Preview: behind the scenes at südback
Jens Kohler, project manager at südback, gave European Baker exclusive insights into the fair’s evolution alongside the industry and what we can expect to see at the 25th anniversary edition in Stuttgart.
By Catalina Mihu
Concentrating on true craftsmanship, südback 2014 highlights opportunities and strategies for the baking industry and addresses the challenges that bakers and confectioners are facing.
EB: What are the key topics of the exhibition taking place this October?
Jens Kohler: The exhibitors will showcase their innovations and new products at the fair in four trade halls covering approximately 52,400 square meters. Key topics will include working and operating technologies for bakeries and cake-shops, shop fixtures and fittings, raw materials, semi-finished products, IT (merchandise control systems and cash register systems), sales vehicles and sales promotion.
EB: What are some of the key trends you have noticed regarding industry innovations that we can expect to see at the stands this year?
Jens Kohler: Topics like energy efficiency, expansion of the product range to include snacks, as well as raw materials from regional suppliers are becoming increasingly important for bakers and confectioners. These topics are, of course, also represented at südback.
EB: What would be a general profile of the exhibitors this year, in terms of origin and specialization field?
Jens Kohler: All products and services for bakers and confectioners are represented at südback. A significant proportion of exhibitors do, of course, come from the country in which the trade fair is held, but 15 per cent of exhibitors currently attend the trade fair in Stuttgart from abroad.
Over 600 exhibitors have already registered for the 25th anniversary event, which marks a new record for the event. The trade fair will be held October 18-21 at Messe Stuttgart. Information on the latest preparations is available at www.suedback.de. Our team visiting südback will be sending live updates via @WorldBakers on Twitter and Facebook. Make sure you follow for insights to events at the show as they happen!
EB: How is the bakery industry anticipated to evolve in terms of next year’s main trends, but also in the long run?
Jens Kohler: Bakers and confectioners are increasingly looking for new sales channels and are offering more transparency to their customers; for example, customers will be able to experience production first hand more and more. They are also increasingly more informed about supply sources and raw materials.
EB: What are the main challenges that need to be overcome, in this respect?
Jens Kohler: Competition in the industry is growing and handcrafting baking shops have to meet this challenge by producing better, higher quality products for their customers and rely strongly on their craftsmanship.
EB: How is südback shaping Europe’s bakery market?
Jens Kohler: südback has experienced sustained growth over its past number of editions and this year, we expect over 600 exhibitors from around 20 countries who will have new products on display and highlight new trends. This event is a must-attend event for decision-makers and experts in the baking industry. Whether sweet or savory – the Stuttgart-based trade fair encompasses both and is continuing its success story in 2014.
Read the whole interview, with insights into the show’s evolution over the past 25 years, developing market sectors to watch for, the bakers’ rend forum and this year’s Trend Award and more from behind the scenes at südback, in European Baker, the September/October issue!