As the Expo completes the first of its rotations through Indianapolis, the city has proven itself to be the ideal home setting and is set to return in 2027 and 2028.
“For the confections industry and the snacking industry, this is like our Super Bowl," said Greg Guidotti, the CMO of the Ferrara Candy Company and Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee Chair.
Next year, the trade show will move to Las Vegas after what has been described as ‘an incredible track record of success for the confectionery and snacks categories’ since pitching up in Indianapolis two years ago.
John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said: “When we selected Indianapolis to become one of the host cities for Sweets & Snacks Expo, we knew it would be a success, but we could not have predicted just how far our expectations would be exceeded.
“As we set new records for the number of attendees, visitors, and square footage covered, Sweets & Snacks cemented its reputation as the premier showcase for the confectionery and snacks categories.”
The 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo, highlights included:
Top Trends and Innovations
1. Bold Global Flavours: Manufacturers introduced products with adventurous tastes, such as Pickle Taffy and Ruby Chocolate Dipped Szechuan Peppercorn Peanut Brittle, reflecting a consumer desire for novel and international flavour profiles.
2. Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings: Products designed for specific occasions, like the Amos Tastysounds JinglePop Graffiti, catered to consumers seeking unique treats tied to holidays and special events.
3. Multisensory Experiences: Brands focused on combining contrasting textures and flavours—such as sweet and spicy or crunchy and chewy—to create dynamic snacking experiences.
4. Permissible Indulgence: There was a notable emphasis on snacks that balance indulgence with health benefits, addressing consumer interest in functional ingredients without sacrificing taste.
Anthony Myers
Most Innovative New Product Awards
This year’s Expo honoured several standout products:
- Best in Show: Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn Matcha Latte Popcorn
- Small Business Innovator: Nomad Snacks Pad Thai Flavored Ready-to-Eat Popcorn
- Gummy Candy: Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters – Strawberry Punch
- Novelty/Licensed: Ezee Freezee Freeze-n-Peel Strawberry Pop
- Savory Snacks: Snak Club Ramen Flavored Snack Mix .
Fast Facts About the Expo:
- 1,000+ exhibitors
- 300+ first-time exhibitors
- 14,500 attendees
- 250,000+ square feet of show floor
- 85+ countries represented
Feedback from the floor included attendees who praised the expo for its role in highlighting emerging trends and fostering innovation. According to one visitor, the event’s focus on bold flavours, health-conscious indulgence, and experiential snacking resonated with both established brands and newcomers.
Indianapolis cashes in
The expo’s economic impact on Indianapolis was also significant. During its three-day stay at the Indiana Convention Center, it contributed approximately $13 million to the local economy.
Viva Las Vegas
Mark your calendars: The 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 19-21, 2026, with a pre-show day on May 18.
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