From bustling Brussels to the deserts of Dubai’s vast World Trade Centre

This week’s blog is very much a brief thanks to all who have attended our World Confectionery Conference this past week – see our coverage online here, as well as in our subsequent edition of the magazine.

We were extremely encouraged by the wide range of visitors from around the globe that made for a lively and engaging series of sessions, with some extremely topical and dynamic questions being posed to our speakers and panellists. 

The event, which was in its fifth edition (our fourth live gathering, pictured main image) was held in Brussels for the third time, and once again placed sustainability and innovation, as well as major policy developments in core supply chains under the microscope in engaging fashion. So thanks indeed to all who took part – we will very much welcome you again warmly to our next event as we set that in motion shortly

From our own show in Western Europe, it’s been straight on to cover proceeds in the deserts of Dubai this week, as a media partner for the ISM Middle East event, which concluded yesterday.

From speaking to a strong representative selection of the huge array of more than 600 businesses that participated in the event that concluded yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, it was clear that there’s plenty of innovation still happening right across the industry.

While it’s clear that many manufacturing challenges remain, particularly for smaller and medium sized enterprises around the globe, it’s that gritty spirit of determination that is key for survival amid relatively testing times.

As for the UAE itself, the companies which I encountered did in fact appear to be more than weathering the storm. This appears to be very much the case given the fact that the region retains its huge desire for gifting, which confectionery and snacks have a strong role to play, which was reflected in the level of new show launches at both ISM Middle East, as well as its sister Private Label show, with the latter running across all segments of the food and drink sector, underlining the dynamism of the region’s economy.  

So, all in all, the past week has more than proved the power of gathering in-person at events. While we can, and still do a lot of trade and communication digitally, it’s that human touch that remains of vital importance, whether that’s for an action-packed one day conference such as our WCC show, or a major 3-day expo, there’s no substitute for making the effort to meet old and new friends, colleagues and making new acquaintances from around the world across our combined industries.

Neill Barston, editor, Confectionery Production

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