2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo crosses the finish line

The Expo generated more than $12 million in economic impact for Indianapolis.

photo by Liz Parker

Engines were running hot in Indianapolis all week as the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo raced through town. As the premier event in the Americas for the confectionery and snack categories, the Sweets & Snacks Expo featured a packed show floor, one-of-a-kind networking opportunities, and world-class education sessions from industry thought leaders.

Fast facts about the show:

1,000 exhibitors—a show record
300+ first-time exhibitors
16,000 attendees
250,000+ square feet of show floor
25+ countries represented

After 25 successful years in Chicago, Sweets & Snacks Expo set up shop in Indianapolis because it is the right city to meet the growing demands of the show and the community, says National Confectioners Association, the host organization for the Expo. The 2024 show marked the beginning of a new multi-year partnership with the City of Indianapolis.

John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, says: "As the top innovation showcase in the confectionery and snack categories, the Sweets & Snacks Expo offers an opportunity for the community to come together to debut products, gain insights, and create meaningful connections. This year’s show solidified that there is no better place to do so than right here in Indianapolis. You could feel a renewed energy on the show floor from manufacturers, retailers, brokers, and suppliers alike—and everyone is buzzing about our bright future.”

Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy, says: “The Sweets & Snacks Expo isn’t just a sweet new addition to the world-class events that we host in Indy—it’s also big business. Our partnership drove a positive economic impact of more than $12 million that benefits all corners of Central Indiana. Even though the show just ended, we’re already looking forward to welcoming this exceptional event back to Indy in 2025 and beyond.”

Show features & announcements: As a larger-than-life show, the Sweets & Snacks Expo has a hugely significant impact on the confectionery and snack communities—both on the show floor and beyond.

Coming to store shelves: The show kicked off with the Most Innovative New Product Awards, highlighting new branded consumer products evaluated by a panel of retailers from all channels of trade.
Best in Show: Nerdy Nuts – Avalanche Peanut Butter Treat took home the top award for most innovative new product. Winning this award has historically served as a harbinger of future success for the brand and company.
Only-in-Indy experiences: A blockbuster Happy Hour event had attendees fired up for a preview of Caitlin Clark’s new home base at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as they enjoyed food, drinks, games, and networking. Later in the week, the Sweets & Snacks community zoomed over to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch an Indy 500 practice session—a preview of Indy’s next highly anticipated event.
Giving back: The Sweets & Snacks Expo partnered with USO and Give Kids the World Village to donate products to servicemembers and children in need across the country.

Mark your calendars: The 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo will return to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis May 13–15, 2025, with a pre-show day on May 12.

Liz Parker Kuhn is the senior editor of Candy Industry and Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, and has worked at BNP Media since 2012. She has written for CBS Detroit as well as for her own blogs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. Liz can be contacted at (248) 839-7156 or at parkere@bnpmedia.com.