Organizers for ProSweets Cologne say the trade fair has gained 220 participating exhibitors from 20 countries with two months to go before the show opens.

Koelnmesse says exhibitors have registered from Belgium, Chile, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Spain and the U.S., among others. Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy and the Netherlands have the most participation.

Among the companies participating in ProSweets Cologne 2022 are Belgian Sweets Design, Cesarin, Coppenrath-Feingebäck, Craemer, Chocal Packaging Solutions, Dupont, Esbe Plastic, Focke Packaging Solutions, Fürst, Gerhard Schubert, GNT Group, Hänsel Processing, Hansella, IMA, Knobel Maschinenbau, Loesch Verpackungstechnik, Maschinenfabrik Seydelmann, Memak, Nefamak, NETZSCH-Feinmahltechnik, Norevo, Prodinger Verpackung, Royal Duyvis Wiener, SACMI Packaging & Chocolate, Sollich, Sopp Industrie, Syntegon Technology, Theegarten-Pactec, ULMA Packaging, Ulmer Schokoladen and VEMAG Maschinenbau.

In addition to established companies and international market leaders, the German federal government is also offering small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) the opportunity to present at trade fairs. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is promoting the participation of small and medium-sized, innovative companies in selected, leading international trade fairs in Germany, such as ProSweets Cologne. 

Companies that are based in Germany and that classify as SMEs according to the EU definition are eligible to participate. The aim of this program is to support the marketing of innovative products, processes and services as efficiently as possible to open up export markets. The funding includes a subsidy toward the costs for stand rental and stand construction of up to €12,500.

One of the focal points of ProSweets Cologne will be the new Ingredients event zone in Hall 5.2. In addition to market-relevant trends and surveys, visitors will find a knowledge hub with presentations by ingredients exhibitors on the latest product developments and innovations. 

Additionally, the packaging special event will present new forms of packaging that comply with the new guidelines of the EU legislation. The focus will particularly lie on sustainable solutions, such as resource-saving, waste-avoiding, reusable packaging and digitalization. 

Furthermore, trade visitors will see the future congress "#CONNECT2030 in transition," which is being jointly organized with ISM. In panel discussions and lectures, experts will offer insights on the future of the sweets and snacks industry and what can be expected in terms of trends and developments up until 2030.