ALL CANDY EXPO(R) Reveals Newest Products, Trends and Fantastic Flavors in Confections and Snacks

CHICAGO, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 20,000 attendees will taste test more than 2,000 new sweet treats and savory snacks at the National Confectioners Association's (NCA) 2007 ALL CANDY EXPO(R), Sept. 17-19 in McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill. Savory snacks join the ALL CANDY EXPO(R) for the first time in the annual trade show's history, making it the largest snack, cookie and confectionery show in North America.

By expanding to include the snack category, and attracting a record number of nearly 500 exhibitors to the show, the 11th annual EXPO has outgrown its old home in McCormick Place's Lakeside Center and debuts in the all new West Building expansion. This move increases the show floor from 300,000 to 450,000 square feet, making it nearly three football fields larger.

"Industry research indicates that nearly 90 percent of confectionery buyers also purchase related snack categories, which is why the EXPO has expanded to include the snack category. Now, we truly are a one-stop shop for retailers and buyers alike," says NCA President Larry Graham. "The most highly anticipated candy and snack show of the year, the ALL CANDY EXPO(R) unveils an innovative pipeline of new products that will dominate the marketplace in 2007 and 2008."

Tasty Trends Top EXPO

Showcasing products from more than 75 countries, ALL CANDY EXPO(R) brings together emerging international trends for three days of flavor experimentation and exploration.

-- Flavor Fusions -- To keep pace with the adventurous American palate, flavors are going to the extreme. New multi-dimensional flavor combinations debut including cool mints and gums paired with sweet fruits or dark chocolate paired with spicy chilies and gourmet ganaches. -- Back to its Roots -- Single-origin chocolates are putting the gourmet chocolate trend on the map with luxurious compositions originating from fine cocoa beans grown in exotic equatorial locales like Venezuela, Tanzania and Ghana. -- Healthful and Helpful -- For the increasingly health conscious, confections and snacks are harnessing the benefits of immune boosting antioxidants, energy enhancing extracts, and healthful vitamins and probiotics. -- The More You Know -- Many manufacturers now are focusing on providing consumers with healthful and helpful information about the foods they enjoy. From labeling the cacao content of chocolate creations to using all natural ingredients in jelly beans, hard candies and chocolate bars, consumers are armed with knowledge in every bite size sweet treat. Showcase of New Products and Gourmet Gallery Entice Attendees -- New Product Showcase -- The New Product Showcase is a "must see" area introducing the newest products and emerging industry trends together in one area. -- Gourmet Marketplace -- In response to the growing market for premium items (sales topped $1.5 billion in 2005), the Gourmet Marketplace has been added to the 2007 EXPO. This display features specialty confectionery and snack products ranging from premium and upscale to fortified, all natural and organic. The Marketplace also features the following top-notch attractions*: Confectionery Insights with Chocolate Industry Icon: Jacques Torres -- Renowned pastry chef, Jacques Torres, host of three Food Network series, culinary champion and frequent chef guest on the TODAY Show, will lead lively discussions on the comedy, inspiration, entertainment and innovation that goes on behind the scenes of the chocolate business. Educational and Edible -- Join award-winning master chocolatier Joseph Schmidt as he turns the craft of chocolate making into an art form -- where the masterpieces are as delicious as they are edible. -- Learn secrets of the trade from Guittard Chocolate Company's Pastry Chef Donald Wressell as the 2005 Pastry Chef of the Year leads chocolate sessions and demonstrations. -- Watch technical advisor, pastry chef and confectionery expert Patrick Peeters of Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy as he masterfully creates the delicious new chocolate decadent treat Turnona! from his show floor kitchen. Chocolate pairings -- wine and beer: -- Cote d'Or Chocolate Lounge: Come try the intense flavors of Belgium's number one chocolate brand with some of Belgium's finest beers. -- Dove chocolate and wine pairings: Experience unique wine pairings accompanied with an indulgent chocolate tasting, featuring new offerings from Dove(R). * A complete schedule of events for the Gourmet Marketplace can be found at: http://www.allcandyexpo.com/a_taste_of_gourmet.cfm

Conquering Candy Land -- More information on the ALL CANDY EXPO(R) including exhibitor information, showcases, schedules and products can be found online at http://www.AllCandyExpo.com.

About the National Confectioners Association

Founded in 1884 in Chicago by representatives of 69 confectionery manufacturing firms, the National Confectioners Association is one of the oldest, most respected trade associations in the world. Today NCA has more than 600 members and is the major association representing the entire confectionery industry, offering education and leadership in manufacturing, technical research, public relations, retailing practices, government relations and statistical analyses. NCA fosters industry growth by advancing and promoting the interests of the confectionery industry and its consumers.