In May, the ARC Advisors attended the National Confectioners Association’s Sweets and Snacks Expo, and we were thrilled to see so many members at this industry-leading event!

But we didn’t just attend the show for all the samples and reconnecting with friends. ARC was proud to have NCA partner and sponsor our new research project, “From Cart to Counter: Enhancing the Front-End Experience,” which we had the pleasure of presenting as part of NCA’s Education Series. The front end of the store (or the checkout) is an important space for sweets and snacks, so it was a great opportunity to talk to industry professionals on our findings on how shoppers view and peruse this key part of the store. (For more on this detailed, difference-making research project, click here!)

As we ate our way through the show, we saw many interesting new innovations, as well as some intriguing market developments with applicability to our CPG and retail members. Here are six emerging trends that stood out above all else at Sweets and Snacks:

Bold International Flavors: Consumers are increasingly seeking snacks with impactful, global tastes. Products featuring unique flavor profiles from around the world were prominently showcased. One trend that jumped out: Dubai chocolate was everywhere, and it is delicious. For the uninitiated, dubai chocolate is a luxurious, visually striking chocolate bar that gained viral fame on TikTok in 2023. Originating from Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, this treat is renowned for its thick chocolate shell, vibrant green pistachio cream filling, and layers of crispy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough). The combination offers a rich, nutty, and crunchy experience reminiscent of the Middle Eastern dessert knafeh.
Innovation Focus: The Expo emphasized innovation, with over 400 new products highlighted this year. Sweets and Snacks’ “Startup Zone” provided a platform for emerging brands to showcase disruptive takes on classic snacks. Not all innovations are huge, but all brands have to keep innovating. Some of the innovations were simply new yummy flavors, while others were a step-change. Of note: freeze-dried candy is a thing! Envision something light, crunchy, and often more flavorful than traditional candy. Many players — from small and new brands to the big guys — were getting in on this trend, which bears watching. A special shoutout to Ferrara for a box of wonderful samples!
Social Media Influence: Recognizing that a significant portion of consumers discover new snacks via social platforms, companies are leveraging social media trends to market their products effectively. This was on full display at Sweets and Snacks, and it’s a trend that doesn’t figure to wane.
Healthy Snacking: Healthy ingredients continue to drive innovation and meet shoppers’ needs. Healthier meat snacks, organic gummies, cleaner ingredients, natural coloring, gluten-free and protein callouts were featured at Sweet and Snacks. What we found interesting is how people, and brands, define healthy foods! It can vary greatly.
Special Occasions: Limited-run items tied to holidays and celebrations continue to be popular, offering consumers exclusive treats for specific occasions. One major takeaway from the NFC’s Education Series was for brands and retailers to continue finding/making new “occasions” — candy is huge at regular holidays — and to build on that interest with smaller “holidays.”
Educational Sessions: Selfish plug, but there were over 40 sessions that covered topics like artificial intelligence in snack creation, augmented packaging for consumer engagement, and the impact of regulatory developments on the industry.

The 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo not only celebrated product innovation but also underscored the industry’s responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences. Our kudos to NCA for a great show! If anything we saw or observed at Sweets and Snacks caught your interest, drop us a line here. Let’s keep the conversation going.

One last note: the ARC Advisors will be out-and-about at industry events this year; don’t hesitate to stop us to say hi, or connect with us on LinkedIn, or use the form on our webpage to explore how we can help you elevate your team and your business.