Record Global Participation Expected at Sweets & Snacks Expo

For the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, scheduled for May 21-23 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, companies from 23 countries have secured booths or pavilions on the nearly sold-out show floor. As a result, the trade show promises to be the most successful 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,” explained 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.”

The show will welcome back the Brazilian, Chinese, German and Mexican pavilions, as well as hosting 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,” added 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 expo additionally offers such features and amenities as 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 show will present the latest products from around the world, including those from famous European companies that include 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. Expo attendees will also have access to Argentinian, Saudi Arabian and Russian products, as OBLITA, National Biscuits & Confectionery Co. Ltd and POBEDA confectionery plan to 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.,” noted 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 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.