Baking & Snack - December 2024 - 81

SPECIAL REPORT
Meeting Preview: SNAXPO25
SNAXPOgrows
T
The trade show expects a larger draw this year and is expanding its popular features.
by Lucas Cuni-Mertz
Today's consumer is snacking more than ever. Fifty-six
percent of Americans say they can't finish the day without
a snack, and snacks now account for half of all eating
occasions, according to the Hartman Group.
The industry's premier trade show, SNAXPO, is growing
right alongside the category. SNAXPO25, which
will be held March 30-April 1 at the Orange County
Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., is expected to draw
1,600 attendees and 170 exhibitors, a 25% increase over
its 2023 edition. The show expects 600 international attendees
as well, more than double from 2023.
" SNAXPO is a one-of-a-kind event that offers invaluable
opportunities for the global snack industry to gain
relevant insights and build lasting relationships, " said
David Walsh, vice president, membership and communications,
SNAC International.
SNAXPO is held every other year, alternating with
SNAC International's SNX event. While the latter is a
smaller, conference-style gathering, SNAXPO touts itself
as the only vertically integrated supply chain trade show
for the industry.
" Attendees will have the opportunity to experience
hands-on demonstrations of snack manufacturing
equipment, see packaging machinery in action, explore
innovative packaging materials and discover emerging
ingredients, seasonings and flavors, " Walsh said.
SNAXPO25 will expand on some of the most successful
features of its previous show, including the Startups
Hub and Co-Man Central.
" The Startups Hub is open to startups, entrepreneurs
and early-stage snack brands, offering opportunities to
connect with industry peers, gain inspiration, innovate
and explore solutions to drive business success, " Walsh
said. " The Co-Man Central Pavilion is dedicated to helping
both startups and established brands find the right
contract manufacturers and packaging partners. "
The returning Knowledge Zone will feature sessions
on snack flavor trends, co-manufacturing, Latin
American snack trends, regulatory updates, and packaging
and sustainability. At the SNAC Bites pavilion,
speakers will host 30-minute sessions on groundbreaking
ideas, insights and technologies tackling the industry's
biggest challenges.
The Flavor Showdown is also returning, where attendees
can sample innovative snacks from flavor companies
battling for the title of the best sweet and savory flavors.
And, yes, the puppies will be back, too. Attendees can
take a break from the hustle and bustle of the show floor
and get some much-needed relaxation and snuggles at
the SNAXPO Puppy Park.
While the snack industry is faced with challenges,
including stagnating volume sales and continued high
prices, Walsh anticipates a resurgence for the category.
" Recent reports from the Federal Reserve suggest
an upward trend, making it an exciting time to witness
growth and innovation across both large and small companies, "
he said. " SNAXPO remains at the forefront of
innovation and education, helping producers stay ahead
of evolving consumer preferences. "
To register, visit snaxpo.com/register/. To exhibit, visit
snaxpo.com/exhibitors/. To explore all show features, visit
snaxpo.com/taste-the-snaxpo-experience/.
*
www.bakingbusiness.com / December 2024 Baking & Snack 81
SNAXPO25 will
be held March
30-April 1 at the
Orange County
Convention
Center in
Orlando, Fla.
SNAC International
https://snaxpo.com/register/ https://snaxpo.com/exhibitors/ https://snaxpo.com/taste-the-snaxpo-experience/ http://www.bakingbusiness.com
Baking & Snack - December 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Baking & Snack - December 2024
