BBI at 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo: Las Vegas Recap

What Happens in Vegas… Shapes the Future of Snacking: BBI at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo

Las Vegas turned up the lights and the flavor as the Sweets & Snacks Expo took center stage May 19–21, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In a city built on bold ideas and bigger bets, the confectionery and snack industry went all in. Neon lights, nonstop energy, and category-defining innovation created a high-stakes environment where brands weren’t just showcasing products, they were competing for what’s next.

Bright Lights. Big Numbers. Bigger Opportunity.

Vegas delivered in every sense:

• 17,500 industry professionals

• 1,000+ exhibitors

• Nearly 500 new product innovations unveiled

Across every aisle, the message was unmistakable: the industry is accelerating, and the winners are those ready to move fast and think bigger.

Innovation Hits the Jackpot

This year’s Most Innovative New Product Awards spotlighted brands rewriting the rules of snacking, with top honors recognizing both emerging disruptors and powerhouse brands.

From bold flavor mashups to functional, feel-good formats, innovation wasn’t just present; it was everywhere.

Trends That Stole the Show

Under the Vegas spotlight, a few key trends rose above the rest:

• Function meets indulgence with snacks delivering both enjoyment and benefits.

• Self-care snacking products designed to elevate mood and lifestyle.

• Boundary-breaking flavors with global inspiration and unexpected combinations.

• Next-gen formats showed off hybrid, experiential, and texture-forward innovations.

The takeaway: today’s shopper expects more, and the brands and teams that deliver it will win.

BBI Takes Center Stage

BBI showed up strong across the show floor and beyond. BBI teams were awarded multiple awards on the show floor, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner connecting brands, retailers, and opportunities. Check out our Exclusive Sweets and Snacks Show floor Recap Video!

Kettle Awards: Honoring Industry Excellence

As a proud sponsor of the 80th Annual Kettle Awards, BBI helped celebrate the leaders shaping the future of the confectionery industry. The event honored two standout leaders.  Anton Vincent, President of Mars Snacking North America and Global Ice Cream at Mars, Inc, Kettle Award recipient, was recognized for his transformational leadership and long-term impact on the confectionery industry. Elaine Wu, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Amos Sweets, IMPACT Award recipient, was honored for her groundbreaking innovation behind Peelerz, a peelable gummy that became a global sensation.

BBI Special Markets and Client Appreciation Dinner: Where Business Meets Experience

BBI’s Sweets & Snacks Dinner brought together clients, retailers, and partners for an evening that delivered exactly what Vegas promises: connection, energy, and memorable moments.

Amid the pace of the show, the dinner created space to strengthen relationships, celebrate shared success, and build momentum heading into the rest of the year.

“The energy in Las Vegas matched the momentum we’re seeing across the industry. At BBI, our focus is helping our partners turn that momentum into growth through stronger insights, stronger relationships, and stronger execution at retail.” Vincent DiBetta, EVP Special Markets and Unattended Retail, BBI

Women’s Leadership Breakfast: Big Conversations, Bigger Impact

BBI was also proud to support the Women’s Leadership Group Breakfast & Networking event, a standout moment of the week focused on leadership, growth, and connection. The event featured keynote speaker Lori Nelson-Kraft, Corporate Affairs leader for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. She shared her insights, drawing from her experience leading communications, partnerships, and engagement for one of the world’s most high-profile global sporting events. The session also included roundtable discussions on negotiation and influence, personal branding, confidence and leadership presence, work-life balance, and mentorship.  It was a powerful reminder that the future of the industry is driven not just by innovation but by leadership.

Closing Out Vegas and Looking Ahead

As the lights dimmed on Las Vegas, one thing was clear: the stakes are higher, the pace is faster, and the opportunities are bigger than ever. From breakthrough innovation to powerful industry moments like the Kettle Awards, BBI’s Special Markets Dinner, and Women’s Leadership Breakfast, BBI has proved that the future of snacking is bold and BBI is right in the middle of it.

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