New international candy industry expo launched

July 2003, Chicago: The much-awaited launch of Confectionery Manufacturing Expo Americas, the new, important candy expo for the industry's suppliers, was announced.

Pre-launch research shows widespread support for Confectionery Manufacturing Expo Americas, which will be held on September 13th and 14th 2004 at the Navy Pier, Chicago.

The launch of the expo is the result of lobbying by suppliers based in the USA and Europe who have been pushing for a tailor-made event that serves the manufacturers.

The exhibitors at Confectionery Manufacturing Expo Americas will be the suppliers of ingredients, processing equipment, packaging machinery and materials and other products and services involved in the manufacture of chocolate, sugar and gum confectionery. The visitors will be the manufacturers of chocolate, sugar and gum confectionery from the USA, Canada, South America, Central America and Mexico.

A priority for the organisers is that Confectionery Manufacturing Expo Americas must meet the expectations of top suppliers and manufacturers. Many have been consulted over the last few months by the organisers and by independent pollsters. This independent, top-level research proved the high level of demand for a confectionery industry trade show that featured suppliers. Of the US suppliers surveyed, over 90% said the industry needed this event.

Among those who have welcomed this focused show is Dean Edwards, Vice-President of Procurement Americas, Cadbury Schweppes plc. Mr Edwards, who is joining the expo's Advisory Board, said:

"Despite all the expos and conventions out there, there is still a huge gap for a show that brings together everybody involved in candy manufacturing. Given the many challenges and opportunities facing the industry, Confectionery Manufacturing Expo Americas makes sense. The objectives of this event are so impressive and necessary that I have agreed to play my part by being on the Advisory Board. It is my intention to make sure that this expo does what it promises and in so doing pull together all the decision-makers in the candy manufacturing industry at one time and in one place."

Confectionery Manufacturing Expo Americas will be a biennial event, taking place every other year. It is organised by Simply Group (www.simply-events.com), a leading international trade show organiser and publisher and organiser of Confectionery Manufacturing Expo Europe.

For further information, please contact:
Gillian Pattison,
Show Press Office
Email: press@simply-events.com