The National Chocolate & Dessert Show (NCDS) returns to Chicago’s Navy Pier on Oct. 20 to 22, as the nation’s only trade show dedicated to the chocolate and dessert industry.
With more than 27 years’ experience organizing events and trade shows, president Mario Pi explains the need for the NCDS, in a media statement: “From mass production to artisan chocolatiers, chocolate and dessert producers have an artisan craftsmanship that requires specialty equipment, a concentrated focus on ingredients, and constant upkeep of the latest industry trends. We wanted to make it easy for both foodservice operators and retail buyers to have all the broader elements needed to build a chocolate or dessert program in one place with the focused objectives needed to address the niche industry.”
This year’s NCDS has an international presence with cocoa supplier Cacao San Jose and the Indonesian and Ecuadorian Trade Councils. Exhibitors cover topics such as specialty equipment, as well as access to the portfolio of chocolate products from distributors.
The show will address attendee needs during educational conference programming on topics such as sourcing (fair trade vs. organic), consumer trends, and business advice.
The NCDS overlaps with the consumer Chicago Fine Chocolate & Dessert Show, which takes place Friday, Oct. 18 to 20. Sunday attendees will have access to the consumer show to gain perspective from small artisan chocolatiers and pastry chefs as well as monitor consumer interests and tastes. Attendee registration opens May 15 for the NCDS, and registration will launch free of charge to attendees. Exhibitor registration is open.
Click here for more information on the show.
Source: Bakers Journal
