The future of snacking starts in Indianapolis
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The sweetest event of the year returns to Indy. Photo: Courtesy of Sweets & Snacks Expo
What your pantry looks like in a few years could be shaped by high-level candy conversations happening this week in Indianapolis.
Why it matters: With an estimated economic impact of $13 million, the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo at the Indiana Convention Center represents an important long-term partnership for Indy's convention industry that contributed to last year being an all-timer.
Zoom in: More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the four-day gathering, organized by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and billed as the "Super Bowl" of the snack industry.
- This is where the biggest brands unveil their latest products and budding snack makers strut their stuff in a showcase of startups.
The big picture: Key conversations will center on serious industry challenges, particularly consumer spending habits and food policy changes under the Trump administration.
- Those include the Robert F. Kennedy Jr.-influenced "Make Indiana Healthy Again" effort, which prompted a response from NCA leaders, who called the initiative, which includes restricting candy and soft drinks from SNAP benefits, "misguided and not needed."
- "One thing that is really important to keep in mind is that in terms of permissible indulgence and differentiation, we have never promoted chocolate or candy as a meal replacement," NCA president and CEO John Downs told Axios. "It's a treat, and consumers in America consume our products that way. So there is common sense there."
State of play: The trends Downs expects to dominate expo conversations this week and future store shelves come down to three big concepts:
🌶️ Bold flavors: Consumers are really into snacks with big, impactful, international flavors. No plain chops over here.
🎄 Special occasions: Products tied to holidays, traditions and celebrations are hot. Think limited-run and "get them before they're gone" offers.
💡 Innovation: Downs said this year's event has more than 400 products in 12 categories in a special presentation of new ideas happening this week.
Yes, but: You can't head to the show floor to get a taste of the next big thing in snacking. The expo is not open to the general public.
Fun fact: The NCA broke a record the first time it hosted the convention in Indy in 2021, with more than 16,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, making it their biggest expo ever.