> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://cocoaradar.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 2025 World Confectionery Conference Returns to Brussels with a Focus on Sustainability and Innovation - URL: https://cocoaradar.com/2025-world-confectionery-conference-returns-to-brussels-with-a-focus-on-sustainability-and-innovation/ - Published: 2025-08-26T15:17:51.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-26T15:17:51.000Z - Description: REVIEW: The 2025 World Confectionery Conference is set for 11 September 2025 at the Marriott Hotel, Brussels, Belgium and is organised by Confectionery Production magazine - Author: Anthony Myers - Tags: World Confectionery Conference This fifth edition of this niche conference brings together confectionery, snack and supply‑chain specialists for a one‑day deep dive into the technologies, ingredients and sustainability issues shaping the sector. It is now a regular fixture on the calendar - and at last year’s event, we officially launched [cocoaradar.com](https://cocoaradar.com/), so it is rewarding to see it back again with an interesting and varied agenda. ## Sign up for From The Desk of CocoaRadar 'From our desk to yours'. Join 11,000 + subscribers and receive our daily newsletter on what matters in cocoa. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Chaired by Confectionery Production editor Neill Barston ([one of our top influencers in 2024](https://cocoaradar.com/official-the-top-10-most-influential-people-in-cocoa-chocolate-2024/)) this year’s get-together will provide critical insights into navigating sustainability, technology and market trends. > “This year’s event is rapidly taking shape in Brussels, and comes amid some major milestones for the wider industry in terms of regulations, industry technology development and an ever-shifting environment of consumer demands, said **Barston**. "We look forward to seeing as many friends and colleagues again this September in Brussels." For cocoaradar readers tracking cocoa supply chains, the event offers both macro perspective - such as EUDR compliance and sustainability frameworks - and micro innovation, like ingredient breakthroughs and packaging solutions. Brussels in September promises to be a hub where policy, science and creativity collide, making this conference a must‑attend for anyone shaping the future of sweets and snacks. ## Agenda Highlights The 2025 programme features keynote presentations, technical talks and a high‑level Q&A on sustainability. Highlights include: - **Opening Keynotes (9.15‑10.30)** – *Aldo Cristiano* of **Caobisco** (European confectionery trade association) offers an industry outlook, followed by **Honorata Jarocka** from **Mintel** with consumer trend analysis and **Sebastiano Collino** of **Ferrero**, focusing on nutrition and health. Collino’s session continues Ferrero’s tradition of sharing insights on responsible indulgence; vice president **Francesco Tramontin** will also join the afternoon Q&A. - **Ingredient Innovation** – **Dr Isabelle Jaouen** of **Alland & Robert** brings her expertise in natural gums and hydrocolloids, while **Şeyma Özonuk** from **Palsgaard** and an expert from **Eastman** present on functional ingredients. **Willy van Arkel** of **Corbion** will explore sustainable solutions for confectionery fat systems. - **Market Intelligence & Sustainability** – **Tristan Hover** from **Euromonitor** provides market forecasts. The **Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)** will discuss regulatory frameworks and environmental performance; its government‑affairs manager **Angéline Camus** will address how the EUDR and other policies influence the palm‑oil and cocoa sectors. Barson notes that this session is timely given the deferral of EUDR implementation to late 2025. - **Equipment & Technology** – **Tjalling van der Zee** from **Cama Group** will share advances in packaging machinery and automation. The conference emphasises solutions that enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact. - **Cocoa & Chocolate Focus** – **Julia Ocampo** of **Luker Chocolate** delivers a keynote on sustainable cocoa sourcing and premium market opportunities. - The afternoon Q&A features industry leaders including **Francesco Tramontin** (Ferrero), **Sabine Schommer** (ISM director), **HRH Oba Dokun Thompson** (Nigerian cocoa sector), **Jason Archie‑Acheampong** (Fairtrade Foundation) and **Thierry Touchais** (Rainforest Alliance) to discuss the future of confectionery and ethical supply chains. - **Awards & Networking** – The day culminates with the **World Confectionery Awards**, celebrating achievements in six categories: **Finished Product of the Year, Ingredients of the Year, Equipment of the Year, Sustainability Initiative, Team of the Year** and **Emerging Enterprise**. Delegates then enjoy reception drinks, providing ample opportunities for networking. ## Who Should Attend The conference welcomes executives from the chocolate and sugar confectionery, snack production, ingredient supply, equipment manufacturing, retail, NGO, and policymaking sectors. With speakers ranging from Ferrero and Caobisco to the RSPO and Euromonitor, the event covers the full value chain, making it particularly relevant for procurement and sustainability teams assessing due‑diligence obligations and innovation pipelines. ## Practical Details - **Date:** 11 September 2025 - **Venue:** Marriott Hotel, Grand Place, **Brussels**, Belgium - **Packages:** Silver (delegate only), Gold (tabletop stand + delegate), Platinum (presentation + stand + delegate) - **Registration:** Open now via the official [website](https://www.confectioneryconference.com/?ref=cocoaradar.com) --- - **From the Desk of CocoaRadar is the official media partner** [**ECA 9th European Cocoa Forum**](https://www.eurococoa.com/events/eca-forum-2025/?ref=cocoaradar.com)**.** - **'From Our Desk. To Yours. Daily.'** - [**Sign-up here**](https://cocoaradar.com/#/portal) **for free and upgrade to an annual plan.**