Highlights and trends from the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo
Convenience Store News Canada hit the trade show floor to scout the latest candy innovations and uncover the trends turning impulse buyers into returning regulars. CSNC has your inside look at today’s fast-evolving snacking market and shifting consumer tastes.
Held in Las Vegas this year, attendees noted several trends, including permissible indulgence, better-for-you snacks, yogurt snacks and higher-protein meat snacks.
Self-care through snacking is an emerging trend: For instance, newer products like Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn featured additions such as collagen, vitamins and beauty-inspired ingredients that merge indulgence with self-care.
The CSNC team connected with several Canadian representatives and companies on the show floor.
-
Roberta Thomson and Julia Sokolova -
Jenny Fiorini, John Laplume and Gord Moffat of The Pur Company for Pür gum. -
Jean Valois and Bonnie Morantz of Bassé Nuts -
Mark Brandt and Kevin Perron of Twigz -
Larry Tomlin, vice-president of Sales for PIM Brands Canada, Inc. -
Marie-France Dumont and Sheldon Davis of Group Regal -
Ashley Langevin (right) from French Cancan Popcorn -
Vincent Bradley of Proper Wild -
Jason Dupuis and Doug Surerus of Jack Links -
Marc Knobovitch of Tootsi Impex -
Ian Heagy and Adam Ableman of Vidal Candies
Spotlight on innovation
More than 500 products were submitted into the 2026 awards programs. Product submissions were taste-tested by more than 40 judges from leading retailers and distributors.
"The Most Innovative New Product Awards celebrate the creativity, ingenuity and consumer-focused innovation that continue to move the confectionery and snack industries forward," John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, the host organization for Sweets & Snacks Expo, said. "With a record number of entries this year, the 2026 finalists and winners demonstrate how brands are responding to evolving consumer preferences and creating opportunities for innovative treating."
The 2026 program introduced two new top honours—the Trailblazer Award and Powerhouse Award which replace the previous Best in Show and Small Business Innovator categories.
2026 Sweets & Snacks Trailblazer Award winners
Candy:
Issei Mochi Gummies: Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry
Snack:
Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn: Raspberry Rose (Beauty + Glow) Popcorn
2026 Powerhouse Candy and Snack winners:
Candy:
WARHEADS Loud Mouth Bites | CandyRific
Snack:
Dot's Snack Mix | The Hershey Company
The 2026 Most Innovative New Product Awards winners
- Chocolate: Alli & Rose Strawberry Moochies | CAL Marketing
- Gourmet/Premium Confections: Freeze Dried Milk + White Chocolate Strawberries | Tru Fru
- Gum & Mints: Bubbilicious Gummy Gum – Strawberry Orange | Perfetti Van Melle
- Gummy Candy: Squashies Sours – Cherry & Apple | Smarties
- Non-Chocolate Candy: Sour Tiniez | Rotten
- Novelty/Licensed: Mashups Candy Salad Kit | 1UP Candy
- Seasonal: Brach's Crunchy Chewy Jelly Beans | Ferrara
- Meat Snacks: Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Flavored – Bacon Jerky | Wicked Cutz
- Salty Snacks: Cholula Hot Sauce Flavored Tortilla Chips | Xochitl, Inc.
- Savoury Snacks: Everything Bagel Pretzels | Promise Confections / Edward Marc Brands
- Sweet Snacks: Nutella Ice Cream Cones | Ferrero North America
- Baked Goods: Strawberry Milkshake Cookie | The Graceful Cookie