GERMAN SWEETS VIRTUAL EXPO

German Sweets, the export association of the German confectionery industry, has announced that it will be hosting a virtual trade fair for confectionery lovers all over the world. Kennedy’s spoke to the show organisers exclusively to find out what’s in store.

The German Sweets Virtual Expo trade fair will be held 26 April – 28 April, welcoming professional buyers, international importers and dealers, and those interested in the sweets and snack world. The event will give participants the opportunity to establish contacts with German confectionery manufacturers from different product categories.

Across the two-day event, there will be: - A large selection of sweets and snacks

‘Made in Germany’ - Live chats with integrated translation into numerous languages - Video calls with German confectionery manufacturers - An exclusive ‘New Product Stage’ - Insights into trends and background information on the industry

A whole host of confectionery brands have signed up to this unique event. Here is an overview of the exhibitors to expect next month:

Bodeta Suesswaren GmbH

Bodeta Suesswaren GmbH is a long-standing manufacturer of high-quality hard candies and sugar-coated candies. Not only does Bodeta produce under its own Bodeta brand, but also offers a vast range of private label products due to the extensive inhouse product knowledge, experience and flexibility.

Bodeta supplies to most market sectors – retailers, distributors, pharmacy/drug stores, gourmet stores etc. – across the world. Kosher and organic products also available.

Chr. Storz GmbH & Co. KG

Chocolate – just good, but boring? Not entirely, Chr. Storz’ chocolate has been described to taste wonderful and is full of fascinating creativity. Whether for Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, springtime, events for kids, sweet gifts, or a promotion, Storz offers a huge variety of ideas for all purposes. Since 1884, Storz has offered reliable recipes, the finest chocolate and one of the best hazelnut praliné qualities, all made in Germany.

Bodeta brand also offers a vast range of private label products due to the extensive in-house product knowledge, experience and flexibility.

Confiserie Heidel

Confiserie Heidel stands for fine chocolate and praline chocolates in extraordinary packages for nearly every occasion. The first products were placed on the market in 1982. At that time, the focus was more on gift figurines than on the chocolate itself. Since then, the aspect of pleasure became more important and came to the fore of all new developments. Today, Confiserie Heidel is described as an extraordinary chocolate brand that has found many enthusiastic fans. For the chocolates itself, Confiserie Heidel mainly choose high quality cocoa from the best growing areas in the world. Utmost care at every work stage and precise product controls are the principle of the production. Fresh production and regular inspection of freshness are beyond all question. Top quality does not only depend on knowledge, experience, and outstanding production techniques, but also on a high amount of creativity.

The brands aim is to retain proven tradition, while introducing innovation. It is Confiserie Heidel’s desire for being creative with chocolate, from the recipe to the final package. For this reason, the holistic creative product idea is the principal quality feature of Confiserie Heidel.

Creating chocolate products is an unbelievably exciting, creative and very complex process at the same time, in which many people are involved. These are mainly chocolatiers, production specialists, and purchasers, together with product and graphic designers, who are responsible for the packaging ideas and the exquisitely designed Heidel products. Confiserie Heidel’s big advantage is to be part of a group of companies, whose members cover a wide spectrum of competencies, a variety of extraordinary products, and production possibilities. This allows Confiserie Heidel to develop and produce the exclusive chocolate, pralines, and nice packaging in whole within the group.

Dr. C. SOLDAN GmbH

The pharmacist Dr. Carl Soldan developed the first sweet recipes combining eucalyptus and menthol in Nuremberg in 1899.

In 1923, he created the Em-eukal cough sweet and, since then, millions of people have come to appreciate its soothing and vitalising effect.

Today, the family-run company Dr. C. SOLDAN offers connoisseurs around the world several delicious varieties and in Germany Em-eukal is the top-of-class product in pharmacies – a unique success story.

Eichetti Confect Spezialitäten

Described as trendy, original and exclusive, Eichetti is a traditional family business with over 100 years of experience.

Its extensive range consists of: - Ice confectionery – traditional and proven - Confect creations – innovative and trendy - Waffle specialties – crispy and crunchy - Brause power – fruity and sparkling

The brand prides itself in offering unique products that guarantee “fast sales and offer attractive margins”. Its special flexibility and short decision-making processes make the company a competent partner.

Gut Springheide GmbH

From the outside, it looks like an ordinary chicken egg. But crack the shell to get the inside story – a rich praline filling that will please the eye and taste buds. Based in Germany’s Münster region, the Gut Springenheide artisanal farm came up with this creative and sustainable use for empty eggshells. The egg whites and yolks are used on-site to create delicious pancakes and omelettes. After careful cleaning, the empty shells are filled with the finest praline. Packaged in a typical egg carton containing four praline eggs, this is a delightful idea for a happy Easter time. BELOW: Monster Money – edible bank notes

HOCH GmbH Oblatenfabrik

For over two centuries, the manufacturing of thin wafers has been in the safe hands of family firm HOCH – now in its seventh generation.

In the early days of the company’s history, the core business was communion wafers but, over time, the production of baking wafers gained in importance. HOCH not only represents tradition, but also creativity and modernity.

In recent years, the company has continually expanded its wafer range to include a series of decorative wafers. Its decorative wafers come in a variety of shapes such as hearts, bunnies, pumpkins and Christmas trees, and provide a cheerful highlight for any occasion.

In 2002, the brand Hoch Fun Food was introduced to bring a range of edible paper products to the market. These have proved incredibly popular, especially with its younger customers.

Watch out for the HOCH Fun Food edible papers, which come in all kinds of colours, flavours and shapes – edible paper for every occasion!

For example, the brand has launched Monster Money – edible bank notes. The paper is printed with foodgrade colouring. In addition, there are Monster Papers Tongue Stickers and Edible Easter Grass which can be used to line Easter nests.

Hanns G. Werner GmbH + Co.KG

Hanns G. Werner GmbH + Co. KG is a private owned, medium-sized manufacturer of small sized decoration dragées for industry use (bulk) as well as that the company supply to wholesalers in HoReCa packing units (e.g., 1 kg bags).

The products are for the decoration of bakery products like donuts, rumballs and cupcakes, chocolate drops (Jazzies and Jimmies), and ice cream products (dipping as well as industry use – ice cream lollies) – a big market is the home baking sector.

New to the brand is a range of organic decoration products in bulk and in reusable glass jars with nature cork. You can find out more by watching this short video: https://www.werners.de/index.php/movie.html. Get in touch at sales@werners.de.

Watch out for the HOCH Fun Food edible papers, which come in all kinds of colours, flavours and shapes – edible paper for every occasion!

J.G. NIEDEREGGER GmbH & Co. KG

Niederegger is a famous marzipan and confectionery producer from Germany. Its product range offers chocolates with outstanding quality. With over 300 products made of marzipan, nougat and praline, Niederegger stands for finest craftsmanship created from passion.

The long tradition of this brand has been preserved and maintained with utmost passion ever since 1806, with the company now being run by the seventh and eighth generation of the family.

For over 200 years, the company has been driven by an “unwavering desire to attain the highest quality and make the world’s best marzipan”. Nowadays, Niederegger marzipan is popular all over the world and can be purchased on every continent.

Its wide array of specialities is described to be without rival: finest marzipan, melt-in-the-mouth nougat, carefully composed praline assortments. Niederegger is one of the only premium manufacturers to use 100% marzipan paste, which is exclusively produced at its headquarters in Lübeck using the finest ingredients.

The brand guarantees the highest level of quality by using as less sugar as possible and carefully selected almonds from the Mediterranean area like Spain.

The extensive range, broken down into Christmas, Easter and year-round products, is regularly updated with innovative new ideas. For example, every year the two most popular products are presented in a new flavour. The classic of cafe the year 2021 is a delightful combination of marzipan mixed with hazelnut caffè latte. The loaf of this year combines fruity cherry marzipan with white chocolate chips encased in crisp dark chocolate. Want to find out more about the tasty world of Niederegger? Visit them at the German Sweets Virtual Expo or contact the export team at www.niederegger. de/en.

Seeberger

Seeberger combines the know-how of over 175 years of family business with the courage to innovate and the love of nature. Every nut, every kernel, every fruit and grain – the entire product variety is harvested by carefully selected partners exactly where the natural conditions are optimal, and the full flavour can unfold.

At the founding location in Ulm, Germany, its selection is only put into the orange packaging when the “enjoyment guarantees a conscious moment of nature” – pure, refined, as a mix for on the go or put together to create balanced breakfast creations.

Sustainability has a long tradition at Seeberger. The company understands social, ecological and economic responsibility as an explicit component of the Seeberger quality. The commitment to sustainability is firmly rooted in its corporate values. For Seeberger, acting sustainably means that the company designs its business and working environments in such a way that future generations will also be able to live and work adequately. Find out more on here: www.seeberger.de/en. Or visit Seeberger at the German Sweets Virtual Expo.

Sustainability has a long tradition at Seeberger.

Schluckwerder GmbH

Schluckwerder is a German family business established in 1956 and specialises in the manufacture of premium quality marzipan, pralines and chocolate products all based on the highest standards of quality and using natural ingredients.

From hazelnut brittles to traditional marzipan specialties, together with its subsidiary Carstens Lübecker Marzipan from the old Hanseatic city of Lübeck, the company has been developing its widely extended product ranges mainly around seasonal specialties for Christmas or Easter. Its confectionery includes the likes of marzipan potatoes, filled chocolate truffles, chocolate jazzies with colourful sprinkles at realistic and fair prices for its own brands and for the private label sector. Its flexible state-of-the-art productions combined with many years of experience, its serious customer focus and a good tradition of a family business, has helped Schluckwerder to become a market leader of marzipan specialities. Beyond the boundaries of Germany and of Europe even, the company is constantly engaged in developing fine confectionery to answer to dreams and expectations.

Its newest Schluckwerder Toasted Marzipan Swirls, inspired from a traditional delicacy from Scandinavia shared at midnight on New Year’s Eve with a glass of Champagne, contain a high proportion of marzipan (87%) laying on a fine layer of dark chocolate (13%) and offering the perfect balance between the sweet flavour of marzipan and the strong taste of plain chocolate, for moments of pleasure.

Schluckwerder invites you also to discover very soon a pack of two milk chocolate bars filled with fine marzipan (78%) and strawberry brittles adding a crunchy note to its delicate and refreshing sweetness.

the company has been developing its widely extended product ranges mainly around seasonal specialties for Christmas or Easter.

Sold as two bars in one package, its Marzipan Strawberry Croquant makes a great snack to enjoy on the go.

Interested in its products? The company would be delighted to e-meet you at the German Sweets Virtual Expo.

Viba sweets GmbH

Since 1893, the brand Viba has been manufacturing unique, tender nougat pralinés, but also for the softest marzipan, classy, coated candies, delicious fruit bars and exquisite pralinés.

Its medium-sized company is located in FlohSeligenthal in Thuringia and is one of the leading specialists for nougat.

Exclusive Confectionery Specialities

The name Heilemann has been well known for the finest confectionery specialities for almost 70 years. Finestquality chocolates select filled chocolates and lovingly formed hollow figures are put together piece by piece with much love and careful craftsmanship using its traditional recipes. Heilemann is a brand of Viba sweets GmbH and is offered through Viba sweets GmbH.

Windel GmbH & Co. KG

The Windel GmbH & Co. KG is a Germany-based confectionery manufacturer, operating in all global regions, and renowned for its creative and innovative gifts. Giving sweet treats in a decorative wrapping or with a nice extra ensures its special touch. The company can look back on a long tradition.

Since nearly 120 years, Windel is focused on developing gifts which bring joy and pleasure to the consumer. In four generations, the Windel family has managed to build up the company from a regional candy and spirits wholesaler to what they are today – a worldwide working group of companies in the field of sweets. Windel is one of the most successful and innovative companies in this product category.

Windel sells its products into more than 60 countries on all continents. The sweet gifts are exclusively produced in Germany. The hand production is a big part of the production process. It ensures flexibility to always put new product ideas into practice. At the same time, the employees ensure the sustained high quality of the individual gifts with their experience and special skills.

The popular advent calendars, which many children have been growing up with, are also produced on-site in Osnabrück. In the chocolatefilled advent calendars segment, Windel is truly a global leader offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of advent calendars with unique and creatively led designs. State-of-the-art machines specialised for these products guarantee a high quality. All raw materials and product components are thoroughly tested within its quality management systems.

Production in Germany means following Windel’s traditional path in creating local jobs and “guaranteeing a future for us all”.

…popular advent calendars, which many children have been growing up with, are also produced on-site in Osnabrück. In the chocolatefilled advent calendars segment, Windel is truly a global leader

XOX Gebäck GmbH

The XOX Gebäck GmbH was founded in 1908 as a family-owned business. As a producer and developer of innovative Snacks and classics, XOX stands out with a wide product range. From specialties, pretzel snacks, nuts, dips, tacos, peanut butter and popcorn – XOX offers something for everyone. Together with Maya the Bee, Bibi & Tina and Benjamin Blümchen, the brand can especially excite its little customers.

Being at home in Hameln, the XOX Gebäck GmbH established itself as the third biggest snack producer in Germany. Following the motto “from the Weser to the rest of the world”, its snacks are available in varying markets in different countries.

XOX Gebäck recently invested into a second production site based in Lauenau, which will be put into operation in 2021. With the expanding of the production capacities, the company will be able to serve the rising demand.

Brand-new in the product range of XOX is the Baileys Toffee Salted Caramel Popcorn 125g – salty and sweet freedom. Hereby offering high quality mushroom popcorn coated with a mixture of Irish cream liqueur and a salty note. No additional flavours were added and make it a great pleasure for every popcorn and Bailey’s lover. Furthermore, the XOX Mais-Erbsenflips Paprika 100g is the new addition of the XOX Naturell range. In contrast to the classic peanut flips, the pea flips offer a high proportion of fibre with 22% pea content. For a full-bodied taste experience, the pea flips are refined with a hearty, strong hint of paprika. They are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. The ideal snack for all conscious snack lovers.