What if I told you that this unassuming building is a key player in Germany’s sweet scene? Right here stands the Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. It is also known as BDSI. This association is the voice of the German confectionery industry.
The Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. was founded in 1958. But its roots go back further. They stretch to 1877. That’s when the Verband Deutscher Chocoladefabrikanten was formed. It was an interest group for chocolate makers.
The BDSI represents more than 200 confectionery companies. These companies come from all over Germany. The Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. is both an economic and employer association. Its main office is here in Bonn. There are also offices in Berlin and Brussels. Bastian Fassin is its chairman.
The German confectionery industry is a big deal. It makes up about 10% of the sales in the German food industry. That makes it the fourth largest sector. The Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. represents about 90% of the confectionery sales in Germany. Its member companies employ around 50.000 people.
The Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. covers many areas. These include chocolate products and fine baked goods. Bonbons, sugar confectionery, and ice cream are also included. Knabber articles, chewing gum, and raw materials are as well.
The BDSI offers various services to its members. German Sweets is one of these. It helps medium-sized companies with their export business. The association also has a food chemistry institute. This institute gives advice on food safety and quality.
The Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. supports education. It works with the Zentralfachschule der Deutschen Süßwarenwirtschaft in Solingen. It also partners with the Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe. Together, they promote training for skilled workers in the confectionery industry.
The BDSI is part of larger organizations. It is a member of the Bund für Lebensmittelrecht und Lebensmittelkunde e. V. It also belongs to the Bundesvereinigung der deutschen Ernährungsindustrie e. V. The Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. is active in Europe. It is a member of several European associations. These include groups for chocolate, biscuits, confectionery, snacks and ice cream. The BDSI is even a member of the Europäische Bewegung Deutschland.
So, next time you enjoy a German sweet, remember this building. The Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. plays a vital role. It supports the industry that brings sweetness to our lives.