Sweets & Snacks Expo 2016 Will Tackle Tech Trends

CHICAGO — Experts from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), market researcher Canadean, and the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology (CART) will present the latest advancements in retail technology to attendees of this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo, taking place May 24-26.

CTA's Director of Business Intelligence Jack Cutts will speak about the latest advances in electronics, sensors and other technologies that are aiming to reshape retail strategy for all types of goods, including candy and snacks. He will provide insights on how retailers can use data to help micro-target shoppers, and give a peek at next-generation video technology that will revolutionize displays as well as augmented reality's role in retail.

Canadean’s Innovation Insights Director Tom Vierhile will explore global new product innovation trends that are taking the confectionery and snack markets to new levels. This session will highlight new consumer flavor preferences that are driving innovation in snacking, as well as how manufacturers are balancing the sensory and emotional demands of global consumers.

Finally, CART will highlight powerful technology available today that drives basket size, increased shopping trips and improved shopper loyalty. Attendees will learn why retailers need to consider how marketing personalization is the new loyalty, and why shopping analytics give brick-and-mortar retailers a true view of shopper behavior.

“We know product and technology innovations are top of mind to our attendees. By attending our 20-minute learning labs during the Expo, retailers can take away actionable insights on how to keep relevant with their shoppers given the latest advancements in the marketplace,” said Barry Rosenbaum, Sweets & Snacks Expo chairman and president of Nassau Candy Distributors Inc.

All three sessions will be held at the Expo’s new Discovery Theater located in Skyline Hall, which will host more than 130 new exhibitors and be home to “Innovation Avenue.” New for 2016, the Discovery Theater will host sessions focused on innovation and snacking, while the Sweet Insights Theater will focus on the latest in confectionery and specialty.

The annual Sweets & Snacks Expo is presented at Chicago’s McCormick Place by the National Confectioners Association, the trade organization representing the $35-billion U.S. confections industry.