No matter how gloomy the weather, the economy or even the politics, Carnival season in Cologne brings out the smiles in everyone. People parading in costume, the local breweries doling out kölsch (beer brewed in Cologne only) continuously and the world’s largest confectionery fair all help with the mood.
Visitors and participants attending the 42nd International Sweets & Biscuits Fair shared those smiles, albeit faced with non-carnival like realities: consolidation, rising commodity prices and retailer pressures.