Strategic revamp for Koelnmesse sees Bastian Mingers take on FoodTec president role
Bastian Mingers takes on an expanded management role for Koelnmesse, including overseeing ProSweets. Pic; Koelnmesse
The German-based Koelnmesse group has confirmed a significant organisational change, with its Food and Food Technology divisions, merging them into a single business unit, which it believes will strengthen its overall operations, writes Neill Barston.
It comes amid a notable period for the organisation, which this year marks its centenary, which included the opening of a new major conference centre in Cologne, Confex, forming part of wider €3 billion investment programme into the sector.
As part of its latests strategic move, Bastian Mingers has been with Koelnmesse for two and a half years as Vice President Food, will take on a new role as Vice President FoodTec, overseeing ProSweets Cologne, Anuga FoodTec, and Anuga Horizon.
Before arriving in post, the 41 year-old marketing expert worked for Messe Düsseldorf for eleven years, most recently as Global Head Wine & Spirit. He success Claire Steinbrück, who is leaving Koelnmesse after nine years at her own request.
Confectionery Production will once again be returning to Cologne as a media partner at the next edition of ProSweets, which runs between 2-5 February 2025 alongside ISM, which forms a strong annual start to the confectionery market’s annual international calendar.
“Bringing the Food and Food Technology divisions under one leadership is a strategic move, given the significant content overlap between the two areas,” says Oliver Frese, Managing Director of Koelnmesse GmbH and Chief Operating Officer responsible for the company’s global trade fair and event portfolio.
“I am excited about this new challenge and grateful for the trust placed in me,” says Bastian Mingers, adding that, with the integration of Food and FoodTec, his new division will represent the entire value chain of the food sector. “Trends like functional food and alternative protein sources are driving technological advancements in the industry at a rapid pace. These innovations must be scaled globally to address current and future challenges in the food and beverage industry,” Mingers explains. The goal should be to bridge tradition and modernity in food production. This involves bringing together traditional production methods, innovative food technology, and contemporary food trends with forward-looking innovations more closely than ever before.
“We wish Bastian Mingers every success with his expanded portfolio,” emphasises Koelnmesse Managing Director Oliver Frese. “We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Claire Steinbrück for her dedicated and creative contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
