Organizers for ProSweets Cologne say the 2023 edition — postponed from January to April 23-25 — will be staged in a “compact and agile” format alongside ISM in light of challenges facing the confectionery and snack industries.

"We are totally convinced that it was the right decision to stage ProSweets Cologne as a Special Edition parallel to the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair," said Claire Steinbrück, vice president, trade fair management, Koelnmesse. "The prominent location of ProSweets Cologne on the Central Boulevard – i.e. in the heart of the ISM – underlines the content-related interlinking between the two fairs, which is additionally enhanced by an aligned event program.”

For the special edition, the supplier fair is offering exhibiting companies complete stand packages in three formats. For last-minute exhibitors, these packages can be booked up until Dec. 15 at the early bird discount. As usual, the focus lies on four themes: packaging design and packaging materials; packaging and production technology; food safety and quality assurance; and raw materials and ingredients. 

In addition to specialized topics, supply-chain related themes, changes to export-oriented geostrategy, and energy and resource shortages will also be integrated into the program. For example, Euromonitor, partner of both trade fairs, will discuss the effects of inflation on the sweets and snacks market in Europe in the presentation "Inflation Surge and its Impact on Snacks.” DLG will also discuss solutions for the global procurement of raw materials and energy efficiency in sweets production on the joint Expert Stage.  

Furthermore, the networking format #CONNECT2030 will be held on the Expert Stage on April 23. Representatives from production and packaging will discuss the impact of the energy crisis and the lack of raw materials in the sweets industry. The event will allow participants and speakers to exchange ideas with industry pros and establish new business contacts along the entire value chain.