BDSI trade body expresses concerns for industry partners in Ukraine, as invasion continues
Aerial view of the Ukrainian flag waving in the wind against the city of Kyiv, Ukraine near the famous statue of Motherland at sunset.
The BDSI German confectionery association has expressed its sympathies to colleagues and friends within Ukraine, in the wake of invasion from neighbouring Russia, writes Neill Barston.
As the trade body noted, it has maintained strong relations with the two nations, with sweets and snacks being a significant area of export trade within the region that has fostered longstanding relations.
The BDSI noted that both Russia and Ukraine had played their part each year in the ISM event in Cologne, with the two countries having notable cross-border production capabilities that have been significantly impacted.
Consequently, as Confectionery Production reported earlier this week, major manufacturers including Mars, which has over 170 associates working in Ukraine who have been impacted by the worsening situation. Mondelez and Nestle have confirmed that production operations have temporarily ceased amid the conflict.
“It is still incomprehensible to us that our two most important partners in war against each other in Eastern Europe,” said Bastian Fassin, chairman of the BDSI and chairman of the International Sweets Fair (AISM) working group. “Our concern is first and foremost the people, the business partners and their families in Ukraine.”
As the BDSI added, the industry welcomes the fact that the governments of all EU countries are united at this time prevails and a clear attitude is shown. It noted that the rapidity with which strong economic penalties were decided against Russia, shows that the fundamental principles of the European Union are being maintained.
“European politics must use this tragic wake-up call to to strengthen the internal market again”, continued Fassin. “There are dramatic consequences of war, and the sanctions imposed also have economic side effects on production of important agricultural commodities, on international logistics, but also on the energy market that cannot yet be foreseen in its entirety.”
Messe Düsseldorf action
Elsewhere within Germany, Messe Düsseldorf, which is set to host next year’s major Interpack event, confirmed that it has suspended its activities in Russia.
In a statement, the organisation said: “As a consequence of the disturbing events in Ukraine, the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf has decided to suspend the group’s business activities in Russia until further notice. This also includes the activities of the subsidiary Messe Düsseldorf Moscow.
Dr. Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf and chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf, emphasises: “The whole city of Düsseldorf is thinking of the people in Ukraine. After we have already put the city partnership between Moscow and Düsseldorf on ice, it is only logical that Messe Düsseldorf, as a subsidiary of the city, also suspends its activities in Russia for the time being.”
This month’s Modern Bakery Moscow event, which was organised in partnership with Germany’s Messe Frankfurt has also postponed the show – which was due to be held 22-25 March, which has now been moved to June 14-17 owing to the present conflict in the region.