Concentrating on true craftsmanship, südback 2014 highlights opportunities and strategies for the baking industry and addresses the challenges that bakers and confectioners are facing. Jens Kohler, project manager at südback, gave us exclusive insights into the fair’s evolution alongside the industry and what we can expect to see at the 25th anniversary edition in Stuttgart.
How would you characterize the evolution of the show over the past 25 events?
südback has gained more and more influence in the baking industry and has become one of the most important trade fairs in German-speaking countries, as well as in Central Europe. The number of visitors has shown a clear rise during recent years: more than 32,000 attended in 2013 and the catchment area has also expanded.
What are the key topics of the exhibition taking place this October?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.
What are some of the key trends you have noticed regarding industry innovations?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.
What category has been expanding its presence at the show over the years?Organic products and ingredients from the region are gaining more importance for the baking industry. Additionally, snack products, as well as coffee and ice cream have gained more influence at shops in the past years and the increasing demand for this category is reflected at südback 2014.
What can we expect from this year’s Trend Award?The traditional südback Trend Award of Messe Stuttgart is held at the bakers’ trend forum, on Saturday at 15.00 (October 18, 2014) and will be taking place for the ninth time. The award recognizes trend-setting developments, technical innovations and fresh ideas supporting the success of companies. As their importance has increased significantly, so has the significance of the südback Trend Award for the industry, so much so that there is now a separate area dedicated to the award-winning products.
How is the bakery industry anticipated to evolve?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.
What are the main challenges?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.
How is südback shaping Europe’s bakery market?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.