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INDIANAPOLIS, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Confectioners Association (NCA) today announced 2024's top candy and snack trends. For nearly three decades, the trends showcased at the Sweets & Snacks Expo have influenced trends across the food industry – and with 1,000 exhibitors spread across more than 250,000 square feet of the Indiana Convention Center, the opportunity for trendspotting is unmatched.

What the experts are saying: John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, the host organization for Sweets & Snacks, said:

 "The candy and snack categories have always been on the cutting edge of innovation, as the entire food industry looks for inspiration from the trends found at the Sweets & Snacks Expo. Each year, the show is host to a community willing to fully embrace the spirit of innovation, which is a net positive for everyone: manufacturers flex their creativity, retailers surprise shoppers throughout the store, and – of course – consumers benefit from a wide range of choices in the candy and snack aisles."

What you need to know: Here are the top trends consumers can expect to see in the candy and snack aisles in the coming months:

• Enhancing special moments and occasions: Companies are meeting consumers where they want to be met with innovative new products to celebrate the big four seasons and a variety of package size options that can brighten any occasion, from the Super Bowl to summer barbecues to Halloween – and everything in between. Candy and snacks enhance special moments, including family traditions, social gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.
• Multisensory experiences: Consumers will be delighted by fun and unique textures and flavor combinations, whether enjoying freeze-dried candy and puffed snacks or a never-before-tasted mix of flavors and textures combined.
• Social media stars: Candy and snacks take the spotlight on social media as consumers share their favorite innovations – you can expect the upcoming buzz on TikTok and Instagram to include interactive and gamified products.

More hot products: The Most Innovative New Product Awards recognized products in 12 categories, plus the coveted Best in Show.

Register now: The Sweets & Snacks Expo is taking place at the Indiana Convention Center from May 14 – 16. To register, visit SweetsAndSnacks.com.

Set up an interview: To set up an interview with a Sweets & Snacks Expo spokesperson, please email SweetsAndSnacks@locuststreet.com. Please visit the official Sweets & Snacks Expo Media Kit for more information on the show and media resources.

About Sweets & Snacks Expo  
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier event for the confectionery and snack industries. Featuring new product launches, business-building solutions and merchandising innovations, this annual trade show brings together qualified candy and snack retail professionals and company representatives who showcase the latest in candy and snack products. The event is sponsored by the National Confectioners Association. Learn more at SweetsAndSnacks.com.

About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the $48 billion U.S. confectionery industry. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Media Contact
SweetsAndSnacks@locuststreet.com

SOURCE Sweets & Snacks Expo