Fine and speciality chemicals industry keeps its cool: Resilience and quality connections define Chemspec Europe 2025

June 2025 -- Cologne, Germany -- The 38th International Exhibition for Fine and Speciality Chemicals has delivered a resounding success, proving that this industry thrives under pressure. Following a dynamic two-day run at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, the event generated significant impact at a pivotal moment for the global chemicals industry. A total of 424 key suppliers from 23 countries showcased their chemical substances, bespoke solutions and manufacturing services to an exceptionally engaged trade audience, bringing together around 7,000 industry professionals in productive networking and business discussions.

"The fine and speciality chemicals community demonstrated the industry's renowned resilience, showcasing remarkable adaptability – neither phased by the ever-changing market landscape nor the travel disruption from bomb disposal of several World War II bombs near the exhibition grounds during opening day," commented Christiane Beck, Event Director of Chemspec Europe. "Nothing could defuse the explosive energy and exceptional quality of connections made this year, confirming Chemspec Europe as the essential meeting point for meaningful business relationships."

Chemspec Europe 2025 attracted a total of 4,037 trade visitors from 62 nations, primarily from Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and Italy, as well as France, Belgium and further afield from India and China. The majority of visitors came from key industry sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, paints & coatings, plastic & rubber, water treatment, and personal care & cosmetics. Top visitor positions included distribution, purchasing, procurement, corporate management, and R&D roles. The 424 exhibitors were primarily from Germany, the UK, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic and the Netherlands, with notable international participation from India, China, and the USA.

Strong industry endorsement and exceptional networking success

Both exhibitors and visitors expressed high satisfaction with the quality of connections made throughout the event. The positive business atmosphere was so productive that the opening day was extended until 6pm to accommodate ongoing discussions and deal-making. The dedicated Networking Evening proved particularly successful, fostering valuable relationships across the speciality chemicals value chain.

Adriana Schmitt, Procurement Manager at Syngenta, France, commented: "We are one of the world's leading agriculture companies and are focused on sustainability, quality and safety. I like coming to the show to learn about new companies and discover a new range of chemical products, all within two days, so it has all been very useful and easy to participate."

Michele Corbella, Manager Commercial Dept at Summit Pharmaceuticals Europe, Italy, added: "I am a chemical pharma trader. I work a lot with Japan and my job is very demanding. This is why I enjoy Chemspec. It is very trade-specific with defined sectors and is focused, yet it has managed to retain its relaxed nature and human dimension, which is ideal for starting concrete business discussions without rushing around."

Enhanced digital connectivity drives business matching

A standout feature of Chemspec Europe 2025 was the significant growth in digital engagement, with digital connections reaching 5,098 in total – representing a remarkable 32.5% increase year-on-year. The show's matchmaking platform facilitated 2,065 pre-scheduled and attended meetings, reflecting a 5% increase in targeted business connections. The new visitor-led lead capturing feature Colleqt QR was well received by attendees, further enhancing networking opportunities throughout the event.

Refined conference programme draws strong attendance

The comprehensive conference programme proved highly popular with attendees who clearly appreciated the addition of the new Insights Stage on important market developments. Standout sessions included the panel on "Global market drivers dominating the fine and speciality chemicals industry" and the keynote on "Sustainable manufacturing of fine chemicals – challenges and opportunities." Material intelligence proved another popular topic, with a well-attended talk on "AI-driven data management for speciality chemicals." The Agrochemical Stage drew large audiences on both show days, featuring the latest developments in agrochemicals and crop protection.

Special initiatives driving new business connections

Chemspec Europe 2025 expanded its networking offerings with the debut of the New Exhibitor Zone, designed to connect trade visitors with 21 suppliers from Europe, the USA, and Japan, creating valuable opportunities for discovering new partnerships and innovative solutions. The popular Careers Clinic once again provided career advice and job opportunities for professionals across the chemical sector, continuing to strengthen the industry's talent pipeline.

High exhibitor satisfaction and strong forward bookings

An initial evaluation of the exhibition survey revealed high satisfaction rates among exhibitors, with many already securing their participation for the next edition while on-site.

Lars Friedel, Managing Director at Wistema, commented: “We've been attending Chemspec for over a decade, and it's clear why this event has become a staple in the fine chemicals industry. Chemspec provides the perfect balance of suppliers and customers, creating an opportunity to strengthen international business connections and scale our operations. If you're looking for the right people, you'll find them all concentrated here."

Gary Williams, General Manager at MasterMelt, added: "Chemspec exceeded all expectations this year! It's the ideal event to connect with key players across diverse sectors of the chemical industry. For niche businesses like ours, it's eye-opening to explore opportunities and showcase the benefits of our recycling processes. If you're considering attending, you won't regret it."

Chemspec Europe 2026 will take place on 6 - 7 May at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.

About Chemspec Europe
Chemspec Europe is the industry’s premier sourcing event for fine and speciality chemicals, offering direct access to global innovation leaders in chemical development, manufacturing, and distribution. Visitors can explore a broad spectrum of products and services – including custom solutions, additives, ingredients, APIs, contract manufacturing, regulatory support, and lab equipment. The two-day event attracts a diverse range of chemical buyers and their target markets, such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences, cosmetics and personal care, food and agriculture, paints and coatings, water treatment, electronics, battery technology, and many other application sectors. Visit: www.chemspeceurope.com.