Washington, D.C. – The Sweets & Snacks Expo is pleased to announce the category and retail thought leaders who will help attendees discover the “Multicultural Opportunity in Treats and Snacks” during an education session at the event. The panel will discuss the latest insights related to key demographic segments that are driving the candy and snack categories.
The panelists include a mix of confectionery, retail and demographic experts. The featured panelists are:
- Jim Dudlicek – Editorial Director, Progressive Grocer
- Jeff Hancock – Sales and Marketing Manager, Jewel-Osco
- Leslie Johnson – Assortment Manager – Snack, Wawa, Inc.
- Don Longo – Editorial Director, Convenience Store News
- Jaime Enrique Parra – Executive Director Multicultural/Hispanic Consulting, Winston Weber & Associates
“We’re thrilled to have such a high-caliber group of individuals join us in Chicago as we explore how the candy and snack categories are impacted by various demographic segments,” commented Barry Rosenbaum, Expo chair and president of Nassau Candy Distributors. “The content of this panel discussion, along with insights from more than 20 other educational sessions at the Expo, will drive category growth and provide shopper intelligence.”
The 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo (May 22-24), held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will welcome more than 850 exhibitors and nearly 18,000 candy and snack professionals. In addition to the educational slate, retail attendees will be able to experience the New Product Showcase, Innovation Avenue and the Most Innovative New Product Awards while exploring the show floor.
For more information about educational offerings at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, please visit sweetsandsnack.com/learn.
# # #
About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these special treats. As the leading association for the $35 billion U.S. confectionery industry, NCA educates the public to help ensure that it understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 55,000 workers in more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities across the country. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood. For every one job that is created by confectionery companies, another seven are supported in related industries. Learn more about the “Power of Sweet” atCandyUSA.com, or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the Sweets & Snacks Expo
Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the confectionery and snack industry’s most successful, world-class event. It is unrivaled in new product launches, business building solutions and innovations in merchandising. 18,000 qualified professionals attend with global presence from 90 countries. More than 850 companies displaying more than 4 acres of candy and snack products participate in the Expo. The event is held each May at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Source: Sweets & Snacks Expo
