Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Sweets & Snacks Expo launches with ‘Oscars of the candy world’
Hosted by Elise Fennig from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and Sally Lyons Wyatt from event sponsor Circana, The Indianapolis Convention Center’s elegant Ballroom was the setting for the event that has become akin to The Oscars for the candy industry, except without the sometimes embarrassing and tedious acceptance speeches.
The awards are designed to showcase the most innovative ideas, concepts, and products across the candy and snack industries.
Fennig and Lyons Watt are quite the double act themselves, racing through the ceremony faster than an Indy car around the famous speedway track - and with the Indy 500 race just around the corner, Fennig invited Swedish racing driver and 2022 race winner Marcus Ericsson to the stage, where he explained the importance of innovation in his industry if one wants to stay ahead of the pack.
Influence
It was a theme picked up on by John Downs, president & CEO of the NCA, which is the host organisation for Sweets & Snacks Expo, when he said: “With the Most Innovative New Product Awards, we celebrate the innovation that sets flavour and product trends for the confectionery and snack categories, and, in many ways, carries heavy influence across the entire food industry.”
Each year, more than 300 confectionery and snack products are submitted for consideration in categories including Small Business Innovator and Best in Show, and retail leaders specializing in these powerhouse categories serve as judges.
So, without further ado, The 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards Winners are:
Chocolate: SKIPPY – Milk Chocolate PB Minis
Meat Snacks: CHYLER’S – Hawaiian Beef Chips – Original with Roasted Garlic
Savory Snacks: For the first time in MINPA history…a TIE!
Our Home, YOU NEED THIS – Hot Cheddar Fries
PepsiCo Foods – Doritos Dinamita Smoky Chile Queso
Seasonal: Crazy Candy, Anderson’s Crazy Candy – Peanut Brittle
Gum & Mints: Mars Wrigley North America, HUBBA BUBBA – Mini Gum in Skittles Original Flavors
Gourmet/Premium | Candy: Lakrids by Bulow – Passionfruit Chocolate-Coated Licorice
Baked Goods: Simply Good Foods Company, Quest – Strawberry Cake Frosted Cookies
Novelty/Licensed: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Banana
Non-Chocolate Candy: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Mango
Salty Snacks: Nomad Snacks – Ramen Popcorn
Sweet Snacks: Nerdy Nuts – Banana Cream Pie Peanut Butter Treat
Small Business Innovator: Issei – Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mochi Gummies
Best in Show: Nerdy Nuts – Avalanche Peanut Butter Treat
“As consumers look to confectionery and snacks to enhance special moments, celebratory occasions, holidays, and everyday activities, this innovation is more important than ever before,” said Downs.
“Through these awards, we recognise the manufacturers, retail partners, suppliers, and brokers who play a role in delighting consumers across the country and around the world.”
- The award winners are displayed in the Featured Product Showcase at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
