Niche opportunities: trends conference examines opportunities for targeting key market segments. (2002 Candy & Snack Consumer Trends Conference).(discusses youth, baby boomer and ethnic markets)

Kids, baby boomers and ethnic consumers were among the population segments whose attitudes toward candy and snacks were explored this fall at the 2002 Candy and Snack Consumer Trends Conference. The annual conference, held in Chicago, was sponsored by Candy Industry, Confectioner and Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery magazines. Here's a rundown on some of the insights conference speakers - shared on these three significant market segments.

The younger set

Kids are not just "little adults," presenter Jennifer Goodman reminded conference attendees.

"They see, experience and respond to the world and to products in a very different way than adults do," said …