World of Confectionery Comes to Chicago

Chicago will become the world's largest sweet shop this month when more than 13,000 people in the confectionery industry descend on Navy Pier June 22-24 for the third annual All Candy Expo trade show sponsored by the National Confectioner's Assoc. (McLean, VA).

From across the U.S. and around the world, more than 370 confectionery makers will come to display their sweet wares to thousands of retail candy buyers and wholesalers..

"The All Candy Expo is the Super Bowl of the confectionery world," explained Larry Graham, NCA president. "It's fitting that we hold this show in Chicago, which is known as the candy capital of the world because of the many candy manufacturers in the area."

The two-part show features candy manufacturers' products in one exhibit hall and showcases ingredients, packaging, equipment and other supplies in another hall. Educational programs on topics such as effective candy promotion and the profitability of confectionery are offered to confectionery retailers and other attendees.

What will be the highlight of the show this year?

"Everything," says Graham. "When you walk into the exhibit hall you enter a unique world that can't help but put a smile on your face. It's impossible to single out one or two highlights—everything captures your attention."

Both new products and traditional favorites will be on display, with candies that combine a toy with a sweet expected to once again be hot items. Visitors also will find novelty items such as candy kids can spray into their mouths and licensed products representing everything from the latest movies such as Star Wars to the wildly popular sport of wrestling. It's no wonder there are always fun new items to taste and enjoy—according to New Product News, a total of 1,163 new confectionery items were introduced in 1998, with a similar number anticipated for the current year.