Sweets & Snacks Expo Gets International Flair
CHICAGO — The National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) 2017 Sweets & Snacks Expo will bring international flair to Chicago’s McCormick Place May 23-25.
According to NCA, this year’s expo will exhibit more than 125 companies from outside the United States, making it the largest for international exhibitors.
Products from more than 25 different countries will be on display, including eight international pavilions. A new pavilion from Quebec, Canada will be debuting this year, while pavilions from Brazil, China, Germany, Mexico, Turkey, and the United Kingdom will be returning.
"Our international presence continues to grow each year as the expo strives to offer a truly travel-worthy business value that allows visitors to discover the most new candy and snack products, learn about emerging trends and connect with peers," commented Barry Rosenbaum, expo chairman and president of Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.
"We understand busy schedules which is why this year, attendees can choose from pre-show ‘eye openers’ exploring State of the Market trends in candy, snacks and specialty as well as 30-minute knowledge-building labs happening live on the show floor," he added.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo will continue to host the International Welcome Lounge, where translators and representatives can answer questions, and offer concierge services and assistance to make visitors productive and comfortable during their visit, NCA stated.
Other special amenities for international attendees include an international global overview of the state of the candy and snacks industry, a customized floor plan highlighting export-friendly companies, a guided retail store tour, and the new product showcase.
First-time international companies showcasing at this year’s expo include:
- Aalst Chocolate Pte. Ltd., Singapore
- Au’some Europe S.L. and Grefusa, Spain
- Kabaya Foods Corp., Japan
- Mokate SA, Poland
- NYL Foods Ltd., Israel
- Pran Exports Ltd., Bangladesh
- Tecnica Mexicana De Alimentacion S.A. De C.V., Mexico
- Torto Food Industries (M) SDN BHD, Malaysia
- West East International Ltd., Turkey