Life is 'Sweet' at confectioners expo

The National Confectioners Association’s’ Sweets & Snacks Expo took place at McCormick Place May 20-22—and offered something for all the food-service and media professionals present (including an appearance by Internet sensation Grumpy Cat).

Last year, the trends included spices mixed with sweets, for example. This year, when asked what trending, one exhibitor deadpanned, “Survival.”

However, judging by the number of vendors present at this year’s event, the general public need not be concerned about hoarding chips and candies in preparation for a national shortage. Among the standouts were Brownie Brittles (which will be in Jewel/Osco stores very soon, and which doesn’t have a bad flavor in the bunch), Ukraine-based Roshen USA, Marshmallow Fun Company, Justin’s (with its incredible nut butters), Yum Junkie—and even Hotlix (with its flavored ants, worms and other creatures).

Of course, it also felt a bit like re-experiencing childhood, with Tootsie Pops (exhibiting a new strawberry-watermelon lollipop), Snickers and Wise Foods among the representatives.

Text by Andrew Davis (Andrew@WindyCityTimes.com); photos by Davis, Ross Forman and Jerry Nunn