To be held biannually in rotation with SNAXPO, SNX is designed as a formal meeting point for producers and suppliers. It also features an interactive Experience Zone, allowing for informal networking and learning opportunities at each step of the production process, as well as an Education Arena where thought leaders discuss the industry’s most pressing topics.
Networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and provide companies with the tools they need to meet their goals for 2022 and beyond. Breakout sessions will address priority topics including the culture of snacking, regulatory priorities, labour impact on transportation, and transparency and sustainability in the food system.
SNAC Tank
The association’s popular SNAC Tank will coincide with SNX this year, with five finalists singled out to pitch to a live audience for the chance to win a $10,000 prize, along with valuable connection opportunities to help scale-up their business.
“SNAC is pleased to once again provide a platform for some of the most innovative start-up brands in our category to showcase their products at the inaugural SNX,” said Elizabeth Avery, president & CEO, SNAC International.
“Creative, savvy entrepreneurs are creating excitement for the category, and they continue to drive an expanding, evolving snack industry forward.”
Meet the finalists
Candid, which produces Noons – sustainably and ethically sourced cacao crunch bites packaged in compostable packaging. Noons are low in sugar and the first product to use cacao as a sweetener.
Daily Crunch Snacks is a sprouted nuts brand with a mission to reduce stigma around mental health. A portion of all its snack proceeds go to The Support Network.
Eat the Change, maker of Cosmic Carrot Chews, a planet and kid-friendly carrot snack made with simple ingredients, sweetened with fruit juice, and containing a full serving of carrots in every pouch.
Ka-Pop!, a baked, sorghum-based, vegan snack made with cold-pressed oil. Sorghum is an environmentally-friendly ancient grain.
Pulp Pantry, which produces Pulp veggie chips made from upcycled veggie pulp left over from the production of juice. The company seeks to reduce food waste while creating better-for-you, planet-friendly snacks.
SNX attendees will have the chance to sample products and interact with the entrepreneurs behind the finalist companies, along with other semi-finalists of the SNAC Tank Showcase, such as Revol Snax, Teton Valley Brands and Wine Chips.
“The snacking sector is one of the most competitive arenas in business, and our members are looking forward to seeing these emerging brands compete on the SNX mainstage for the chance to take their business to the next level,” said Avery.
The SNAC Tank judges
Hector De La Barreda, president of Amplify Snack Brands and exec VP of The Hershey Company’s New Ventures;
Greg Fleishman, cofounder of Foodstirs, Purely Righteous Brands, Up To Good, Union Snacks, and Fata & Fleishman CPG Mentorship;
Kristy Lewis, founder & chief visionary officer of Quinn Foods;
Johnny Tran, senior business development manager of General Mills’ 301 Inc;
Guest judge and keynote speaker Rohan Oza, founder and managing partner of CAVU Ventures, a consumer-focused investment firm with a successful track record of growing disruptive food brands.
Founded in 1937, SNAC International (formerly Snack Food Association) represents over 400 companies worldwide, including suppliers, marketers and manufacturers. SNAC is committed to create growth and opportunity through its three pillars of education, advocacy and networking.