südback Stuttgart – The trade fair for the baking and confectionery industry

Tradition meets innovation: baking culture in transition

The südback trade fair in Stuttgart is one of the most important trade fairs for the baking and confectionery trade in German-speaking countries. Every two years, the Stuttgart Exhibition Center becomes a meeting place for professionals from the trade, industry, commerce, and gastronomy sectors who want to find out about new products, technologies, trends, and business concepts. With its lively mix of technology, enjoyment, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship, südback is considered a source of inspiration for the industry—it shows how tradition and the future can be combined in the bakery.

The trade fair profile: The entire value chain of the baking trade

Südback offers a comprehensive overview of all areas that are crucial to the success of a modern bakery or pastry shop:

• Baking ovens, kneading machines, dough portioners, and other bakery machinery
• Shop fittings, counter systems, and shop design
• Ingredients, raw materials, baking mixes, and delicatessen items
• Packaging, logistics, hygiene, and cleaning supplies
• IT solutions, POS systems, digital ordering platforms
• Coffee machines, snack concepts, and catering extensions
• Advertising material, marketing support, and consulting

The focus is not only on artisanal production, but also on the economic and organizational development of businesses – from small rural bakeries to chain stores. Anyone interested in other trade fairs in the region can find a comprehensive overview of the regional event portfolio at Stuttgart Trade Fair.

Target groups: From small craft businesses to large bakeries

Südback attracts a diverse professional audience from a wide range of areas within the baking industry:

• Master bakers and confectioners
• Specialist sales staff and branch managers
• Owners and managing directors of small and medium-sized businesses
• Large bakeries, suppliers, franchisors
• Specialist retailers for raw materials, equipment, and packaging
• Vocational schools, academies, chambers, and trade associations

There is a particular focus on professional exchange, promoting young talent, and partnership-based networking—the trade fair offers the perfect atmosphere and structure for this.

Innovation forum, competitions, and industry discussions

An essential part of südback is the supporting program, which addresses current topics and conveys them in a practical manner. Particularly popular are:

• the südback Trend Forum, where experts discuss topics such as digitalization, pricing, employee motivation, and sustainability
• the südback Trend Award, which honors forward-looking products and ideas
• live demonstrations of machines, techniques, and products directly at the stands
• baking shows, competitions, and presentations by young professionals

The combination of information, inspiration, and interaction in particular makes visiting the trade fair a real experience.

Diversity of topics and current challenges

Südback also responds to the key challenges facing the industry:

• Skills shortage and how to retain and attract employees
• Digitalization in the bakery and in sales
• Health trends and nutritional concepts (e.g., vegan or gluten-free baked goods)
• Regionality, sustainability, and resource conservation
• Expansion of the business model to include snacks, café operations, or delivery services

It is precisely this diversity of topics that makes the trade fair appealing not only to established companies, but also to founders and career changers.

südback – enjoyment, business, and community

Südback is more than just a trade fair: it is a meeting place for an industry that is deeply rooted in culture yet faces enormous upheaval. With a wide range of exhibits, current specialist topics, and a friendly atmosphere, the fair offers exactly what the baking and confectionery trade needs today: ideas, exchange, orientation, and passion. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.messe-stuttgart.de/suedback