Returning from ProSweets
After a long week at ProSweets, we are finally back in the office!!!
325 companies from over 30 countries exhibited at the show. The machinery and equipment sector was strongly represented, but ingredient suppliers were less obvious, with a few companies commenting they may not exhibit at the next event due to the fair being too machinery focused. However, despite these comments, the fair seemed particularly busy and this was reflected in post show figures which announced a 5% increase in visitor numbers compared to last year. 65% of these visitors were from abroad, another figure that is higher than the 2012 event.
Exhibitors were showcasing many new and innovative products. The most striking technological developments were enhanced versions of established processes and procedures. The main driving forces here were the need to save energy in the production processes, which are often very energy-intensive, as well as the further improvement and standardisation of product quality. These two objectives often go hand in hand with further automation measures. As a result, more and more robots are now also being used in the confectionery and baked goods industries.
Major trends in the area of ingredients were naturalness and clean labels. The focus was on natural colours and food colourings, because they play a dominant role in confectionery. Another focus was on aromas and sweeteners that meet all of the customers’ needs.
What’s more, unusual packaging is very important for confectionery and fine baked goods because these products are often used as gifts or to decorate tables. The exhibitors at ProSweets Cologne also offered a broad range of new developments in this area. The packaging involved is not only attractive and valuable looking, but ensures products retain their high quality.
After an exhausting show we can all have a slightly longer rest than usual as ProSweets does not run in 2014, due to it being interpack year. However, for those of you interested in the conference, this will run alongside ISM 27-28 January 2014. The next ProSweets exhibition will be 1-4 February 2015.
