At südback, the trade fair for bakery and confectionery, around 650 exhibiting companies will meet trade visitors from Germany and abroad in Stuttgart from 26 to 29 October. On 60,000 m2 of exhibition space, companies will present the main areas of work and operating technology, raw materials, merchandise, shop fittings and equipment, sales promotion and services for the baking industry.

In the wide-ranging supporting programme, trade visitors can exchange views with colleagues, international market leaders and other experts on current trends and discuss developments and future opportunities in the industry.

Südback is therefore one of the most popular and important trend fairs for the bakery and confectionery trade in Europe. It is the hub for the exchange of ideas, opinions and information as well as for the presentation of trends, developments and technical innovations. The Bakers‘ Trend Forum, the Confectioners’ Trend Forum and the südback Trend Award are extremely popular. The high quality of the forum presentations and the baking demonstrations attract many trade visitors. Innovative product developments in terms of technology, design and concept are honoured with the südback Trend Award.

südback 2024 will offer a good mix of key players and newcomers. The aim is to achieve a particularly diverse mix of topics. This year's focus will be on automation and digitalisation. The trade fair will also focus on snacking and showcase various out-of-home concepts that generate additional business. Friends of Snacks will be organising live presentations, demonstrations and workshops on a large activity area.

Products and services from the areas of work and operating technology, business equipment, raw materials, merchandise and sales promotion will be on display at the exhibition stands – tailored to the needs of the trade. The joint stand, sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, gives start-ups a great opportunity to present their ideas.

The presentation of prestigious awards is another traditional element in the südback concept. The südback Trend Award will be presented for the 14th time. This honours significant developments and innovations in the categories of marketing and sales, raw materials and working and operating technology. In addition, the preliminary round of the World Chocolate Masters competition will take place in Hall 8 and the Back Star will honour young talents in the bakery and confectionery industry at the trade fair. In addition to the classic topics for the baking industry, this year's trade fair in Swabia will also focus on coffee and ice cream. Together with the Alfred Pfersich ice cream school and professionals from the ice cream industry, an extensive stage programme has been put together on the subject of "Success with artisan ice cream".