Sweets & Snacks Expo
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is an annual trade show organized by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), bringing together confectionery and snack retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Starting in 2015, PEZ has produced an exclusive dispenser available only to expo attendees.
About the Expo
The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the largest candy and snack trade event in North America. The show was held annually at McCormick Place in Chicago from its founding through 2019. The 2020 expo was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 show relocated to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The expo returned to Chicago in 2022 and 2023, and beginning in 2024 rotates on a two-year/one-year cycle between the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis and the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Exclusive Dispensers
Each year, PEZ produces a limited run of approximately 1,000 exclusive dispensers for the expo. Because the show is a trade event not open to the general public, attendance is restricted to industry representatives. However, PEZ USA has made small quantities available to collectors through the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange, Connecticut, as well as through a lottery system in which randomly selected entrants are offered the opportunity to purchase a dispenser for approximately $50, with the proceeds benefiting a local charity.
| Year | Dispenser | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | PEZ Boy with red PEZ cap | Chicago, IL | red stem |
| 2016 | Emoji Love | Chicago, IL | "I ♥ PEZ" printed on the stem |
| 2017 | Ball with "Team PEZ" design | Chicago, IL | |
| 2018 | Truck | Chicago, IL | Blue cab with a white stem decorated with a sticker featuring the Candy Mascot, PEZ logo, and various fruit |
| 2019 | Yellow Candy Mascot | Chicago, IL | "NCA 2019" printed on a navy blue stem |
| 2020 | White Candy Mascot | — | "NCA 2020" printed on a navy blue stem; expo cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic; dispenser distributed through alternative channels |
| 2021 | — | Indianapolis, IN | PEZ did not participate in the expo and no exclusive dispenser was produced |
| 2022 | PEZ Treats Cupcake | Chicago, IL | red stem with no stem printing |
| 2023 | PEZ Treats Pizza | Chicago, IL | "In Pizza We Crust" printed on a red stem |
| 2024 | Presenter Girl (blue hat, red hair) | Indianapolis, IN | Blue stem |
| 2025 | Presenter Girl (blue hat, blue hair, winking) | Indianapolis, IN | "Sweets & Snacks 2025" printed on a blue stem |
| 2026 | Red Valentine Heart with "PEZ Visits Las Vegas" design | Las Vegas, NV | "Sweets & Snacks 2025" printed on a blue stem |
