2003 All Candy Expo Show Preview

Candy rules and it's growing! In fact, according to Information Resources, Inc., the chocolate, candy and gum category is the third largest category in food, drug, and mass merchandise stores and to top it off, candy's three-percent growth rate in 2001 far outpaced the two leading categories (carbonated beverages and milk).

More than 97 percent of the $24-billion U.S. confectionery industry, plus confectionery from around the world will be represented at the 2003 All Candy Expo. So, if you carry candy, you need to be at Chicago's McCormick Place May 13—15, 2003.

Goodies Galore

Due to conflicts with the convention-center schedule, this year's expo will kick off earlier than its traditional June start date. Though candy buyers will have the opportunity to enjoy Chicago in bloom this spring, next year's expo will reclaim its June time frame.

The National Confectioners Association's expo will provide more than a glimpse of new products — it will also feature a host of networking and educational opportunities. More than 450 manufacturers are slated to exhibit hundreds of new products and new packaging and merchandising ideas.

"Candy has higher-than-average profit margins, a 98-percent household penetration rate, and is loved by people of all ages," said Larry Graham, president of the NCA. "Smart retailers and wholesalers recognize the relationship between well-stocked candy sections with a wide variety of products and increasing their bottom lines. There is no better place in the country to select products for your profitable confectionery section and to stay current with the market than the All Candy Expo."

Expo organizers anticipate more than 17,000 attendees from a variety of trade channels will be scouring the 126,000 square feet of exhibit floor, a square footage that is nearly five percent more than that of last year. The expanded exhibit area enabled expo organizers to open up a new aisle to allow for more than 25 additional exhibitors, bringing this year's total to an estimated 480 booths.

Several plant tours are scheduled for the day prior to the expo opening. A tour of Ferrara Pan Candy Company, Jelly Belly Candy Company, and Masterfoods USA (Mars, Incorporated Company) is set for 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12th. Educational sessions scheduled for the same day will be held at the Chicago Hilton, and will cover such topics as merchandising and display. The Hilton will also be the site of the Industry Welcome Reception on May 12th at 5:00 p.m.

The annual State of the U.S. Confectionery Industry Report will be given by Graham and G. Leonard Teitlebaum, senior vice president research, Merrill Lynch, during the opening education session at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13th. The pair will review the confectionery category's performance and future outlook, as well as present a picture of how the financial world views the confectionery industry.

Another key educational seminar focusing on one of the U.S. marketplace's fastest-growing segments will occur at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14th — Luis Garcia, president of Garcia LKS, will present "Marketing to the Growing Hispanic Market." It will explore how to extend your product reach into Hispanic households.

Later Wednesday, Raymond D. Jones, managing director of Dechert-Hampe & Co.; Dena R. Clem, director of In-Store Solutions at Masterfoods USA, a Mars Incorporated Company; and George Knobloch, VP, Customer Marketing and Support for Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Co. will discuss "Maximizing the Impulse Opportunity at the Front End." The session will review a comprehensive research program that identified a $1-billion opportunity for the supermarket industry based on implementation of improved front-end merchandising practices. For additional information on the expo, events, and for registration, go online to www.AllCandyExpo.com.


Expo Dates & Hours:

Tuesday, May 13th, 2003 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m

Wednesday, May 14th, 2003 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m

Thursday, May 15th, 2003 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m


Events & Education

Monday, May 12th, 2003

"And the Sign Said, "Buy Your Candy Here!"
1:45 p.m. — 3:15 p.m.
Chicago Hilton

Discover the latest information on the use of Point-of-Purchase materials. Learn the best uses for displays in your store and where to buy POP materials.

"Display Building Madness"
3:15 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Hilton

Team up with your fellow buyers and merchandisers to prove you are a great retail merchant. A panel of judges will pick the winners of this contest and treat them to dinner in the Chicago area during the week of the expo. Displays will be judged on creativity, imagination, and consumer appeal.

First Timers Welcome Briefing
4:30 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Hilton

Industry Welcome Reception
5:00 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.
Chicago Hilton

Tuesday, May 13th, 2003

"Confectionery Merchandising Ideas from Around the World"
8:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.
(Continental breakfast served at 7:30 a.m.)

International manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers will lead you through the "going-to-market" process for chocolate, candy, and gum. Learn how these international merchandising techniques may be used in the U.S. to maximize sales.

Wednesday, May 14th, 2003

"Marketing to the Growing Hispanic Market"
8:00 a.m. — 9:15 a.m.

With larger families and a younger population than average, the Hispanic market is key to growing confectionery sales. Learn how to extend your product reach into Hispanic households by targeting key influence groups and customs specific to sub-segments of the Hispanic market.

"Maximizing the Impulse Opportunity at the Front End"
9:30 a.m. — 10:45 a.m.

Discover new insights into customer attitudes and buying behaviors, opportunities to maximize sales and profit performance, and improved management of the front end through collaboration among major stakeholders.

"Unwrapping the Candy Category through the Eyes of a Child"
1:30 p.m. — 2:45 p.m.

The Gepetto Group, a leading youth marketing firm with expertise in developing successful products and marketing programs, will reveal the keys to unlocking the high-potential youth market with your products, merchandising, and promotional ideas.

Industry Welcome Reception
5:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 15th, 2003

NCA Silver Candy Dish & Golden Candy Dish Awards Breakfast
7:30 a.m. — 9:00 a.m.

Children's Briefing
12:45 p.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Children's Admission to the All Candy Expo
1:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Buyer-Family Boat Cruise
2:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Departs from McCormick Place.