WASHINGTON -- The 2016 Sweets & Snacks Expo will welcome its largest number of international exhibitors to date with more than 100 companies from across the globe.
Hosted by the National Confectioners Association from May 24 to 26 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the 2016 Expo expects more than 700 exhibitors.
Products from more than 25 countries will be on display at seven international pavilions.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo welcomes two new pavilions from Brazil (Happy Baked Goods) and the United Kingdom. Other international pavilions returning to the Expo include China, Brazil (ABICAB), Germany, Mexico and Turkey.
“With 15% of our attendee registration coming from outside the U.S. and growing, the expansion to our new Skyline Hall was driven to accommodate the trend in international attendance,” said Barry Rosenbaum, Expo chairman and president of Nassau Candy Distributors Inc. “Our attendees know the Expo offers the widest range of industry experts, trend updates and product innovation, making it the best business value in the candy and snack industry.”
NCA’s Sweets & Snacks Expo’s international attendee footprint consists of 32% hailing from Canada, 24% from Latin America (including Mexico), 15% from Asia, 8% from the Middle East and Africa, 7% from Western Europe and 14% from other regions around the world.
Special amenities are offered to international attendees that make it easier for them to explore both on and off the show floor including an international welcome lounge. Adjacent to the show floor, it is a place where translators and representatives can answer questions, offer concierge services and assist in making visitors comfortable and productive during their visit.
In addition to the lounge, other features for international attendees include a global overview of the state of the confections and snacks industry, a customized floor plan that highlights export-friendly companies, a guided retail store tour and the new product showcase.
Nearly half of all Expo exhibitors export outside of the United States with many more looking for opportunities to distribute internationally.
The Expo presents the newest products from around the world, including those from a number of companies exhibiting for the first time, including Andros Confiserie and Yves Thuries Chocolatier from France; Vicenzi Biscotti SPA from Italy; Ginbis Company, Ltd. from Japan; Rompin Integrated Pineapple Industry from Malaysia; Helwa Wafelbakkerij BV from Netherlands; Wafra International from Saudi Arabia; Europraline SL from Spain; Boncha Boncha Corp. from Taiwan; Banana Joe, Lily Tobeka Co. Ltd., V&K Pineapple Canning Co. Ltd. from Thailand and Tilly Confectionery Ltd. from the United Kingdom.
The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization representing the $35 billion U.S. confections 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.
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