Candy and snacks: What’s in store for grocers?

What are the current challenges and opportunities?

The biggest challenge is the ongoing pressure on income. While the rate of inflation has moderated throughout 2023, current food and beverage prices are much higher than pre-pandemic. Combined with everything else that has become more expensive, many consumers are making changes to how they shop. This includes the amounts they buy and what and where they shop. Price and promotions have become much more important and everyday value formats are reaping the benefits.

That said, the current market is not a race to the bottom, and there are many reasons why consumers are willing to spend more. The top three are 1) holidays and celebrations, 2) personal indulgence, and 3) brands that have earned their loyalty. For this reason, confectionery and snacks have a unique advantage. This explains why chocolate, candy, and snack items have experienced very strong sales over the last few years.

Where can grocers get started if they’re interested in maximizing candy and snack sales?

Candy and snacks provide a unique opportunity for retailers to differentiate, delight, and convert. The Sweets & Snacks Expo is one of the best places to discover the latest and greatest innovations. You can always discover items with new ingredients and flavors, both domestic and international. It’s amazing to watch these new trends appear. Sweets & Snacks Expo is where they’re first discovered.

Innovation in candy and snacks are a preview to flavor and ingredient change in other categories, like bakery. Sweets & Snacks is a great place to see what’s on the horizon. There’s Inspiration galore, and that’s what we need to prompt new ideas and shoppers’ interest.

What is the Sweets & Snacks Expo? Where can I learn more?

Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier business-to-business event for the confectionery and snack industries. It was specially designed for retailers and distributors and is unrivaled in new product launches, business-building solutions, and innovations in merchandising. Sweets & Snacks features the latest and greatest in the candy and snack industries. The show will be held May 14-16 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Don’t skip the pre-show day, May 13, for the Most Innovative New Product Awards Ceremony and the Supplier Showcase, a chance for attendees to see innovations in packaging, machinery, ingredients and more. You can learn more at SweetsAndSnacks.com.