VDMA: Mechanical Engineering is Well Positioned
For manufacturers of machines and systems for the confectionery industry the interpack has always been the most important trade fair worldwide. Clustered in halls 1 to 4, the industry presented its innovations for energy efficient, hygienic and economical plant technology.
Internationally leading manufacturers
The German manufacturers of confectionery machines are internationally leading with a share in foreign trade of 38 per cent. They are exceptionally active particularly in non-European countries. In 2013 the export volume for the product group “machines for the production of confectionery, cocoa and chocolate” was 301 million Euro. In general, the export business in the confectionery machine sector is strongly characterised by large projects and therefore subject to great fluctuations.
In 2013, the most important sales region for confectionery manufacturers was the region “Europe, other” with a share of 30 per cent and Russia as the most important individual market. The second strongest region is now Asia with a share of 20 per cent. Demand was particularly strong from China and India in 2013.
The EU ranks third with 16 per cent. With 12 per cent the export share to Africa was only four per cent lower in 2013. Projects in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya and South Africa provided a strong increase in deliveries. 11 per cent were delivered to North America and 8 per cent to Latin America.
Regional distribution of the exported confectionery machines is influenced by different factors: Multinational companies are investing in promising growth markets, building up production capacities to be able to serve the market. At the same time, local medium-sized manufacturers are investing to keep up with the competition. The focus is on quality improvement, attractive packaging and increased economic efficiency.
Strongest increase in confectionery consumption in Asia
According to a market research institute, the largest sales markets for 2013 with respect to volume of trade of confectionery were, in order: USA, China, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, Brazil, India, France, Mexico and Ukraine.
An eight per cent increase in the worldwide volume of trade for the next five years is predicted. The greatest growth dynamics are expected for the Asia region with nearly 18 per cent. The prospects are also very promising for the region Middle East/Africa with an expected growth of 16 per cent and for Latin America with still 8 per cent. Good reasons for machine manufacturers to be optimistic about the future.
Source: VDMA