ProSweets Cologne 2024, hosted in Cologne from January 28 to 31, has emphasised its position as the premier industry meeting point for global suppliers in the sweets and snacks sector. With 248 exhibitors from 30 countries showcasing their expertise in innovatively designed stands in Hall 10.1, the event drew over 13,000 trade visitors from approximately 90 countries, with a notable 60 percent international presence.
Building on the success of the previous year's Special Edition, this year's edition matched the exhibitor numbers of previous successful years, highlighting the trade fair's continued significance. European countries, particularly Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Turkey, recorded the highest numbers of visitors. At the same time, growth outside Europe was observed in countries such as Egypt, Algeria, India, Kazakhstan, and China.
ProSweets Cologne 2024 stood out for its quality trade audience, which was predominantly composed of decision-makers. The collaboration with ISM during the Sweet Week brought about notable synergies, fostering a more intense industry exchange. The close interlinking of the two trade fairs facilitated a practice-oriented specialised programme and introduced new event formats emphasising innovation and sustainability across machines, processes, and raw material procurement.
Gerald Böse, President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, highlighted the positive impact of the Sweet Week with ISM on economic activities and the industry's overall strengthening. The collaboration increased machine sales, particularly from renowned international packaging and production machine manufacturers.
Oliver Frese, COO of Koelnmesse GmbH, underscored the importance of the exchange between ISM and ProSweets Cologne, emphasising the unique added value for the industry. The event targeted the sweets and snacks sector and addressed cross-industry manufacturers.
ProSweets Cologne 2024 showcased the latest industry developments, trends, and innovations, offering a more practice-oriented program than ever before. The event emphasised environmentally friendly product and packaging procurement and manufacturing. The "InGREENients" special section highlighted innovative snack solutions worldwide with a focus on sustainability, while the Sustainable Packaging Special Show explored ways to make packaging more sustainable.
Guided tours with various themes attracted a diverse audience, covering sustainable packaging concepts and processes organised by the DLG and tours by the Sweets Global Network, around selected exhibitors of ProSweets Cologne.
The close collaboration with ISM also facilitated discussions on current developments in eCommerce, online marketing, and the digitalisation of supply chains, in partnership with DMEXCO.
The next edition is scheduled for February 2 to 5, 2025.
