Tradition meets state-of-the-art technology in the confectionery industry
The ZDS is THE global contact point for education and training in the confectionery industry. Experts from all over the world - from Australia, the USA and Japan to numerous countries in South East Asia - travel to Solingen to gain new impetus for their companies.
The beginnings
As early as 1877, chocolate manufacturers came together to form an interest group in order to meet the challenges of mechanisation. The idea of a central training facility was born in 1901: Otto Rüger, Chairman of the ‘Verband Deutscher Chocoladefabrikanten’ (Association of German Chocolate Manufacturers), proposed the establishment of a ‘training factory’ to provide practical and standardised training for skilled workers. With the support of 164 companies, the ZDS was finally established at the Gräfrath site.
ZDS today - status 2025
More than 74 years after its foundation, the ZDS combines three central pillars: school, seminars and members.
- School: Specialists such as technicians, confectionery technologists or machine and plant operators are trained here.
- Seminars: Our seminars offer a comprehensive range of advanced training courses on modern confectionery production.
- Members: We offer private training courses that are tailored precisely to the needs of your company. Whether product development, training or implementing new processes in your company.
Whether chocolate, confectionery, ice cream or fine baked goods - ZDS covers all areas of the industry. Our experts organise training courses that are specially tailored to the growing requirements of the confectionery industry.
Our values
ZDS looks back on a long tradition from which strong values have developed. We stand for a strong network in a family atmosphere and for constantly growing expertise for our participants and members.
Find out in the next article which of our seminars are best suited to the needs of your company and how you can benefit from our network.
