June 11/Deerfield, Ill./Prepared Foods -- Confections and snacks are among the most-active categories in terms of product launches. In opening the 2012 Sweets & Snacks Expo, National Confectioners Association (NCA) president Larry Graham noted that, in any given year, about 30% of all confectionery sales are attributed to products launched in the previous 24 months.
“Innovation is an essential part of the confectionery and snacks industry,” said Graham. “Last year, there were nearly 4,800 new candy and snack items launched in the U.S.”