Reflecting the surge in health consciousness and an increasingly well-informed consumer base, Capol, a provider of high-performance ingredient solutions, presented innovative finishing and natural colour solutions for the confectionery industry. "The increasing emphasis on better-for-you snacking and conscious consumption remains one of the key drivers in ingredient selection and innovation within the confectionery industry," says Ann-Christin Meier, Head of Marketing and Communications at Capol.

The trend towards healthier confectionery, characterised for example by reduced sugar content, more natural ingredients, and nutritional benefits, is also reflected in the rising popularity of functional gummies. These gummies, which are enriched with additional nutrients of functional ingredients, address consumers’ physiological health needs or emotional well-being and are often produced in a starchless manufacturing process. As an expert in surface treatment of confectionery, Capol introduced a new and complete finishing system for starchless molding at ProSweets Cologne, enabling efficient production and appealing product aesthetics. This complete finishing solution takes a comprehensive approach to the starchless manufacturing process, ensuring optimal surface treatment for both demolding and oiling of the gummies. A new generation of anti-sticking agents also counteracts the common problem of excessive oiling, ensuring a dry to the touch surface and an effective separation.

Furthermore, the company is advancing the innovation of natural colour solutions to meet the preferences of health-conscious consumers and to stand as a partner to snack and confectionery manufacturers adapting to regulatory changes. With the expansion of its Vivapigments® line of natural colour pigments, including a new safflower-based yellow , Capol offers manufacturers a full portfolio of primary colours that meet EU standards for colouring foodstuff.