CHICAGO, IL — As more food manufacturers venture into the ever-expanding snacks category, they may consider joining a trade association focused on this industry. If they attend Pack Expo International later this month at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, they can have an opportunity to meet up with representatives of the Snack Food Association (SFA) at the Baking-Snack Break Lounge.

SFA once again is endorsing the lounge as it did at last year’s Pack Expo Las Vegas, and it will have staff and members on hand throughout the show to help attendees find the right technologies to address specific situations and challenges, according to Chris Clark, vice-president, operations, member services and education.

Mr. Clark said last year’s event proved to be a success for SFA because it provided an opportunity to not only meet with member companies, but also to  reach out to food companies that may be entering or getting closer to the snack food market. And in the end, he noted, that the association was able to add several new members.

 “Also, because packaging is such an integral part of snack foods and our association, a lot of our supplier members exhibit at pack Expo as well as processing equipment members,” Mr. Clark said. “Thus, it’s a good opportunity to work with them and promote what we do. When we talk to companies at the lounge area, we can direct them to other SFA members.”

SFA and PMMI, the trade association that organizes Pack Expo events, will host a reception in the Baking-Snack Break Lounge beginning at 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30. The lounge, which is sponsored by Kliklok-Woodman, will be located on the Grand Concourse, adjacent to the Innovations Stage.

Pack Expo International runs Oct. 28-30. For additional information or to register, visit www.packexpo.com.