The 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo opened this morning to record-breaking numbers as it embarks on a landmark new partnership with the City of Indianapolis. Sweets & Snacks is the premiere event for the confectionery and snack categories in the Americas, and this week, the show will draw 16,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to the Indiana Convention Center.

“For more than 25 years, Sweets & Snacks Expo has served as a launchpad for new products across the candy and snack categories and that innovation is on full display this week in Indianapolis,” says John Downs, president and chief executive officer of the National Confectioners Association, host organization for Sweets & Snacks Expo. “The show offers attendees the opportunity to discover emerging trends, learn from industry experts, and connect with peers and partners from throughout the industry. As we embark on this next chapter, there is no doubt that Indianapolis is the right city to meet the growing demand for our show.”

“Beyond the commercial impact the Sweets & Snacks Expo has on the Indianapolis-area economy, there is also another important economic impact driven by all the local candy and snack manufacturers that call Indiana home, providing thousands of jobs throughout our state,” says Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “This fantastic partnership between the Sweets & Snacks Expo, the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana is so appreciated and represents a delicious future in the years ahead.”

Sweets & Snacks Expo creates a vibrant, shared space to foster deeper connections among manufacturers, suppliers, and retail partners. The show features education sessions led by the industry's foremost experts and thought leaders. There are countless treats and snacks debuted at the show each year featuring the hottest flavor, packaging, and product trends. All of this combined enables Indianapolis and Sweets & Snacks Expo to have wide-reaching marketplace influence and deep cultural relevance.

“Indy has successfully hosted many of the country's largest and most anticipated events and now Sweets and Snacks joins the ranks of these world-class events,” says Leonard Hoops, president and chief executive officer of Visit Indy. “The show’s impact will reach beyond the Indiana Convention Center to all corners of Central Indiana. With an estimated economic impact of more than $12 million, Sweets & Snacks will be a boon to the entire region.”

Innovative New Products

Sweets & Snacks Expo announced the winners of the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards, recognizing excellence in 13 categories and showcasing the most innovative ideas, concepts, and products across the candy and snack industries.

“With the Most Innovative New Product Awards, we celebrate the innovation that sets flavor and product trends for the confectionery and snack categories, and, in many ways, carries heavy influence across the entire food industry,” says John Downs. “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. Through these awards, we recognize the manufacturers, retail partners, suppliers, and brokers who play a role in delighting consumers across the country and around the world.”

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. Beginning May 14, these products will be on display in the Featured Product Showcase at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

The 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