Christopher Kruse is the new Secretary General of the European Confederation of National Bakery and Confectionery Organizations (CEBP). The official handover will take place during the CEBP General Assembly on German Bread Day, on May 5, in Berlin.

The incoming Secretary General, Christopher Kruse, who also serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Central Association of the German Bakery Trade, sees his primary task as further consolidating and representing the interests of the European baking and confectionery trade at the EU level: “A large part of legislation today is developed at the European level in Brussels. That is why it is important for the baking and confectionery trade to speak with a strong, unified voice there. I look forward to working with our member associations to further strengthen cooperation in Europe and effectively represent the interests of our industry.”

He succeeds long-time Secretary General José María Fernández del Vallado, who will step down from his positions at the CEBP and the World Federation this summer for health reasons. CEBP President Roland Ermer praised his commitment to the European industry: “For many years, José María Fernández del Vallado has championed the European bakery and confectionery family with great dedication. With his experience and diplomatic skills, he has significantly shaped cooperation within Europe. We thank him very much for this and wish him all the best for the future.”

As the European umbrella organization, the CEBP (Confédération Européenne de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie) represents the interests of bakers’ and confectioners’ associations related to EU institutions. It is headquartered in Brussels and currently unites 13 member organizations from 12 European countries. It works closely with the European Association of Industrial Bakers (AIBI), the Federation of Baking Ingredients Manufacturers (Fedima), the European Flour Millers Association, and the Association of Yeast Manufacturers (COFALEC) within the Bread Initiative.

Photo: Central Association of the German Bakery Trade