How It Works

The cost per entry is $400 until April 12. After April 12, the cost to enter is $525. The deadline for new submissions is April 19.

No, the same product cannot be entered into multiple categories. Only one category per SKU is allowed.

Your company can win in multiple categories if it is a different product that is entered.  The same product cannot win or be a finalist in multiple categories.

Only one flavor is allowed per entry.  You may purchase additional entries for additional flavors however, the same product cannot be entered into more than one category.

Category should be selected based on where your product is sold in the store.

Below are basic definitions for each product category.  Please contact Mindi Cherry for further information.

Chocolate
Everyday chocolate.

Gourmet/Premium – Confections
Chocolate and non-chocolate candy products typically found in gourmet or premium sections or specialty stores.

Gum & Mints
Chewing gum and mints in the category of breath freshener.

Non-Chocolate Candy
Everyday candy that is not chocolate. Includes lollipops, hard candy, chewy candy, licorice, caramels, gummy candy, etc.

Novelty/Licensed
Licensed chocolate, non-chocolate candy and snacks of all types, as well as products that have an interactive factor, serve as an accessory or include another unique feature in addition to the confection or snack item.

Seasonal
Chocolate, non-chocolate candy and snacks that are produced for a specific season of the year or holiday. Includes holiday-specific packaging, colors, flavors and/or shapes.

Meat Snacks
Snacks containing meat product or other flavored protein.

Salty Snacks
Snacks that include salt as a main flavor ingredient. Includes chips, nuts/seeds, crackers, pretzels, ready-to-eat popcorn, etc.

Savory Snacks
Snacks that are spicy or highly flavored (e.g., bold, mild, cheesy, peppery, bar-b-que, hot, etc.). Includes chips, nuts/seeds, crackers, pretzels, ready-to-eat popcorn, etc.

Sweet Snacks
Snacks with sweetness as a primary descriptor that include a wide variety of main ingredients other than flour. Includes fruit snacks, marshmallows, snack or protein bars, sweet snack mixes, ice cream and chocolate/candy covered nuts or pretzels, etc.

Baked Goods
Sweet snacks that use baking in the cooking process and likely contain some type of flour as a main ingredient. Includes cakes, pastries, doughnuts, pies, cookies, etc.

All photos and product descriptions must be updated by April 19.

Each submission requires (40) individually packaged or sealed samples for judging samples and three (3) retail packaging samples for display and media use. Products and packaging cannot be returned after judging.

Product check-in is on Sunday, May 12, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m and Monday, May 13, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. All products must be checked in by 10 a.m. on Monday, May 13, to be eligible for judging. NCA is not responsible for products not delivered. No refunds will be given if the products are not received by the deadline.

Yes, contact Mindi Cherry for shipping information.

Only the actual product will be placed on display in the judging room and in the MINPA Showcases.

Product check-in is at the Indiana Convention Center in Room 104.

Judging will take place on Monday, May 13, beginning at 11 a.m.

All category finalists and winners will be announced at the Most Innovative New Products Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the 500 Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center.

All MINPA entries will be on display in the Most Innovative New Product Awards Showcase in the Crossroads Lobby outside Hall E. Finalists and winners will be highlighted in separate showcases.