Latest news with #NationalConfectionersAssociation
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Indiana bans the use of SNAP for soda, candy after Trump administration approval. What to know
The Trump administration has signed off on Gov. Mike Braun's plan to restrict food-stamp recipients in Indiana from using their benefits to buy soda or candy, meaning those purchases will be prohibited starting in January. Braun announced Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state's waiver allowing the state to restrict those purchases from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits. "Indiana is proud to lead the way in the Make America Healthy Again agenda by making this common sense move to return the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to its intended purpose: nutrition," Braun said in a statement. A few other states have requested similar waivers from the U.S.D.A. under the Trump administration. The Trump administration also signed a more restricted waiver request from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, and a request from Nebraska to ban soda and energy drinks. Arkansas and Idaho also have sought waivers. "Soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads," said Reynolds, as reported by the Des Moines Register. "To promote healthy eating and protect future generations from disease — and to ensure SNAP fulfills its core function — we need a change. Those pushing back against Indiana's request include U.S. candymakers. 'SNAP participants and non-SNAP participants alike understand that chocolate and candy are treats – not meal replacements," said Chris Gindlesperger, senior vice president for the National Confectioners Association. "In fact, candy purchasing patterns are basically equivalent between SNAP and non-SNAP families – with only about 2% of SNAP purchases being candy." Experts who study the SNAP program previously have said they still expect SNAP recipients to buy soda and candy at normal rates, even with the ban in place. For example, rotisserie chickens also aren't allowable SNAP purchases, but people still purchase them, just not with benefits, Northwestern University professor Diane Schanzenbach previously told IndyStar. "I think that what this will do is increase the administrative costs of SNAP and not really change behavior potentially at all or not very much," Schanzenbach said. About 600,000 people in Indiana used SNAP in 2022, according to federal data. The average monthly benefit is $162 per person. About 23% of the households receiving SNAP received income from wages or work, according to USDA. Once the ban on candy and soda purchases with SNAP benefits goes into effect, not all candy will be banned. That's because of Indiana's tax code. Braun cited specific Indiana code to define the soft drinks and candy that he sought to ban as eligible purchases under SNAP. Candy is defined in Indiana code as "a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces." The code specifically does not include recipes that contain flour. Twix bars, with their crunch cookie bases, don't qualify. Nor does a Reese's Take 5, which has pretzels. "Based on this definition, many items commonly considered to be candy, including many candy bars, are not classified as 'candy' for Indiana sales tax purposes," according to the Indiana Department of Revenue's 2023 sales tax information bulletin. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana bans SNAP for pop, candy after Trump administration approval
Indianapolis Star
23-05-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana bans the use of SNAP for soda, candy after Trump administration approval. What to know
The Trump administration has signed off on Gov. Mike Braun's plan to restrict food-stamp recipients in Indiana from using their benefits to buy soda or candy, meaning those purchases will be prohibited starting in January. Braun announced Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state's waiver allowing the state to restrict those purchases from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits. "Indiana is proud to lead the way in the Make America Healthy Again agenda by making this common sense move to return the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to its intended purpose: nutrition," Braun said in a statement. A few other states have requested similar waivers from the U.S.D.A. under the Trump administration. The Trump administration also signed a more restricted waiver request from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, and a request from Nebraska to ban soda and energy drinks. Arkansas and Idaho also have sought waivers. "Soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads," said Reynolds, as reported by the Des Moines Register. "To promote healthy eating and protect future generations from disease — and to ensure SNAP fulfills its core function — we need a change. Those pushing back against Indiana's request include U.S. candymakers. 'SNAP participants and non-SNAP participants alike understand that chocolate and candy are treats – not meal replacements," said Chris Gindlesperger, senior vice president for the National Confectioners Association. "In fact, candy purchasing patterns are basically equivalent between SNAP and non-SNAP families – with only about 2% of SNAP purchases being candy." Experts who study the SNAP program previously have said they still expect SNAP recipients to buy soda and candy at normal rates, even with the ban in place. For example, rotisserie chickens also aren't allowable SNAP purchases, but people still purchase them, just not with benefits, Northwestern University professor Diane Schanzenbach previously told IndyStar. "I think that what this will do is increase the administrative costs of SNAP and not really change behavior potentially at all or not very much," Schanzenbach said. About 600,000 people in Indiana used SNAP in 2022, according to federal data. The average monthly benefit is $162 per person. About 23% of the households receiving SNAP received income from wages or work, according to USDA. Once the ban on candy and soda purchases with SNAP benefits goes into effect, not all candy will be banned. That's because of Indiana's tax code. Braun cited specific Indiana code to define the soft drinks and candy that he sought to ban as eligible purchases under SNAP. Candy is defined in Indiana code as "a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces." The code specifically does not include recipes that contain flour. Twix bars, with their crunch cookie bases, don't qualify. Nor does a Reese's Take 5, which has pretzels. "Based on this definition, many items commonly considered to be candy, including many candy bars, are not classified as 'candy' for Indiana sales tax purposes," according to the Indiana Department of Revenue's 2023 sales tax information bulletin.
Axios
15-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
The future of snacking starts in Indianapolis
What your pantry looks like in a few years could be shaped by high-level candy conversations happening this week in Indianapolis. Why it matters: With an estimated economic impact of $13 million, the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo at the Indiana Convention Center represents an important long-term partnership for Indy's convention industry that contributed to last year being an all-timer. Zoom in: More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the four-day gathering, organized by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) and billed as the "Super Bowl" of the snack industry. This is where the biggest brands unveil their latest products and budding snack makers strut their stuff in a showcase of startups. The big picture: Key conversations will center on serious industry challenges, particularly consumer spending habits and food policy changes under the Trump administration. Those include the Robert F. Kennedy Jr.-influenced " Make Indiana Healthy Again" effort, which prompted a response from NCA leaders, who called the initiative, which includes restricting candy and soft drinks from SNAP benefits, "misguided and not needed." "One thing that is really important to keep in mind is that in terms of permissible indulgence and differentiation, we have never promoted chocolate or candy as a meal replacement," NCA president and CEO John Downs told Axios. "It's a treat, and consumers in America consume our products that way. So there is common sense there." State of play: The trends Downs expects to dominate expo conversations this week and future store shelves come down to three big concepts: 🌶️ Bold flavors: Consumers are really into snacks with big, impactful, international flavors. No plain chops over here. 🎄 Special occasions: Products tied to holidays, traditions and celebrations are hot. Think limited-run and "get them before they're gone" offers. 💡 Innovation: Downs said this year's event has more than 400 products in 12 categories in a special presentation of new ideas happening this week. Yes, but: You can't head to the show floor to get a taste of the next big thing in snacking. The expo is not open to the general public.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sweets & Snacks Expo Announces 2025 Most Innovative New Product Awards Winners
INDIANAPOLIS, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweets & Snacks Expo announced today the winners of the 2025 Most Innovative New Product Awards, recognizing excellence in 12 categories and showcasing the broad range of innovative offerings across the candy and snack industries. "The Most Innovative New Product Awards are a celebration of the creativity and ingenuity that keeps people coming back to the candy and snack aisles," John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, the host organization for Sweets & Snacks Expo, said. "Consumers turn to confectionery and snack products to add a little sweet or salty touch to special occasions and everyday moments. This year's MINPA winners are outstanding examples of the ways in which the confectionery and snack industries are delivering products to meet consumers where they want to be met." This year, a record number of products – more than 400 total – were submitted for consideration in a variety of categories, with retail leaders specializing in these powerhouse categories serving as judges. Beginning May 13, these products will be on display in the Featured Product Showcase at the Sweets & Snacks Expo. The Most Innovative New Product Awards Winners are: Best in Show: Belle's Gourmet Popcorn Matcha Latte Popcorn Small Business Innovator: Nomad Snacks Pad Thai Flavored Ready-to-eat Popcorn Chocolate: Pop & Sol Coconut Flaked White Chocolate Covered Cashews Gourmet/Premium Confections: Mattigan's Dubai Style Chocolate Spread Gum & Mints: breathROX Popping Breath Mints – Blue Raspberry Gummy Candy: Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters – Strawberry Punch Non-Chocolate Candy: Juicy Drop® Gummy Mystery Cube 5oz Original Flavor Novelty/Licensed: Ezee Freezee Freeze-n-Peel Strawberry Pop Seasonal: Amos Tastysounds JinglePop Graffiti Meat Snacks: Bavarian Meats Original Lil' Landjaeger Individually Wrapped Stick Salty Snacks: Belle's Gourmet Popcorn Dubai Chocolate Popcorn Savory Snacks: Snak Club Ramen flavored Snack Mix Sweet Snacks: Chunk Nibbles Toffee Sweet & Salty Clusters Baked Goods: Trashy Gourmet Shortbread Cookies with Mini Strawberry Boba from Molly Bz Cookies To set up an interview with a Sweets & Snacks Expo spokesperson, please email candy@ Visit the official Sweets & Snacks Expo Media Kit for more information on the show and media resources. About Sweets & Snacks ExpoThe Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier event for the confectionery and snack industries. Featuring new product launches, business-building solutions, and merchandising innovations, this annual trade show brings together qualified candy and snack retail professionals and company representatives who showcase the latest in candy and snack products. The event is sponsored by the National Confectioners Association. Learn more at About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)The National Confectioners Association is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry. Our member companies create moments of joy with chocolate, candy, gum, and mints, drive $54 billion in retail sales, and add a little sweetness to life. NCA champions policies that help candy makers and other stakeholders in this unique category thrive while reminding consumers that chocolate and candy are treats. Learn more at or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Media Contact:candy@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sweets & Snacks Expo Sign in to access your portfolio
Indianapolis Star
12-05-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Candy industry leader hopes to talk to Gov. Mike Braun about 'the power of sweets'
John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, might have questions for Indiana's governor. About 58,000 workers are in the candy industry at more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. And there's a big footprint in Indiana, Downs said. "For every one job that you find in the confectionery and snack business, there are 11 other jobs that are connected to it up and down the supply chain stream as it relates to manufacturing, producing and distributing chocolate and candy products," he said ahead of the 2025 Sweets & Snacks expo in Indianapolis. "So there's a ripple effect that benefits local economics, not just in Indiana and Indianapolis, but nationwide.' It's something Downs plans to discuss with Gov. Mike Braun while he's in town this week for the Sweets & Snacks Expo May 13-15 at the Indiana Convention Center. Braun doesn't want food stamp recipients in Indiana to use those benefits on soda or candy. Indiana, along with Arkansas and Idaho, is seeking a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove chocolate and candy from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), part of an effort aiming to improve the nutrition of program recipients. Story continues after gallery. 'I've got a meeting with Governor Braun to educate him on the power of sweets as it relates to our economic footprint and the positive nature that we bring to our local to our local markets,' Downs said. 'It was nice that he agreed to meet with me and (Visit Indy CEO) Leonard (Hoops) is going to be with me.' The request for a waiver is part of the "Make Indiana Healthy Again" initiative announced in April this week alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The largest candy and snack trade event in North America, the show is where national and international manufacturers showcase products for retail and wholesale buyers. It's produced by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), which represents chocolate, candy, gum and mints companies with a total of about $54 billion in retail sales. More than 1,000 exhibitors will take over 250,000 square foot of space at the 2025 edition, which will also offer a supplier showcase and education sessions. 'It's shaping up to be one of our best shows ever,' Downs said. 'You'll see innovation everywhere. We've got over 400 products in innovation in 12 categories. It's one of the biggest pieces of innovation we've had as it relates to new products and bold flavors, etc.' Some of those new products include Ferrero Rocher chocolate squares, Dr. Pepper-flavored Tic Tacs, a new flavor of Nutella, a Marshmallow Butterfinger, a new flavor of FocusFuel caffeine gummies, a new line of Welch's Juicefuls Fusions with duo flavors, and new limited time HARIBO Goldbears Tropical and Twins Snake Tropical. The show is expected to have an economic impact of $12 to $13 each year, according to Visit Indy. Previously: Twix? Yes. Snickers? No. Why Braun's SNAP candy ban leaves out some sweets Starting as the All Candy Expo in Chicago 25 years ago, the show first left that city in 2021 when it relocated to the Indiana Convention Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was canceled in 2020. Producers were so impressed with Indianapolis' hosting in 2021, that it began considering moving the show here long-term, particularly after city and state leadership made overtures. 'We're excited that we're back for another lap around the track in Indianapolis,' Downs said. The show is open to registered trade only.
