Koelnmesse has organized Sweets China for the past five years to positive response from the industry. The trade fair is renowned for its professional organization and international exhibitors, establishing itself as the most important business and networking trade platform for the sweet, snack and confectionary industry in China and Asia. China National Candy Association represents more than 500 Chinese companies in the candy, chocolate, jelly and preserves confectionary industry. China Confectionery Culture Festival was organized by the association from 2006 to 2008.

For the first time in 2009, Koelnmesse partners China National Candy Association to combine Sweets China with China Confectionery Culture Festival, maximizing attendance value for both visitors and exhibitors. To provide a more comprehensive exhibit profile for visitors and exhibitors, Sweets China will feature a new zone, Sweet & SnackTec. The zone is incorporated from International Sweet & SnackTec China which was held for the past two years to provide exhibitors and visitors of Sweets China a more inclusive exhibit showcase. In addition, Sweets China/ China Confectionery Culture Festival will be held for one more day compared to previous years and the last two days will be open to the public. Exhibitors will benefit from the new arrangement by getting close contact with the end consumers.

Many major retailers and distributors in the Chinese market have signed up to be part of the VIP Procurement Center at Sweets China. Retailers like Auchan, Park ‘N’ Shop, Century Mart, Carrefour, Lawson and Walmart are among the buyers who will meet the international exhibitors at the show.

Visitors can expect to see international confectionery manufacturers such as Barry Callebaut from Switzerland, BIP Holland, Golden Boronia from Australia and Grabower from Germany among many other exhibitors who come from 22 countries and regions, including Australia, China, England, Germany, HK, Italy, Iran, Japan, Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherland, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Taiwan, Ukraine and USA. Over at the Sweet & SnackTec Zone, key technology providers for the industry such as Chocotech, Roquette and Sollich will showcase their capabilities.

In line with industry demands, a series of seminars with the headlining theme of ‘Healthy, convenient and enjoyable’ will be held together with the trade exhibition. The seminars, organized by Koelnmesse and China Food Newspaper, will present new healthy and safe confectionery products and ingredients. For example Sanovo Engineering, a global supplier for egg handling and processing, will present information on how their technology improves safety and convenience for confectionery manufacturers. A representative from Roquette, the expert in polyols, dry sugars and raw materials for injectables, will speak on tooth-friendly and low caloric ingredients, as well as showcase their latest compressor technology. More seminar topics will be presented; visitors can visit the website or check the onsite directory boards for more information.

In conjunction with the trade fair, China National Candy Association will also be holding their annual general meeting and a National Candy Conference to promote the growth of the industry, examine sales and marketing strategies and share news on products and manufacturing.