The future of snacking starts in Indianapolis
Why it matters: With an estimated economic impact of $13 million, the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo at the Indiana Convention Center represents an important long-term partnership for Indy's convention industry that contributed to last year being an all-timer.
Zoom in: More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the four-day gathering, organized by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and billed as the "Super Bowl" of the snack industry.
This is where the biggest brands unveil their latest products and budding snack makers strut their stuff in a showcase of startups.
The big picture: Key conversations will center on serious industry challenges, particularly consumer spending habits and food policy changes under the Trump administration.
Those include the Robert F. Kennedy Jr.-influenced " Make Indiana Healthy Again" effort, which prompted a response from NCA leaders, who called the initiative, which includes restricting candy and soft drinks from SNAP benefits, "misguided and not needed."
"One thing that is really important to keep in mind is that in terms of permissible indulgence and differentiation, we have never promoted chocolate or candy as a meal replacement," NCA president and CEO John Downs told Axios. "It's a treat, and consumers in America consume our products that way. So there is common sense there."
State of play: The trends Downs expects to dominate expo conversations this week and future store shelves come down to three big concepts:
🌶️ Bold flavors: Consumers are really into snacks with big, impactful, international flavors. No plain chops over here.
🎄 Special occasions: Products tied to holidays, traditions and celebrations are hot. Think limited-run and "get them before they're gone" offers.
💡 Innovation: Downs said this year's event has more than 400 products in 12 categories in a special presentation of new ideas happening this week.
Yes, but: You can't head to the show floor to get a taste of the next big thing in snacking. The expo is not open to the general public.
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