Diversity in confectionery production: A feature on WDS

From indulgence to well-being, consumers expect to be delighted by the overall attributes of the confectionery and OTC sweets they purchase. Naturally the combination of good ingredients, formulation, and processing make for high-quality products. But as manufacturers report, the industry is also challenged by raw material supply and rising costs, and the pressure to take steps toward digitalisation and sustainability moving forward. This compels them to seek solutions that can support their production plans. Fortunately in the areas of depositing, mixing, moulding, tempering and other processes, there are new developments that can meet these demands.

Deposited mass in polycarbonate moulds

According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global chocolate and confectionery processing equipment market was valued at USD3.4 billion in 2021; from there it estimates the market to reach USD 7.08 billion in value by 2029, with growth at a CAGR of 9.6% for the period between 2022 and 2029.  The pandemic slowed growth especially in 2020, but the situation has dramatically changed.

During a conversation with Jessica Runkel, Managing Director of Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen GmbH (WDS), we learned that the beginning of 2023 had already been auspicious since confectionery manufacturers began showing interest in machinery investment. Mrs Runkel who was appointed to her current position in 2021, expects a turnaround.

Companies that cater to confectionery makers understand the growing need for manufacturing flexibility, as well as versatility. As a global company, WDS is familiar with the requirements of most markets – whether in Europe or Asia. Based in Germany, WDS offers solutions for most areas of application including the wide spectrum of moulded sweets. Its expertise lies in developing lines for chocolate, gum, jelly, fondant, toffee and OTC sweets.

This expertise was showcased at interpack 2023, where a 650-square-metre multimedia stand became the “Home of Confectionery Diversity” – suitably housing WDS’ well-known as well as latest equipment and product lines for all capacity requirements. Versatility and future-proofing are key to WDS equipment, allowing its customers to increase their productivity in line with their business expansions.

The ConfecPRO chocolate moulding plant is an example of exquisite design from WDS. Made for depositing medium to high capacities of filled and solid chocolates, it is a modular and flexible production line, and as so, chocolate manufacturers can add more stations as their production increases. This also allows them to meet varying customer requirements with less effort. The ConfecPRO design also gives manufacturers the option to choose between one or two lanes, at ground level or over several floors, according to WDS. Meanwhile it is built for easy operation, from having a high-tech intuitive touch panel, to nozzle depositors that are simple to change. 

The ConfecPRO chocolate moulding plant is for depositing
medium to high capacities of filled and solid chocolates.

Another concept that allows for future upgrades, the ConfecECO was configured for jelly production for interpack trade visitors. But make no mistake, this start-up line can handle the production of plain, center-filled bars, pralines and masses with inclusions, up to a capacity of about 600kg/h (depending on size and weight), according to WDS. There are three variants to the ConfecECO: the ConfecECO-D, ConfecECO-DC and ConfecECO-DCM, which vary in terms of automation and manual operation.

The ConfecVARIO is for producing chocolate with or without filling, as well as gum, jelly and OTC sweets, in one machine. It features a chainless drive system with switch technology that gives users more options for plant layouts and enables the production of various products and masses in different sections. Moulds can be moved individually and processes can also run in parallel. A special feature of this machine is the VarioCABINET multifunction chainless cabinet for cooling, heating and holding polycarbonate moulds.

The ConfecECO start-up line can handle the production of plain,
center-filled bars, pralines and masses with inclusions, as well as jellies.

These are but a few from the WDS portfolio. Manufacturers also need to know that WDS equipment allow them to comply with the strict regulations for chocolate production especially when it comes to food safety. The past few years have seen more stringent hygiene requirements in confectionery production and the surging popularity of validated plants for producing OTC sweets and supplements, according to WDS.

Staying relevant

No doubt there are confectionery or chocolates that have gone off the market for one reason or another. To remain competitive these times, manufacturers should be able to meet demand for personalised production.

WDS is able to support its clients in creating personalised chocolate, gum, jelly, toffee, fondant and hard candy. “We have customers who bought machines which make not only chocolates but also jellies, including those with vitamins or calcium as well as other special ingredients. This is a trend which offers for us new opportunities, new markets especially in the pharmaceutical industry,” Mrs Runkel said.

Individuality in planning and design is one of the company’s thrusts, making sure that clients can easily improve their products and services in line with changing market demands. - By M Gonzalez

Sources:

Asia Pacific Cocoa and Chocolate Market to Hit USD 8,892.57 million by 2027 at a CAGR of 5.42% https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/asia-pacific-cocoa-chocolate-market-hit-usd-889257-million-coner/

Global Chocolate and Confectionery Processing Equipment Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029

https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-chocolate-and-confectionery-processing-equipment-market