Sweets & Snacks Expo to feature international attendees

WASHINGTON — A show devoted to snack food is expected to draw suppliers from 22 countries when it kicks off in May, the show's sponsoring organization said.

The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, which will take place May 21-23 at Chicago's McCormick Place, is expected to be the most successful in the event's 16-year history, with a nearly sold-out show floor, according to the National Confectioners Association.

"NCA recognizes the power of U.S. brands around the world, and the expo serves as a destination for global markets to come together," NCA president Larry Graham said. "The 2013 expo is the ideal venue to connect with industry professionals from around the world and to discover international products and trends that will set retailers apart from the rest."

In addition to Brazilian, Chinese, German and Mexican pavilions, the show will have its first-ever Ecuadorian pavilion. Latvian prime minister Valdis Dombrovskis will visit the show as well, and the show will feature products from companies like Sweden's Solberga Konfektyrfabrik, Netherlands-based Hellema Hallum, Latvia-based Pure Chocolate and products from Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Russia.

"Every year, we host a number of country pavilions, but in 2013, we are thrilled to host a new country's pavilion, and number of new international companies as well," Graham said.