The Candy Man Can

Last month, more than 14,000 confectionery and snack professionals descended on Chicago for the 2010 Sweets and Snacks Expo. Buyers, international visitors, exhibitors, and industry experts spent three days discovering new products and uncovering merchandising solutions.

The Expo also featured a gourmet marketplace highlighting gourmet, organic, and natural products. Attendees gained valuable insight through sessions boasting keynote speakers from SymphonyIRI Group and The Coca-Cola Company, as well as host and producer of Food Network's Unwrapped, Marc Summers.

Consumer packaged goods companies introduce thousands of sweets and snack items each year in the United States, more than any other food category. So, what yummy deliciousness came out of this year's event? Here is just a sampling of the creative treats shoppers can expect to see in the coming year:

• Butterfinger Snackerz
  
• Jelly Belly Cocktail Classics
  
• Pretzel M&M's
  
• MIKE AND IKE RedRageous
  
• Nestle Cherry Raisinets
  
• Sunkist Citrus Burst mints
  
• Wonka Exceptionals

Get a sneak peak of upcoming Halloween, Christmas, Valentine, and Easter candy on the Sweet and Snacks Expo New Product Showcase and find out when snacks like Campfire Marshmallow Zebras, Snyder's of Hanover Dark Chocolate Covered York Peppermint Pattie Pretzel Sandwich Dips, Hershey's Drops, and Reese's Minis are coming to a supermarket near you.

Read a complete wrap-up of the event from the Chicago Sun-Times and learn more about this year's trends and new ideas to the marketplace from the event's sponsor, the National Confectioners Association.

What sugary goodness are most excited to taste? Leave a message and let me know what item you look forward to trying.