Participation brought positive results for this year’s 336 exhibitors at ProSweets Cologne.
17,600 trade visitors were registered over the course of the four days of the fair.
Because the supplier industry presents new technologies and applications to the innovative sweets and snacks manufacturers at this event, Haas Group, Franz Haas Waffel, Franz Haas Convenience Food and Haas-Mondomix, showcased their latest offerings at their 220m² booth.
A new cutting technique was in the exhibit range. Following the ongoing trend for products with different shapes, even in flat wafers, Franz Haas Wafer has developed free-shape cutting.
The freely moving cutting wires allow easy cutting from simple to complex shapes. Live demonstrations were shown during the show.
Franz Haas Convenience Food exhibited baking tongs for centre-filled cakes and moulded cones, while Haas-Mondomix presented a skid, equipped with a buffer tank, a pump, the Mondotherm heat exchanger and an aerator.
Two TURTLE manual baking tongs, the smallest equipment in the group’s portfolio, were presented. In the Innovation Lab, Haas technologists baked crispy wafers for sampling.
Opinions and expectations
CFT Franz Haas Convenience Food Equipment managing director Michael Baumann said: "We benefit from our participation at ProSweets by networking, both with other Haas Group companies and with our customers."
FHW Franz Haas Waffelmaschinen managing director Peter Keller said: "We need to be available for our clients.
"Ongoing discussions can be continued at the event and we can look out for new customers.
"At the same time, we can see what other equipment suppliers are up to, and get updates on the latest confectionery and bakery exhibits."
Haas-Meincke sales director Michael Hansen said: "Although the ProSweets exhibition does not have top priority for Haas-Meincke, it is still an event to meet customers, especially from Europe.
"Our participation also enables our agents to invite their customers to our booth, so it is a huge support for them too."
Experiences and goals
Baumann added: "Exhibitors can leave lasting impressions by offering demonstrations and creating onsite events.
"The show becomes a platform for interested visitors because they are given opportunities for in-depth discussions.
"Importantly, the event also supports our branding and image."
Hansen added: "We need to be present. Many insights into the industry are to be gained by networking. "
Keller added: "This show is an information hub, and of course, orders are booked as well."
Centre-filled cake production was one of the greatest attractions at the Haas booth.
Baumann said: "There were plenty of questions. Many visitors were curious to learn more about the filled cakes."
Keller said: "The Innovation Lab was very successful. Live baking was a huge highlight because it showed the ingredients which can be used."
Hansen added: "One of our main goals was to improve the awareness of our depositor range.
"Another focus was a better understanding of hygienic machine design."
Forecast and plans for the future
Baumann said: "We are currently investing in a better staff structure because our huge goal in 2016 is to improve the co-ordination of spare parts service and sales.
"Our goal is to ship those spare parts being on stock for machines built from 2000 onwards within an average of only 48 hours after order."
Keller added: "We have a lot of plans for Franz Haas Wafer.
"Our intention is to establish our Eco Oven as a highlight in the industry.
"We wish to offer laser cleaning as one of our services.
"Healthy ingredients are a trend we need to watch.
"We are looking to decrease the amount of filling needed in product by using aerated cream, in close co-operation with Haas-Mondomix."
