Caobisco Congress shines valuable light on core challenges facing the industry

Exploring ways forward for tackling some of the key industry challenges facing the sweets and snacks sector formed a key theme for the Caobisco Congress staged in Brussels earlier this week, which Confectionery Production was glad to report upon.

Notably, it has been a full five years since the influential European confectionery trade body last held a major celebration, with the last occasion being its 60 anniversary back in 2019, so this felt like a particularly noteworthy gathering.

The assembled invited audience consisting of Caobisco members from right across the sector were offered the chance to hear some key updates from major businesses, representative and organisations across the sector.

Notably, the event was opened by the organisation’s director general, Muriel Korter, who asserted that Europe’s confectionery sector continued to play a significant role in the region’s economy, and offered a note of praise to the companies at the heart of its organisation, which consists largely of small to medium-sized enterprises.

We also heard an outline of latest product development trends from Euromonitor, which revealed that consumers remain focused on seeking out an ever more expansive range of flavours and tastes, as well as valuing better-for-you ranges, as well as some innovative premium treats.

Perhaps the most poignant moments of the day was in hearing a trade ambassador from Ukraine, who highlighted the concerning situation of sugar imports to the EU from its nation that had previously operated as a valuable resource to address shortages within the bloc’s supplies.

But as we previously reported, a number of EU states had lobbied to restrict sugar from Ukraine – despite the clear need for those very supplies, which the Ukranian minister had urged the region to reconsider. He also sought support for the country’s quest to join the EU itself, confirming that negotiations were ongoing this year for its membership to become a reality in spite of the ongoing war being waged upon it.

There was also some intriguing debate in relation to the need for regulatory improvements as regards labelling within product ranges – which remains inconsistent around the world, with panellists recognising the need for harmonisation in this respect.

The evening concluded with further networking at its drinks reception and evening meal, which offered the chance to meet and greet industry specialists from across Europe and far further afield in what proved a particularly enjoyable series of presentations and panel discussions that made for a fine gathering that did sought to place some significant industry tests in the spotlight.

Clearly, the industry is continuing to grapple with a number of issues across its supply chains – from the persistent problem of child labour and environmental topic of deforestation caused by industrial activity, the saga of the much-anticipated EUDR regulations designed to deliver greater transparency, through to complexities of trading in the wake of Brexit, and more latterly geopolitical instability in Ukraine and Gaza that are impacting on traditional logistics chains. But it is only through greater focus on such core issues – and enacting tangible policies from them, that real progress on sustainability, best practice and due diligence can ever truly be made.

Neill Barston, editor, Confectionery Production
Keep in touch at [email protected] or via our social media channels @confectionprod and our Linkedin pages