Sweets & Snacks Expo is now accepting submissions for the ‘Most Innovative New Product Award’ through May 28, 2021. 

This is one of the most competitive awards that recognizes the most innovative candy and snack products during the past year.

“The Sweets & Snacks Expo attracts the top talent in the candy and snack categories, and the Most Innovative New Product Award highlights those achievements,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association. “In a year when innovation has been essential, I’m excited to see the next group of products that continues to push our show and the candy and snack categories forward.”

The submitted products will be judged by retail and category thought-leaders representing 85 percent of the categories’ buying power. The awards typically attract more than 300 entries and recognize 55 products in 11 categories — all of which will be displayed at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

As a safety precaution, this year participating companies will also be required to provide 30 individually packaged/wrapped small samples of each product entry for judging. Additionally, three fully packaged, shelf-ready samples will be required per submission for display purposes and media use. 

The Most Innovative New Products Awards presentation and keynote will be held on Tuesday, June 22 at 5 p.m. in the Indiana Convention Center’s Wabash Ballroom. For more information on this award, visit the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo website.

First-ever supplier showcase slated for June 22

Additionally, the first-ever Supplier Showcase will take place on Tuesday, June 22. The showcase will offer a face-to-face marketplace dedicated to helping confectionery and snack suppliers connect with potential and existing customers.

“Our supplier network is critically important to the candy and snack categories, and this unique opportunity to spotlight suppliers is another reason why the Sweets & Snacks Expo experience is so important,” Downs said. “We take pride in convening all aspects of the candy and snack industry, and this showcase is a great way to make meaningful connections.”

The Supplier Showcase is co-located with the Sweets & Snacks Expo and is a one-day exhibition showcasing packaging, ingredient, equipment and business service suppliers. To register for the Supplier Showcase and the Sweets & Snacks Expo, please visit the registration page.