CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo is underway at McCormick Place offering attendees everything from chocolate and savory snacks to novelty and more.
Spanning nearly four football fields, the Sweets & Snacks Expo welcomes over 800 exhibitors showcasing different snacks and confections, including over 2,000 new products.
"The Sweets & Snacks Expo provides the opportunity for retail success stories, both for products from new companies and new products from established companies," John Downs, president and CEO of National Confectioners Association, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to see many returning exhibitors, as well as welcome hundreds of new exhibitors attending their first Expo."
But before you get excited, this expo is only open for those in the industry. Attendees are able to learn about new trends, taste unique flavors, and learn about the future of the confectionery and snacking industry. The expo also hosts industry education sessions that explore how we eat and how we shop.
Sweet & Snacks Expo spokesperson Carly Schildhaue said one thing the industry is adapting to is sugar intake concerns among consumers.
Beyond healthy snacks, there is plenty of rich chocolate, gummies of all flavors, nuts, popcorn, chips and more - more than enough to make your mouth water. WBBM Newsradio's Jennifer Keiper caught up with some exhibitors showing off their new products.
The 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo runs May 21-23 at McCormick Place.
