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National Confectioners Association

Bell Flavors & Fragrances Heads to ‘Big & Bold’ Sweet & Snacks Expo

The 2024 Sweet & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, returns with a theme that’s more “Big & Bold” than ever before. The trade show will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from May 14-16, bringing together thousands of manufacturers, retailers and suppliers in the confectionery and snack industry for unique insights, cutting-edge product innovations, and powerful connections.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. will join nearly 200 exhibitors at the Supplier Showcase from May 13-14 and hit the Trends & Innovation stage alongside presenters during eight must-see education sessions.

Join Vice President of Marketing & Industry Affairs Kelli Heinz and Senior Director of Marketing David Banks as they hit the Trends & Innovation Stage on May 15 at 1 pm ET and May 16 at 11 am ET to reveal Flavor Trends in Confections. This discussion will explore novel and soon-to-be-big trends in confectionery, with a focus on global and regional consumer behaviors influencing these trends and how different generations respond to new flavors in the marketplace.

Trends we are seeing this year encompass products that play off popular culture fads and a return to the classics,” Banks said. “These provide consumers a small indulgence or sense of security that comes from enjoying the regional and nostalgic treats from their youth.

“At the heart of confectionery trends lie two core elements – renovation and innovation. Whether it’s renovation of the classics to make products better for you with cleaner label ingredients, colors, and added benefits or innovation by adding a modern twist or brand partnership, the industry has the key ingredients to drive consumer engagement.”

For more information on this must-see session, click here.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in five tastings, each spotlighting one of Bell’s five global consumer Macro Trends as part of the Spark–Ignites Creativity, Inspires Senses Platform:

t’s always a treat to present Bell’s Spark Trends to the attendees of the Sweets & Snacks Expo.” Heinz said. “Our Spark Trends platform not only identifies what’s up and coming for flavor trends, but identifies what’s at the root of Macro and Micro trends impacting the confectionery industry as a collective whole. Each Macro trend presented will be supported by a unique tasting, so be sure to catch one of the presentations!”

Bell joins nearly 200 exhibitors at the Supplier Showcase on May 13 from 1-5 pm ET and May 14 from 9 am – 1 pm ET. Attendees can visit Bell Flavors & Fragrances at booth #3405 to explore innovative flavor trends and discover taste technology solutions (e.g., sugar reduction, flavor masking) that elevate confectionery, bakery, ice cream and savory snack portfolios. Bell’s cross-functional experts, including Sales, Sweet Applications and Marketing, will be onsite to discuss a tailored approach to pushing product development boundaries with taste.

To schedule an in-person appointment with our experts in advance of the show, reach out to info@bellff.com.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 110 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has 11 manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, India, Singapore, and China, with sales offices in more than 90 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers.

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Sweets & Snacks Expo to Rotate Between Indianapolis, Las Vegas

The  National Confectioners Association‘s Sweets & Snacks Expo will make a historic move to host the premier trade show for the confectionery and snack industries in a rotation between Indianapolis and Las Vegas over the next 10 years. This announcement comes as the show convenes to celebrate 25 years of candy and snack innovation.

Beginning in 2024, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will cycle through a rotation of two years at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, followed by one year at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas until 2032. In May, McCormick Place in Chicago will host the 2022 (May 23-26) and 2023 Sweets and Snacks Expos.

“Indianapolis and Las Vegas are the right fit to meet the growing demand for our show and enable it to continue providing the innovation, insights and connections that the candy and snacks industries want and need,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “This decision is all about the show’s future, and it was driven by our exhibitor and attendee community, for our exhibitor and attendee community.”

The decision to relocate the Sweets & Snacks Expo to Indianapolis and Las Vegas was made after careful deliberation by the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee, which is chaired by Ferrero/Fannie May Confections Vice President of Sales and Business Development Ed Seibolt, and the NCA Board of Trustees. In 2021, the show relocated to Indianapolis because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We saw great success in Indianapolis during the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo, with many attendees expressing a desire to return,” said Seibolt. “Similarly, Las Vegas is an international destination with the facilities and attractions to help the Sweets & Snacks Expo continue to scale. I believe all parties will benefit tremendously from everything our new host cities have to offer.”

The Sweets & Snacks Expo brings together confectionery and snack retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to showcase the latest product innovations. Every year, the show has a significant economic impact on its host city; in 2022, the show is expected to generate $21 million for the city of Chicago.

“It has been a great pleasure engaging with the staff, board, and business members of the National Confectioners Association over the past 18 months and hosting the Sweets & Snacks Expo last June,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “After the success of the 2021 show under particularly challenging conditions, Indy and the NCA were clearly a natural fit for long-term growth. The 2024 show can’t come soon enough and we look forward to hosting these amazing people and businesses, small and large, for many years to come.”

“We are honored the National Confectioners Association selected Las Vegas as a host city for the Sweets & Snacks Expo,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best candy and snack makers to the destination with an ‘Only Vegas’ experience.”

The full schedule of locations for the Sweets & Snacks Expo over the next decade is as follows. The show will continue to be held in May each year.

  • 2022 – McCormick Place in Chicago
  • 2023 – McCormick Place in Chicago
  • 2024 – Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis
  • 2025 – Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis
  • 2026 – Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas
  • 2027 – Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis
  • 2028 – Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis
  • 2029 – Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas
  • 2030 – Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
  • 2031 – Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
  • 2032 – Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

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