Walking into the 2013 Sweets and Snacks Expo was eye-popping fun. The Expo was full of color, design, giant characters, and treats to taste. But, while the Expo was not lacking in variety, popular trends could be detected at the show. Innovation and health and wellness were brought to life through a sense of discovery, which allowed attendees to truly experience differences across brands.
Innovation Alley was home to unique treats including peppermint-chocolate flavored popcorn from 479° Popcorn or the reverse popcorn flavored chocolate from Chuao Chocolatier®. The combination of different flavors and sampling showcased how manufacturers are using temptation and taste to encourage exploration and discovery.
The shift to a more health-conscious culture was also popular at the Expo. The sweets and snacks category is helping shoppers tap in to healthier options—despite that it’s a category not typically described as healthy—by labeling products with key words such as non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free and always allowing the option for miniature sized bars and bags so consumers can indulge with less guilt.
Through innovation, taste, texture, and brand presentation, the Sweets and Snacks Expo attendees were able to experience brands first hand. It will be interesting to see how these manufacturers continue to bring their brands to life in store to maintain the stopping power at shelf that they had at the Expo. Have you been tempted by a new flavor in store lately?
