Exclusive: World Confectionery Conference set for 2026 UK return

Just over a month on from our successful return to Brussels for the fourth World Confectionery Conference, and the wheels are being put in motion for our 2026 event, writes Neill Barston.

For the next iteration of our key industry gathering is set to be held at the View in central London, on 10 September, which has already proved a successful location for our sister title, Tea and Coffee Trade Journal, which hosted a debut event there earlier this year.

Notably, thanks are due to all those who participated in our event in the Belgian capital, which once again saw a host of key sustainability, innovation and policy matters come under the microscope. 

Watch our full review of this year’s event in Brussels below, which drew a dynamic range of presentations representing the full value chain of the confectionery sector, from equipment and systems, through to ingredients, finished product, and trends presentations.

Keynotes this year came from Ferrero, Caobisco European confectionery association, Luker Chocolate as well as insights from the Mintel group, alongside a broad additional programme. 

As for our 2026 plans, with events across the confectionery and snacks sector in a finely balanced situation amid numerous global challenges, there will be plenty of food for thought as we return to the UK. For a full review of the 2025 iteration, see our November magazine.

Despite those background tests in terms of fast-evolving legislation, and supply chain tests, markets have proved resilient and are continuing to show signs of progressing strongly.

Reflecting on this year’s event, Confectionery Production editor Neill Barston commented on another successful edition.

He said: “This year proved to be another triumph for all involved with the World Confectionery Conference as it returned to the location that kicked-off our live events in 2022.

“We would just like to offer a note of gratitude to all who played their part, whether that’s our excellent combination of speakers from across the industry, to our exhibitors, all who entered our awards, and break sponsor, Kersia.

”Furthermore, just as importantly, we’re very much appreciative of all those who journeyed from afar afield as Cologne, Colombia and South America to ensure a truly dynamic conference.

“The quality of presentations this year, including our concluding Q&A set another very high bar for our event, and it was so encouraging to hear all the positive feedback we received on the day, which meant a lot to our team. We’re looking forward to staging our 2026 plans that will see us open up a new chapter as the event returns to the UK, set to be hosted in London next September, which has a long and rich history associated with the confectionery trade.”

• Registration for our 2026 event will open shortly and will be via our website: confectioneryconference.com with early bird rates available.