By Dr Jörg Häseler, Editor-in-chief Sweets Processing

The first days of the new year are over. I hope that you have had a good start and are now looking forward to the industry trade fair highlight of ProSweets Cologne. Many companies already made a stopover in the cathedral city in December, as Chocotec attracted over 350 participants to the Congress Centre North at Koelnmesse. The mood was good, even though the mould manufacturers are still clearly tense due to the issue of bisphenol A.

What's more, there are now just under four weeks until a new Bundestag is elected in Germany. All eyes will be on Berlin on 23 February. So don't forget: Go and vote, even if the elections take place in a winter month. The confectionery industry is facing immense challenges: Rising raw material costs, stricter regulation and changing consumer behaviour are putting manufacturers under pressure. Despite this turbulence, the industry's achievements must be defended. Sustainability is a dominant theme. However, radical demands such as the complete replacement of sugar or restrictive packaging requirements are a particular burden on medium-sized family businesses. Sustainability must not become a threat to jobs and regional economic cycles. A balance is needed between environmental protection and economic feasibility. The industry is responding: Many manufacturers are investing in sustainable raw materials, reducing sugar and developing innovative recipes. This progress should not be stifled by excessive regulation. Instead, we need a policy that promotes entrepreneurial room for manoeuvre.

The confectionery industry deserves recognition for its adaptability its products create moments of joy and connect generations. So enjoy Cologne and ProSweets and, of course, the ISM.