The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has launched Sweets & Snacks On Demand after canceling the 2020 in-person event as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new digital platform is designed to bring together the Sweets & Snacks community, allowing retailers, buyers and manufacturers to celebrate innovation, learn through education programs and share and discover the industry’s newest products.

“The role of the Sweets & Snacks Expo as an industry convener to create excitement and engagement for our category is as important as ever – even though we couldn’t be together this year, it’s crucial that we stay connected,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “We’ve created a dynamic platform where the community can interact with each other, gain a deeper understanding of the topics that are important to their businesses, and where retailers can discover innovative new candy and snack products as they look to spark growth in the category.” 

Sweets & Snacks On Demand offers a four-part experience:

• Manufacturer Search: A searchable database of confectionery and snack manufacturers and brands, plus company news and contact information.
• Innovation Center: Sweets & Snacks On Demand’s dedicated digital showcase of recently launched and not-yet-in-market product innovations from confectionery and snack manufacturers.
• Product Spotlight: Candy & Snack TODAY’s new editorial showcase of all the products and promotions being shared digitally during Sweets & Snacks On Demand.
• Sweet Insights: Unwrapped: A digital education series made possible by Barry Callebaut and designed to provide the industry with the latest in consumer, category and channel insight.

The Sweets & Snacks community can expect to see more products and features added during the coming months, including the launch of the Innovation Center this week. Features will be available until Nov. 30, 2020.