The All Candy Expo is a trade show for buyers and sellers of candy. Why is it such a big deal to me?
The show is primarily for candy manufacturers to show off their wares on the floor of the McCormick Place in Chicago. The attendees are primarily candy buyers for the major candy outlets in this country: grocers, convenience stores, vending machine suppliers, drug stores & discount stores but there are a fair number of attendees such as brokers, candy/gift store owners and other internet stores.
It’s the one place to see it all at one time. Hundreds of exhibitors (about 450 booths) who get to hook up with 20,000 potential buyers. The Expo goes from Monday, June 5th through Thursday, June 8th. The show floor is only open from Tuesday morning until Thursday at noon. It’s a lot to take in with only a limited amount of time.
There are also seminars to learn more about trends and business concerns for the industry. A limited number of press people attend the Expo each year but the internet press such as blogs are getting more respect and have been fully integrated into the press policy this year.
The All Candy Expo is run by the National Confectioners Association.
So why do I want to go, beyond the free candy? (Yes, apparently there’s a lot of free candy.) Well, it’s an opportunity to see the middle part of the process of the candy sales business in the United States. The candy is made, but no one’s stocking it yet. How does this happen? What determines what we see at our stores?
I’m going to try to find out.
I can’t wait for updates!
I also hope you enjoy our city- it’s a great place to visit in the summertime. if I may be so bold, let me recommend two must-stops while you’re here:
-Suckers Candy Store at 3256 N Damen, which sells hand-dipped chocolates, home-made ice cream, and all sorts of hard to find candy (include the valomilk you posted about). They sell a really delicious Finnish licorice that I love.
-Bonbon Chicago at 5410 N Clark sells housemade chocolates. very yummy.
If you have any time outside the candy expo, I think you’d really enjoy those stops!
I can’t wait to see what you find out at Candy Expo!
I’m looking forward to your impressions, the new candy you’ll see and taste, the things you’re going to learn, the tons of pics on Flickr…. I’m so excited for you!
Soooooo jealous! Have fun!
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