Press Release

ISM 2026 SETS THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR WHAT IS SNACKED, PURCHASED AND TRADED WORLDWIDE

Strong international presence +++ Expanded trade fair alliance reinforces the value chain +++ Record number of country pavilions +++ ISM Ingredients staged as an independent trade fair format for raw materials and ingredients for the first time +++ Networking and event formats ensure an interactive trade fair experience

From 1 to 4 February 2026, ISM in Cologne confirmed its position as the leading global trade fair for sweets and snacks. With around 1,600 exhibiting companies from 72 countries and a foreign share of 87 percent, the trade fair presented itself at a consistently high international level. Parallel to this, the debut edition of ISM Ingredients as an independent trade fair format set a strong signal and boasting 87 exhibiting companies almost trebled the number of exhibitors compared to the former ingredients segment of ProSweets Cologne. Around 32,500 trade visitors in total from 140 countries used the trade fair duo to initiate business, place orders and establish new partnerships along the entire value chain. The high level of participation from international decision-makers from the trade, industry and supplier sector underscored the importance of the trade fair as a central business platform in a dynamic market environment. The business focus was enhanced by diverse networking and event formats that promoted the personal exchange.

“In times of volatile markets, the industry needs platforms that provide guidance and enable business deals. ISM 2026 provided precisely that: with clear market relevance, even stronger international participation and a trade fair concept that brings the entire value chain together while at the same time paving the way for the future consolidation of all sections under the ISM umbrella brand. As such, we are consistently pursuing the long-term innovation process of our trade fair formats,” emphasised Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.

Powerful prelude: Dialogue, politics and new networking format
ISM 2026 kicked off with a star-studded panel comprising of leading representatives from the worlds of politics and business on the topic of “International trade policies and diversification“. The opening discussion at ISM in Cologne made it clear that the strength of the international sweets industry is interlinked with cross-industry collaboration and reliable trade policies.

“As the leading international trade fair, ISM offers precisely the right platform, where the industry, politicians and partners can come together to jointly secure the competitiveness and innovative strength of the sweets industry long-term. This was explicitly accentuated once more during the panel discussion,” stated Bastian Fassin, Chairman of the International Sweets & Biscuits Fair Task Force (AISM).

The dialogue continued in the evening at the ISM Opening Night held at the Confex, which was organised for the first time this year. Around 600 guests from the sweets and snacks sector came together in a relaxed atmosphere to network and engage in a personal exchange away from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair.

The trade fair concept of ISM 2026 itself also focused on networking and continuity: Together with ProSweets Cologne and the newly established ISM Ingredients, an integrated format arose that covered the entire value chain of the sweets and snacks industry. The close spatial and thematic interlinking of the three events in Hall 10.1 was used intensively by the exhibitors and visitors and was evaluated as being clearly beneficial for efficient discussions and sustainable business developments. At the same time, this connection forms the basis for the further development of the trade fair portfolio: As of 2027, ProSweets Cologne will become part of the joint umbrella brand ISM, under the new name ISM Manufacturing.

High level international participation
ISM 2026 recorded a strong international presence among the exhibitors. With 39 pavilions from 29 countries and regions, the number of country stands reached a new record high. The exhibitor portfolio of ISM 2026 reflected the diversity and high performance of the sweets and snacks industry – from established brand manufacturers and internationally operating groups to specialised niche suppliers.

In terms of visitors, ISM was once again the central meeting point for the international trade. The trading companies represented included, among others, Aeon, Aldi, Auchan, Carrefour, Colruyt Group, Coop, Edeka, Globus, Mercadona, Metro, Migros, Rewe Group, S Group, Salling Group, Schwarz Group, Tesco and Walmart. Drugstore chains such as Alnatura, A.S. Watson, Budni, dm-drogerie markt, Müller and Rossmann were also represented.

With a share of 71 percent, there was a strong international participation among the trade visitors. The most strongly represented countries included Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Outside Europe, China, Israel, Japan, Canada and the USA were among the top nations.

Lab5 by ISM becomes an experiential area
In the scope of Lab5 by ISM in Hall 10.1, the trade fair once again placed the spotlight on innovations, new product concepts and young companies. Over 30 start-ups and scale-ups from 16 countries presented their products and services here. The newly-created theme section “ISM Functional Sweets” addressed the growing market for functional sweets. Furthermore, comprising over 150 new products, the New Product Showcase offered a concise overview of the current industry developments.

ISM Ingredients set a further highlight, also in Hall 10.1, with the “Special Show Ingredients – Functional and Climate-Conscious“. The show focused on new recipes, modern processing technologies and product ideas from all over the globe.

#ISMfamily: International networking and strong social media performance
The brand’s global presence is also evident on social media: Under the hashtag #ISMfamily the community networks beyond country borders. ISM 2026 achieved a total reach of more than 1.8 million across all channels – reaching many new target groups beyond the existing followers.

The trade fair trio in figures
1,790 exhibiting companies from 75 countries participated in ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne 2026. Foreign exhibitors accounted for 85 percent of the total. In total, around 32,500 trade visitors from 140 countries attended the trade fairs, the foreign share was 71 percent.

ISM is organised by Koelnmesse and the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Task Force (AISM) is the industry sponsor of the event.

The next ISM is scheduled to take place from 31 January to 3 February 2027.

Cologne, 5th February 2026

Press Release

ISM INGREDIENTS: THE NEW CENTREPIECE OF THE RAW MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS INDUSTRY FOR SWEETS AND SNACKS

Innovations, world premieres and global participation await the trade visitors in 2026

The international sweets and snacks industry can look forward to a highlight: From 2026 onwards, ISM, the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks in Cologne, will be enhanced by the new platform, ISM Ingredients. Complementing ProSweets Cologne, this will create a central point of contact for the providers of raw materials, ingredients and semi-finished products – a platform that makes the entire value chain visible and sets decisive impulses for the future of the industry.

ISM Ingredients is already a true success story: Due to the huge demand, the new platform has already been fully-booked since the beginning of October. Additional space is now being made available by ISM in Hall 10.1. The enthusiasm is also tangible at international level – especially after Anuga, where numerous suppliers of classic raw materials and ingredients signalised their strong interest in a presence on the new platform.

“The journey of exhibitor applications is thus long since not over – on the contrary: The momentum surrounding the launch of ISM Ingredients shows how high the demand and potential of this new format is,” explained Guido Hentschke, Director ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne.

Innovation, inspiration and world premieres under focus
ISM Ingredients brings the leading players of the ingredients industry to Cologne and presents the latest developments for sweets and snacks.

“Ingredients of the Future” Special Show
A further highlight will be the Ingredients Special Show, which focuses on the trends and innovations: from natural sweeteners and plant-based proteins to climate-friendly raw material alternatives. The presentation surface not only offers visitors insights into the products of tomorrow, but also inspiration for new cooperations and business ideas.

International participation and strong demand
The new format is already meeting with a great response: Strong international group stands from Turkey, China and Germany underline the global significance of ISM Ingredients. The high demand signalises: This new platform is quickly advancing into becoming a central meeting point for the raw materials and ingredients industry worldwide.

Cologne, 16th October  2025

Press Release

ISM 2026 SETS NEW BENCHMARKS: RECORD BOOKINGS, NEW COUNTRY PAVILIONS AND THE INNOVATIVE “FUNCTIONAL SWEETS” THEME AREA

Around four months before the opening of the fair, ISM 2026 has already topped the end result of ISM 2025 +++ New countries and brands on the exhibition space +++ Premiere of the “ISM Functional Sweets” theme area+++ Expert jury selects winner of the ISM Start-up Pitches Award for the first time +++ New ISM Opening Night in the Confex

ISM 2026, scheduled in Cologne from 1 to 4 February, records strong response at an early stage: Four months before the opening of the fair, the booked space already exceeds the final result of ISM 2025. Companies from 71 countries and all Continents have already confirmed their participation – a clear signal of the dynamism and international significance of the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks.

In 2026, there are new exhibitors for example from Albania, Bangladesh, Iran and Luxembourg.

“The fact that ISM 2026 has already topped last year’s booking level, demonstrates the industry’s great confidence in the trade fair. New country participations and the return of international market leaders confirm ISM’s position as the leading global platform for trends, exchange and business development,” emphasised Sabine Schommer, Director of ISM.

High level of internationality: 37 pavilions from 27 countries and regions
With 37 pavilions from 27 countries and regions (ISM 2025: 34 from 25), ISM 2026 has reached a new record level in international participation. The new pavilions include two from the Ukraine, organised by the Export Promotion Center KCCI LLC (Kyiv) and the Ukrainian Food Association U-Food (Uman), as well as a pavilion from Morocco coordinated by the FENAGRI – National Federation of the Agro-Food Industry (Casablanca).

ISM Functional Sweets celebrates its premiere
In the scope of the new “ISM Functional Sweets” theme area, ISM 2026 is focusing on the theme functional sweets for the first time. In Lab5 by ISM in Hall 10.1 exhibitors will showcase products that combine health and well-being with enjoyment: from sweets containing vitamins and probiotic fruit gums, through to herbal products to reduce stress. A special event with information, product presentations and tastings will illustrate how modern sweets are conceived today – as small everyday assistants and part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Functional sweets aren’t a short-lived trend, they are an expression of the new consumer understanding: People are looking for products that combine taste with well-being. This is precisely what ISM 2026 will demonstrate and make visible on the new special zone,” stated Sabine Schommer.

Experience innovations live: ISM Start-up Pitches Award 2026
The Start-up Area in Lab5 by ISM will also give an exciting insight into the future of the sweets and snacks industry in 2026. The ISM Start-up Pitches Award 2026 which will be presented on 2 February 2026 for the first time is a special highlight. Eight selected start-ups will present their innovative ideas and products on the Talks & Tasting Stage in Hall 10.1. A panel of experts will evaluate the entries and select the winner live on stage. The pitches will be hosted by Robert Kronekker – food entrepreneur, investor & start-up mentor. He will also accompany the participants in their preparation.

Start-ups registered for ISM can apply for one of the places up until 31 December 2025. Further details regarding applications can be found here.

ISM Opening Night as a festive prelude
The ISM Opening Night, which is open to all participants of ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne for the first time, is a further highlight. Together with the industry sponsors of ISM, Koelnmesse is inviting guests to join them at the new Confex at the fair grounds in Cologne on 1 February 2026. The evening marks the festive prelude of the trade fair and brings the international sweets and snacks industry together in a relaxed atmosphere – to enjoy live music, culinary highlights and many networking opportunities. In addition, as part of ISM Opening Night, an outstanding personality from the sweets and snacks industry will once again be honoured with the ISM Award for their lifetime achievement.

Cologne, 10th Ocotber 2025

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

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