During the week of May 13th, the Americas business team hosted a successful exhibit and then participated in the Sweets & Snacks trade show, held in a bustling Indiana convention center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event brought together over 15,000 industry leaders, confectionery enthusiasts, and snack aficionados from around the globe at all levels of the market including leaders and representatives from notable chocolate brands like Hershey’s, Ghirardelli’s, and Godiva in addition to growing nutritional bar labels like Rxbar, Barebells and Think Bar.
Networking Victories:
Our team interacted with several hundred industry colleagues, forging valuable connections. Engaging conversations took place at our booth, where we showcased our product innovations as well as at prospect exhibits. These newfound relationships provided valuable market insights and hold promise for collaborative ventures in both molded fiber and flexible packaging configurations.
Trendspotting:
The trade show buzzed with excitement as attendees explored the latest trends. From innovative new products to low-guilt indulgences, we absorbed it all. Key takeaways included the rise of co-branding and the growing demand for more spice and ethnic flavors to acquire new snacking customers. On the packaging front, we observed ongoing challenges for recyclability in the US market presenting clear opportunity for compostable options.
Market Entry Takeaways:
With new knowledge and contacts, we learned of several opportunities to enter into this dynamic market through poly-replacement and early adoption interest to qualify a compostable packaging solution. This initial enthusiasm for our offerings bodes well for our targeted expansion.
In summary, the 2024 Sweets & Snacks trade show was a “sweet” success. Fueled by valuable connections, market insights, and a measured dose of optimism, we’re poised to make inroads in the US confectionery and snack industries!