman and vice president of trade development for Mars Chocolate North America. "Worldwide, sweets and snacks are a $429 billion business. Our attendees know the exceptional selling power of sweets and snacks."
Attendee registration is tracking nearly 10% ahead of 2014, said the association, with 10% of attendees traveling from outside of the United States historically. More than 6,000 pre-qualified confectionery and snack trade partners register to attend, representing key distribution channels like grocery, convenience store and mass merchandise, as well as niche and specialty outlets. The Sweets & Snacks Expo represents all of the major U.S. distribution channels of candy and snack products in one location.
The Expo is also offering re-engineered, relevant knowledge-building sessions during both the keynote addresses and in an interactive TED-style theater live on the show floor. These comprehensive educational opportunities address a wide range of topics from global socio-economic issues impacting business, to research on the needs of millennial shoppers, as well as how to leverage sales through retail design and visual merchandising, and several others.
"The Sweets & Snacks Expo is now positioned as the premier insights provider for connecting attendees with leading experts to help them solve challenges they face in their business," said Quinn.
The Expo is positioned to present the newest products from around the world, including those from companies such as Allie & Rose from Australia; Lir Chocolates from Ireland; Pure Chocolate Ltd. and Laima from Latvia; Van der Meulen-The Masterbaker from Netherlands; Tago PPC Tadeusz Gotlebiewski, Dr Gerard and Lotte Wedel from Poland; Vieira de Castro-Productos Alimentares SA from Portugal; AgrouSouz LLC and Pobeda Confectionery from Russia; Candy People from Sweden, Burton's Biscuits Co. from the United Kingdom, Elledia S.p.A., Fini Golosinas Espana SLU, Pernigotti, Productos Churruca SA, Messori Cioccolateria Srl and Vidal Candies from Spain.
The 2015 Expo will welcome back the Brazilian, Chinese, German and Mexican pavilions.
The NCA is the trade organization representing the $35 billion U.S. confections industry. With members in more than 40 states employing approximately 70,000 workers in more than 1,000 facilities across the United States, NCA exists to advance, protect and promote the confectionery industry. NCA and its members value the fun and enjoyment of chocolate, candy, gum and mints, serving as a transparent and trustworthy source while building and promoting a responsible industry. As the leading trade association for the industry, NCA plays a role in the public's understanding and appreciation of candy's unique role in a happy, balanced lifestyle.
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