Subject matter experts from the Specialty Foods Association, Natural Marketing Institute and SPINS, LLC. will present to Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees on the evolving specialty consumer landscape. The education sessions will take place directly on the expo’s show floor at the Sweet Insights Theater and the new Discovery Theater.

“As seen in retails sales double digit growth in both premium candy and snack categories, the specialty consumer becomes increasingly important,” commented Barry Rosenbaum, expo chairman and president of Nassau Candy Distributors, Inc. “We’re proud to offer the insights these specialty experts will provide to not just retailers, but all attendees.”

SFA’s Chris Crocker, senior vice president of content and media, and Denise Purcell, head of content will examine what drives food engaged shoppers as they become increasingly conscious of what they buy and eat, driving visits to alternative venues for values-based food experiences. Attendees to the presentation will learn how to understand and leverage the power of specialty products to drive incremental sales.

NMI’s president Maryellen Molyneaux will provide the latest consumer trends in transparency and simplicity. She will show how to best apply the principles of transparency, authenticity and simplicity across every aspect of the business to drive competitive advantage.

SPINS is highly regarded for its expertise in shopper and consumer insights for the specialty category. Kora Lazarski, SPINS strategic alliance director, will present an overview of the growth of natural and specialty snack foods, what defines a snack today and what it means to both traditional and specialty retailers. 

Hosted by the National Confectioners Association, 2016 Sweets & Snacks Expo on May 24-26 in Chicago expects to set an all-time record in volume of confectionery and snack products with more than 720 companies showcasing nearly four acres of product innovation. The show floor expanded into a second hall, the new Skyline Hall, to accommodate the growing exhibitor base and plans to welcome more than 16,000 industry professionals from nearly 90 countries.