ProSweets Cologne – International supplier fair for the confectionery and snack industry

Technologies, ingredients, and packaging for the taste of the future

ProSweets Cologne is the central supplier fair for the confectionery and snack industry – and a globally unique platform that covers all relevant areas of production: from raw materials, processing technology, and packaging to food safety and automation. As a trade fair held in conjunction with ISM Cologne, the world's leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks, ProSweets creates a unique synergy between product development, market development, and technical innovation. Around 300 exhibitors from over 30 countries will be presenting their latest solutions, materials, and technologies in Cologne – and meeting product developers, technicians, packaging experts, quality managers, and buyers from across the food industry.

Ingredient diversity and new functionality

One focus of ProSweets is on innovative raw materials and ingredients for confectionery and snack production. Whether natural flavors, plant-based proteins, reduced-sugar sweeteners, functional additives, or coloring foods – the trade fair shows how product development can be brought into line with health trends, regulations, and consumer preferences. Manufacturers and suppliers present practical solutions for reformulations, clean label products, allergen-free recipes, and natural color and flavor components – always with an eye on efficiency, scalability, and sensory properties.

Machinery, automation, and smart production

From cocoa processing to final packaging, ProSweets covers all the technical processes required for confectionery production. The focus is particularly on modular plant concepts, robot-assisted processing, AI-based quality assurance, and energy-efficient production technologies. Digitalization plays a central role: many exhibitors showcase Industry 4.0-compatible solutions that intelligently network systems, enable real-time data analysis, and reduce production costs in the long term. Anyone interested in other trade fairs in Cologne – whether in the food industry, packaging technology, consumer goods production, or logistics – will find a comprehensive overview of regional events at Cologne Trade Fair.

Packaging – between sustainability, brand presentation, and legislation

Packaging is a key innovation topic at ProSweets. Requirements are increasing: packaging must be more sustainable, recyclable, functional, and at the same time brand-appropriate. The trade fair showcases materials and systems that manage this balancing act – from mono-materials and compostable films to smart packaging solutions with additional digital functions. Packaging machine manufacturers present modular systems that can be flexibly adapted to new formats and materials. Automation solutions for filling, sealing, labeling, and palletizing are also well represented.

Food safety, hygiene, and quality assurance

In view of increasing regulatory requirements, higher consumer demands, and global supply chains, food safety is a top issue. ProSweets is dedicated to this area with a wide range of suppliers and technologies—from detection systems and cleaning processes to seamless traceability and digital hygiene management systems. Particularly important are integrated quality assurance solutions that intervene during the production process and identify risks at an early stage.

Research, exchange, and development

ProSweets is accompanied by an extensive supporting program with specialist presentations, innovation forums, and guided tours. Scientific institutions, industry service providers, and associations will provide in-depth knowledge on topics such as the circular economy, sustainability, market analyses, and new packaging laws. The close integration with ISM also offers a direct interface to the market and consumers—a real advantage for companies that want to develop new products or respond to changing demand.

Start-ups, specialists, and hidden champions

In addition to the major international technology and packaging specialists, ProSweets also offers a stage for smaller suppliers and innovative start-ups. In the theme zones and special areas, trade fair visitors will encounter exciting niche solutions, new machine concepts, and flexible approaches that are particularly interesting for medium-sized producers.

Cologne – a food location with an international profile

With its central location, high level of expertise in the food and packaging industry, and the professional infrastructure of Koelnmesse, Cologne offers the perfect setting for ProSweets. Trade visitors appreciate the combination of innovation, direct business opportunities, and inspiring exchanges – embedded in a diverse network of research, industry, and trade. ProSweets Cologne is more than just a technology trade fair: it is an innovation laboratory for the future of the food industry – well-founded, networked, and practice-oriented. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.prosweets.de