Discover
the latest new items, the hottest new confectionery and
snack companies, innovative merchandising ideas and
much more at the 2009 ALL CANDY EXPO®
The
2009 ALL CANDY EXPO®, held May 19-21, 2009 in Chicago,
Ill., USA, delivers the most new products that are proven performers
in this economy. In these tough economic times, retailers are
seeking out confectionery and snack products because they are
profitable, expandable, promotable and recession resistant.
The 2009 EXPO is your one-stop shop.
The ALL CANDY EXPO®,
sponsored by the National Confectionery Association, is billed
as the largest confectionery, cookie and snack show in the Americas
and will feature more than 450 companies showcasing the most
confectionery and snack products in one place, making it the
most valuable, time-effective event in the industry.
"Retailers know that
even in a troubled economy, they can increase their bottom line
by displaying candy and snacks items," commented NCA President,
Larry Graham. "In 2008, despite the economic challenge
of the past year, U.S. sales of confectionery items increased
by 2.2 %"
Confectionery and snack
products sell in every type of retail outlet and the ALL CANDY
EXPO® is the only show in the U.S representing all of the
major distribution and trade channels for candy and snacks.
In 2008, over 5,000 pre-qualified buyers from 60 different countries
attended the EXPO.
Come see what's NEW at the
2009 EXPO
Confectionery, snack and cookie categories make up a $300 billion
industry worldwide, so the EXPO offers even more ways that attendees
can improve their buying efficiencies by offering new exhibitors,
new products, new attractions and new ways to increase profits.
"The 2009 EXPO is all
about new. We expect close to 100 new exhibiting companies this
year, a bigger, better Gourmet Marketplace, the debut of the
Retail Merchandising Solution Center and that's just the beginning,"
noted Tom Joyce, ALL CANDY EXPO® Chairman and vice president,
customer & industry affairs for The Hershey Company. "In
addition, more than 2,000 new confectionery and snack products
are introduced every year - our New Product Showcase is the
source to find the best and brightest of the new releases."
Since
candy and snacks are the most responsive food categories to
display treatment, the Retail
Merchandising Solution Center was a natural addition
to the 2009 EXPO. This center is an area for retailers to source
the latest fixtures and displays from the top names in the industry.
The center also features the Magic of Merchandising Display
Gallery offering ideas and solutions that worked for other retailers.
The Gourmet Marketplace
addresses the double digit sales growth in this hot confectionery
and snack category. The marketplace, occupying prime real estate
on the show floor, features a variety of specialty products
in every segment from premium and upscale to fortified, all
natural and organic. "With sales growing at least 20% each
year in this category, the Gourmet Marketplace gives you dedicated
look at this segment featuring some of the hottest and trendiest
products and exhibitors," comments Jorge Farber, president,
The Madelaine Chocolate Company who spearheaded the creation
of the Gourmet Marketplace three years ago.
Featured
companies, presenters and artisans in A Taste of Gourmet experience
area within the Gourmet Marketplace include:
•
Jacques Torres, Master Chef and Dean of Pastry Arts
• Michael Antonorsi, Master Chef & Chocolatier, Chuao
Chocolatier
• Executive Pastry Chef Frederic Loraschi, Chocolat Michel
Cluizel
• Chef Suzy - chocolate creativity at it's best!
• DOVE(r) chocolate pairings with the E. & J. GALLO®
Winery
• The French Pastry School - see top pastry chefs in action
• Hello Cupcake! - learn the craft of cupcake decorating
• Green & Black's USA - experience the purely organic
journey from bean to bar
Keep
ahead of the curve and learn from industry professionals on
hot issues and opportunities within the confectionery and snack
industries. The 2009 ALL CANDY EXPO® Educational
Program includes sessions on the hottest new trends,
the economy's impact on confectionery and what the future of
snacking will look like. A full education overview can be found
online.
Special
International Attendee Benefits
With exports sales up over 21% in 2008, the 2009 EXPO is pulling
out all of the stops to connect with the International buyer
community. In addition to a fully staffed, on-site lounge, International
attendees will get a sneak preview of the show on Monday, May
18th at the Confectionery Export Extravaganza. Attendees will
meet face-to-face with confectionery manufacturer representatives
whose products are exported around the world. International
attendees also have an opportunity to go on a retail store tour
and learn how U.S. retailers merchandise to their customers.
For questions about the 2009 ALL CANDY EXPO®, contact NCA
or visit us on the web!