SNAXPO GOING TO DISNEY WORLD

SARAH MULHOLLAND

ORLANDO -- The Snack Food Association, in conjunction with the National Potato Council, is hosting the 64th annual SNAXPO trade show and exposition this week at the Walt Disney World Dolphin in Orlando, Fla.

The four-day event, which runs through Feb. 13, has been newly formatted to include an expanded educational program, a new Latin American track, and the incorporation of the SFA/National Potato Council Potato Chipping Seminar. The program also includes a State of the Snack Food Industry presentation by Information Resources Inc., which will outline demographic and retailing trends and the current and future performance of the snack foods industry.

In addition, Dr. Alan Hirsch, director, Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, Chicago, will discuss snack choices as a reflection of distinct personality traits. He will also introduce a new study linking career choices to snacking.

Also of interest will be "Growing Snack Food Sales: A Retailer's Perspective" conducted by John Cassidy, a consultant with over 20 years of industry experience. New trends in packaging and spice blends will be in evidence at the snack-tasting area as manufacturers showcase a varied array of new products.

Representatives from the SFA expect more than 150 exhibitors and 2,500 attendees for this year's show.