According to the NCA, the Expo is slated to grow 20% this year. More than 130 new companies will fill the convention halls May 24 through 26 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
With 630 companies showcasing at the 2015 event, that means more than 750 exhibitors are expected to participate 2016, with 16,000 industry professionals from across the world.
NCA claims the event has a 98% loyalty rating, keeping attendees and exhibitors coming back each year.
Managing growth, showcasing innovation
Barry Rosenbaum, Expo chairman and president of Nassau Candy Distributors, said this even has become a place where attendees can gain the best access to products, businesses, people and insights they need to help grow their business.
“Managing the growth of the Expo over the past several years has allowed us to deliberately and carefully plan for additional exhibit space, new educational offerings and more networking opportunities,” Rosenbaum said.
The event will feature a showcase and ceremony for the Most Innovative New Products. Visitor will be able to experience the top 45 new items deemed to have potential as best sellers by the Expo's Taste Panel. Attendees can then vote electronically on their favorite new item.
Skyline Hall will also feature the latest emerging trends in the industry in an expanded Innovation Avenue.
To get a feel for what the 2016 expo has to offer, take a look at some of BakeryandSnacks’ coverage of the 2015 Sweet & Snacks Expo:
Snack product pairing: Think fresh grapes and dairy cheese
Superseedz: Start-ups must never underestimate packaging power
Hershey to become ‘further engrained’ in snacks
What trends do you think will show up this year? Let us know on BakeryandSnacks Twitter or Facebook pages.