Cologne's huge conference halls were transformed this week into what could easily have passed as Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. A veritable feast of chocolates, sweets and biscuits were on show and crying out to be tasted -- from delicate chocolate nibbles, hand crafted in France to hearty chunky chocolate biscuits made in England.

But even the comforting world of chocolate isn't immune to the ever fluctuating economy or the high prices of raw materials such as sugar and nuts. 2005 wasn't one of the best for the chocolate and sweets industry, but hopes are high that 2006 will see more people enjoying a sweet treat or two