Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024

Sweets & Snacks Expo launches with ‘Oscars of the candy world’

By Anthony Myers

- Last updated on GMT

And the winner is ... check out below for a full list of this year's New Product Award winners at Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: NCA
And the winner is ... check out below for a full list of this year's New Product Award winners at Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: NCA
This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo opened its four-day stay in Indianapolis with a ceremony for the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards winners, which recognise excellence across 13 categories.

Hosted by Elise Fennig from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and Sally Lyons Wyatt from event sponsor Circana, The Indianapolis Convention Center’s elegant Ballroom was the setting for the event that has become akin to The Oscars for the candy industry, except without the sometimes embarrassing and tedious acceptance speeches.

The awards are designed to showcase the most innovative ideas, concepts, and products across the candy and snack industries.

marcus ericcsson indy car EXpo 2024
Indy 500 driver Marcus Ericsson with Elise Fennig from the NCA. Pic: NCA

Fennig and Lyons Watt are quite the double act themselves, racing through the ceremony faster than an Indy car around the famous speedway track - and with the Indy 500 race just around the corner, Fennig invited Swedish racing driver and 2022 race winner Marcus Ericsson to the stage, where he explained the importance of innovation in his industry if one wants to stay ahead of the pack.

Influence

It was a theme picked up on by John Downs, president & CEO of the NCA, which is the host organisation for Sweets & Snacks Expo, when he said: “With the Most Innovative New Product Awards, we celebrate the innovation that sets flavour and product trends for the confectionery and snack categories, and, in many ways, carries heavy influence across the entire food industry.”

Each year, more than 300 confectionery and snack products are submitted for consideration in categories including Small Business Innovator and Best in Show, and retail leaders specializing in these powerhouse categories serve as judges.

So, without further ado, The 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards Winners are:

Chocolate​: SKIPPY – Milk Chocolate PB Minis

Meat Snacks​: CHYLER’S – Hawaiian Beef Chips – Original with Roasted Garlic

Savory Snacks​: For the first time in MINPA history…a TIE!

Our Home, YOU NEED THIS – Hot Cheddar Fries

PepsiCo Foods – Doritos Dinamita Smoky Chile Queso

Seasonal​: Crazy Candy, Anderson’s Crazy Candy – Peanut Brittle

Gum & Mints​: Mars Wrigley North America, HUBBA BUBBA – Mini Gum in Skittles Original Flavors

Gourmet/Premium | Candy​: Lakrids by Bulow – Passionfruit Chocolate-Coated Licorice

Baked Goods​: Simply Good Foods Company, Quest – Strawberry Cake Frosted Cookies

Novelty/Licensed​: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Banana

Non-Chocolate Candy​: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Mango

Salty Snacks​: Nomad Snacks – Ramen Popcorn

Sweet Snacks​: Nerdy Nuts – Banana Cream Pie Peanut Butter Treat

Small Business Innovator​: Issei – Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mochi Gummies

Best in Show​: Nerdy Nuts – Avalanche Peanut Butter Treat

“As consumers look to confectionery and snacks to enhance special moments, celebratory occasions, holidays, and everyday activities, this innovation is more important than ever before,” said Downs.

“Through these awards, we recognise the manufacturers, retail partners, suppliers, and brokers who play a role in delighting consumers across the country and around the world.”

  • The award winners are displayed in the Featured Product Showcase at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

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