This weeks blog is coming to you from Cologne, Germany, wher I am currently walking the halls of this years ProSweets and ISM trade fairs.

Across both shows, there is no trend more evident than the free-from movement.

Ingredient suppliers are present with their preservative-, sugar- and additive-free solutions. Barry Callebaut, for example, is presenting a new range of fillings for confectionery and bakery applications, without added vegetable fats or preservatives (pictured); while Beneo is demonstrating its sugar replacer Isomalt in a range of sugar-free hard boiled candies. GNT, meanwhile, is showcasing its Exberry range of natural colouring foods, which meet consumer demand for products that are free from additives; and Döhler is presenting its natural, plant based flavours and colours, and a series of product concepts that satisfy sugar reduction.

On the end product side, Lampados International has launched a meringue shaped sweetener, Liteez, which is egg-free, sugar-free and vegan, and can be melted in hot drinks or enjoyed as a low calorie sweet treat; while Dr Heffs has taken the opportunity to unveil its Remarkable Mints, a sugar-free mint that cleans teeth.

Moo Free Chocolates, meanwhile, has said it will be including free-from buttons in its milk chocolate alternative Easter eggs this year; while Bon Bon Buddies has announced its collaboration with Disney to create, produce and distribute a new and healthier alternative confectionery as part of Disneys Healthy Living strategy. The character branded Fruitickles range comprises five products made with 100 per cent fruit and in addition to counting as one of the recommended five-a-day portions of fruit and vegetables, the gluten-free product contains no added sugar, no artificial flavours or colourings and is suitable for vegetarians.