I am delighted to welcome you here for the first time. In January, I took over as Chairman of the Board of Sweets Global Network, succeeding Hans Strohmaier, who has made "SG" the leading communication platform for the confectionery industry in German-speaking countries and far beyond. He has handed me a first-class foundation that I would like to further develop and expand in the coming years together with my fellow board member Oliver Peik and the SG team. I am a man of the trade media and event industry and a passionate networker and will contribute my expertise in digital and print media as well as at congresses and other networking events to this task and also provide new impetus.

The sweet sector is lively, diverse and colourful, with special challenges at all stages of the value chain for retailers, manufacturers and the industry. In these times, it is important to have a media partner at your side who can provide you with the competent and reliable information you need. Our editor-in-chief Dr Jörg Häseler and his team will continue to inspire you and provide you with valuable information to help you make better decisions for your business.

I would particularly like to take this opportunity to recommend the Guided Tours that sweets processing is organising together with ProSweets Cologne for the first time. On 29 and 30 January, we will be offering guided tours with editor-in-chief Dr Jörg Häseler, during which selected exhibitors will report on their innovations. You will learn first-hand and gain insights into innovations and solutions from the areas of ingredients, technology and packaging. Further information can be found on page 11. I am very much looking forward to working with you and exchanging ideas with you.