It's All Candy Expo hailed a hit: suppliers report business was better than ever at the...

BASED ON EXHIBITORS' wares on display at the National Confectioners Association's All Candy Expo, the hottest candy sectors to watch in the coming year are stacking up to be last year's leaders, sugarfree gum and breath fresheners. This year, attendees also recorded a noticeable increase in licensed products, perhaps most apparent in kids' novelty items. (See Licensing, pg. 28)

"Trends tend to take hold due to lifestyle changes and evolving consumer tastes," says Larry Graham, NCA president. "The portable breath freshening category continues to be very strong--growin