Exclusive: ZDS central confectionery college kicks-off 75th year with student success

Germany’s ZDS central confectionery college has praised its latest intake of students, after completing a key technicians day aimed at preparing them for future industry roles, writes Neill Barston.

The organisation, which this year celebrates its momentous 75th anniversary has remained a key board member of Confectionery Production magazine, and is to due to make its traditional return to ISM/ProSweets 2026 in Cologne, between 1-4 February at its Koelnmesse venue, where it will share details of its latest training and events.

They will be present at Passage 3/11, Aisle B, No. 001 at ISM, and also in ProSweets, Hall  10.1, Booth B-051.

As the organisation, which has its base in Solingen, Germany, noted, its Technician’s Day was regarded as a ‘complete success’ with nine prospective state-certified technicians presented the results of their project work in the ZDS lecture hall in front of over 50 external guests from industry and science as well as its trainees and the college.

As ZDS, which has previously played a notable role in our World Confectionery Conference, added, in November and December last year, they also faced real questions from the industry and developed a wide range of solutions within six weeks that were often profitable for the companies – from optimisations and efficiency improvements to new developments.

The presentations were accompanied by lively discussions with the expert audience, while the breaks between the presentations were used intensively for professional exchange and networking.

Furthermore, as ZDS observed, its students impressively demonstrated that, as committed young professionals, they are making a decisive contribution to actively shaping the future of the food industry. At the same time, they made it clear how important the close interaction between theory and practice is in further training through the college’s resources.

ZDS presence at ISM and ProSweets
As the organisation noted, prior to ISM beginning, it has offered an open invitation to visitors to its Central College of the German Confectionery Industry. 

Moreover, as the key educational group noted, for more than seven decades,  been supporting companies in the confectionery industry in building expertise, developing skilled workers, and driving innovation. At the trade fair, we will show you what modern continuing education looks like today.

Its presence in Cologne next month offers details on practical seminars and training courses, offering targeted further training in areas such as chocolate, sugar confectionery, ice cream, and fine baked goods.

Furthermore, ZDS is also able to offer tailor-made continuing education concepts that perfectly match your challenges and goals, with the key event in Germany offering a strong platform for networking.

Commenting on the performance of its latest intake of students, ZDS remarked: ” Congratulations to the 33 confectionery technologists who have successfully completed their qualification. This achievement provides a strong foundation for a successful professional career in the industry.

“At our Technician Day, our food technologists also presented impressive practical projects—demonstrating creativity, technical depth, and real-world relevance.

“These achievements make us proud—and they reflect what defines ZDS. Because education means trust.

“For 75 years, companies and individuals have placed their trust in us when it comes to education and vocational training. Earning and maintaining that trust is our constant objective—because qualifying people for today’s and tomorrow’s workplaces lies at the very core of what we do.”