Press Release

POSITIVE MARKET RESPONSE FOR ISM INGREDIENTS 2026: NEW TRADE FAIR FORMAT FOR RAW MATERIALS GETS OFF TO A SUCCESSFUL START – 40% MORE SPACE BOOKED THAN IN THE INGREDIENTS SEGMENT OF PROSWEETS COLOGNE 2025

Successful early bird phase underlines the industry’s interest +++ ISM Ingredients has its finger on the pulse of the industry +++ Focus on functionality, sustainability and innovation +++ Close interlinking between ISM and ProSweets Cologne

On creating ISM Ingredients, Koelnmesse is introducing a new specialised trade fair format onto the market as of February 2026 that focuses specifically on raw materials, functional ingredients and semi-finished products for the sweets and snacks industry. The new platform is a reaction to the growing significance of ingredients as innovation drivers – particularly against the backdrop of the rising prices for raw materials, disrupted supply chains and the growing demands for sustainability.

The market is clearly signalising its approval even prior to the premiere: The amount of exhibition space booked, where the Ingredients section was formerly located, is almost 40% up compared to the figures for ProSweets Cologne 2025. International industry giants as well as a pavilion organised by the Istanbul Exporters Association have already confirmed their participation. Further global market leaders and international group stands are pending.

“The strong response shows that there is a concrete need for a focused and future-oriented Ingredients platform with international reach among the producers of sweets and snacks,” commented Guido Hentschke, Director ProSweets Cologne & ISM Ingredients. “Especially the combination between functional, natural and technologically relevant ingredients opens up new perspectives for innovation, added value and consumer relevance.”

ISM Ingredients: Where innovation, raw materials and sustainability are shaping the future of the sweets and snacks industry
With the introduction of ISM Ingredients, not only a new trade fair format is being created, but indeed a promising platform that offers answers to the industry’s key future questions – from functional ingredients and sustainable raw material solutions, through to technologically effective natural components. In combination with ISM and ProSweets Cologne a strong trade fair trio is arising that completely interlinks the entire value chain of the sweets and snacks industry for the first time – from the development of formulas, to the production and packaging, through to the positioning at the point of sale. This close content-related and spatial interlinking creates synergies, promotes innovation and enables cross-industry impulses across the entire field of product development.

The target group of ISM Ingredients encompasses the producers of sweets and snacks, including specifically procurement decision-makers, product developers, innovation departments, manufacturers, trademark developers as well as trade visitors from the food service sector. The trade fair is placing the focus on themes like health and functionality, fermentation, sensory innovations, clean label products, upcycling and natural ingredients. The Special Show Ingredients forms a special highlight. In the course of the show, innovative start-ups will present their solutions and actively engage in a dialogue with the industry and investors.

ISM Ingredients is being co-located with ISM and ProSweets Cologne from 01.-04.02.2026.

Cologne, June 2025

Press Release

ISM 2026: THE SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES

Early bird figures clearly exceed previous year +++ More than 10% growth in exhibition space +++ New trend section ISM Functional Sweets celebrates premiere +++ Leading international brands confirm participation

After a successful ISM 2025 with a thoroughly positive feedback from the industry it is clear: The dynamics of the leading global trade fair for sweets and snacks is ongoing. At the end of the early bird phase on 7 March 2025, ISM 2026 had recorded more than 10% growth in the exhibition space compared to the year before.

“Together with the international sweets and snacks industry we are continuing to write the success story of ISM,” said Sabine Schommer, Director ISM, emphasising: “The strong early bird result reflects the industry’s great trust in ISM.”

In spite of challenging market conditions – for example through the volatile prices of raw materials – the companies’ interest is unabated. Well-known brands from all over the globe, small and medium-sized companies, newcomers and start-ups are among the exhibitors of ISM 2026.

New impulses: ISM Functional Sweets starts in 2026
The new theme section “ISM Functional Sweets” will be a special highlight of the coming ISM. ISM is reacting to current trends such as Health & Wellness, Functional Food and Convenience with this targeted expansion of the trade fair offer. The clearly segregated section offers functional sweets a central stage – from cough sweets with medicinal herbs or chewing gum with collagen, through to products containing vitamins, melatonin or botanic essence. Furthermore, the new section underlines the role of ISM as a trendsetter and driving force – both in the classic food retail trade and beyond.

Innovative formats with global relevance
Formats like the Creator Day, the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage or the new section for functional confectionery – ISM Functional Sweets – show: ISM further develops continually and keeps on setting new impulses. It thus not only remains to be a central marketplace for new products, but also an international meeting point for decision-makers of the sweets and snacks industry – from buyers and chains, to importers, through to distributors from all continents.

Save the Date: ISM 2026 from 1 to 4 February in Cologne
ISM is entering the next round with a strong tailwind, innovative formats and international relevance – and is inviting guests to Cologne from 1 to 4 February 2026. The new ISM Ingredients format will also be taking place for the first time in 2026, which concentrates on raw materials, ingredients and semi-finished products. Together with the co-located ProSweets Cologne, the international supply fair for the sweets and snacks industry, a unique trade fair alliance arises. This combination between ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne offers an holistic 360° view of the entire value chain – a unique selling point in the international trade fair environment.

Cologne, April 2025

latest news: