Record Global Participation Expected at Sweets & Snacks Expo

CHICAGO -- Companies from 23 countries have secured booths or pavilions to exhibit at the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, scheduled for May 21-23 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Organizers are promising the most successful show in the event’s 16-year history.

“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 the Washington, D.C.-based trade association. “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.”

This year's show will welcome back the Brazilian, Chinese, German and Mexican pavilions, and will feature a Ecuadorian pavilion for the first time. The expo will also offer an international product showcase, an exporter floor plan, and a guided retail tour that makes it easier for international attendees to find their way around the event.

“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,” noted Graham. “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 2013 show will present the latest products from around the world, including those from famous European companies such as Panda in Finland; Pure Chocolate Ltd. in Latvia; Hellema Hallum BV in The Netherlands; and TotteGott Confectionery Group, Candy People, Solberga Konfektyrfabrik AB and Nyakers Pepparkator AB from Sweden.

Additionally, expo attendees will have access to Argentinian, Saudi Arabian and Russian products, with OBLITA, National Biscuits & Confectionery Co. Ltd. and POBEDA Confectionery exhibiting for the first time.

As in years past, the expo will feature the International Welcome Lounge adjacent to the show floor, where translators and representatives can field questions, provide concierge services and help make guests from around the world more comfortable and their visits more productive.