ProSweets plans for revised dates gather momentum in Cologne

Plans for hosting ProSweets in Cologne, Germany, within the key ISM confectionery event are continuing to progress, with the exhibitor area continuing to be extended as part of the combined special edition event, reports Neill Barston.

The two sector showcases are normally scheduled to take place each January, but the ongoing impact of the energy crisis, and wider industry inflation linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine, resulting in the dates being delayed to 23-25 April at its traditional Koelnmesse venue.

As the organising team noted, the revised show dates for ProSweets are set to feature  around 115 companies from 22 countries across the sweets and snacks industry, including both international market leaders and the equally important smaller and medium-sized specialised suppliers.

Among confirmed businesses this year are companies including Boettger Food Ingredients, Capol, Coppenrath Feingebäck GmbH, Baker Perkins, Prefamac Chocolate Machines, Live-Tech s.r.l., Fuji Packaging, GNT Group B.V., Hacos NV, Handtmann, Maschinenfabrik Seydelmann, Stearinerie Dubois Fils, Tomra Sorting, and Dolciaria Gadeschi .

The majority of the exhibitors come from European countries like Belgium, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and Poland. But countries such as the USA, Lebanon and Turkey are also represented among the exhibitors. The high level of internationality of the Special Edition is furthermore underlined by the two group stands of China.

All of the main exhibition sections are covered from packaging materials and machines, to plants and automation, through to food safety and operating and auxiliary equipment.

As the managing team noted, there has been an increase in the participations from the sweets and snacks ingredients segment is particularly pleasing. In comparison to the previous event more than double the amount of exhibitors from the raw materials/ingredients/semi-finished goods are represented.

Against the backdrop of a stronger consumer demand for sustainable and at the same technologically convincing products this segment is expanding constantly. This also applies for the coming years and the further development of ProSweets Cologne as the central supplier fair for the sweets and snacks industry.

During the show there will be an event programme focused on raw materials and Ingredients, as well asSweet & Snackable Ingredients, including a series of impulse lectures on the “Expert Stage” covering  sustainability, supply chains and packaging themes.

Furthermore, the show will also have guided tours of the DLG entitled “Raw Materials for the Sensory Wow Effect” which will take place daily. They highlight the opportunities that arise by implementing special raw materials, but also technological solutions for the production of demanding sensory products.

Further lectures on the “Expert Stage” address issues such as energy efficiency or chocolate technology. The “Expert Stage” additionally encompasses themes from the ISM world.

In addition, ProSweet is also inviting guests to join them for a “Matchmaking Breakfast” for the first time on the Tuesday of the trade fair. The aim is to allow producers of sweets and snacks to network with the supplier industry in a relaxed atmosphere and further promote the internal industry dialogue (upon special invitation only).

The “ProSweets Cologne – Special Edition – Lounge” offers the ideal setting for this. It is open on all days of the trade fair and offers seating options and a comprehensive food service selection. For more information, visit www.prosweets.com