Press Release

NEW KEY THEME: “CONNECTING THE ENTIRE VALUE CHAIN” PLACES A STRONGER FOCUS ON THE VALUE CHAIN

Three specialised trade fair formats create in-depth expertise and new interfaces +++ Ticket shop for ISM trade fair trio is open now

What will be available on the sweets shelf tomorrow begins long before the finished product. New ingredients, innovative technologies in product development as well as market and consumer trends determine which products are developed and establish themselves successfully. Under the new key theme “Connecting the Entire Value Chain“, the ISM trade fair trio is thus placing a greater emphasis on the interfaces along the value chain of the sweets and snacks industry. ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Snacks & Sweets each represent a clearly defined segment of the market: From the raw materials, ingredients and product development, processing, packaging and production technology, through to finished sweets and snacks, brands, product ranges and retail concepts.

The key theme underlines the ISM portfolio’s claim to not only stage three specialised trade fairs concurrently, but to actually strategically combine their respective areas of expertise. The trade visitors thus gain a more comprehensive overview of the innovation processes, can identify the right partners along the value chain more efficiently and unleash new business opportunities beyond their own areas of activity.

“Successful product innovations arise today from the interplay between several disciplines. Raw materials and ingredients, product development, technology, production and brand management are closely intertwined. This is precisely where the trade fair trio comes into play: With ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Snacks & Sweets we are creating specialised offers for our trade audience and uniting them simultaneously under one roof. ‘Connecting the Entire Value Chain’ sums up this ambition perfectly,” said Bastian Mingers, Vice President Trade Fair Management Food and Food Technology at Koelnmesse GmbH.

One key theme, three specialised trade fairs
The overarching theme is underpinned by individual claims for the three trade fair formats. They pick up on “Connecting the Entire Value Chain” and illustrate their respective role in the innovation and marketing process:
• ISM Ingredients – From Source to Sensation: connects the origin of an ingredient with its sensory and innovative impact in the product.
• ISM Manufacturing – From Processing to Performance: combines processing and packaging technology with measurable production performance, efficiency and quality.
• ISM Snacks & Sweets – From Trends to Taste: translates market and consumer trends into products, taste profiles and relevant product range impulses for the retail trade.

The co-staging and geographical proximity of the three trade fairs facilitates the direct exchange between the suppliers of ingredients, producers, technology companies and brand manufacturers. A joint ticket shop, central app as well as comprehensive matchmaking and networking tools support the targeted interlinking.

Tickets are available now.
ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Snacks & Sweets are scheduled to take place in Cologne from 31 January to 3 February 2027. Tickets for the ISM trade fair trio are available immediately from the ticket shop.

Cologne, 7th September 2026

Press Release

ISM IS REPOSITIONING ITSELF: ONE SINGLE BRAND FOR THE ENTIRE SWEETS AND SNACKS INDUSTRY

ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Snacks & Sweets under a strong umbrella brand +++ A response to the shift in the industry +++ Covering all stages of the value chain

Koelnmesse is setting the course for the future of the sweets and snacks industry: As of 2027, it will bundle a trade fair trio comprising ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Snacks & Sweets under the ISM umbrella brand for the first time. This new brand architecture maps the industry’s entire value chain – from raw materials and ingredients, production, processing, packaging and technology, through to finished sweets and snacks as well as retail concepts. In this way, ISM is responding to the growing interconnectedness between innovations, production and marketing within the sweets and snacks sector.

ISM has stood for innovations, business development and international trade in the sweets and snacks sector for over 50 years. The trade fair portfolio was expanded in 2006 with the launch of ProSweets Cologne, the leading supplier trade fair for ingredients, machinery, packaging and process technologies. Since then, the two events have taken place concurrently. These areas of expertise will be consolidated under the ISM umbrella brand in future.

The background lies in the profound transformation of the industry: Today, new ingredients, automation, digitalisation and alternative production methods impact every stage of the value chain. Innovation no longer occurs in isolation, but arises from the interaction between all stakeholders. With this new trade fair concept, Koelnmesse is creating a platform that actively fosters this exchange.

“The sweets and snacks industry is increasingly taking a holistic approach to innovation. That is why, with ISM and its three trade fair formats, we are creating a brand architecture that unites all relevant areas of the value chain under a strong umbrella brand. This provides improved orientation, strengthens synergies and opens up new, more intensive opportunities for business, exchange, and innovation,” said Bastian Mingers, Vice President Food & Food Technology at Koelnmesse GmbH.

Three trade fairs, one strong umbrella brand
Within ISM, each trade fair format plays a clearly defined role along the industrial value chain:

• ISM Ingredients is the international platform for raw materials, ingredients and semi-finished products. Here, everything revolves around the ingredients of tomorrow – from functional ingredients, flavour and texture, through to solutions for product development.
• ISM Manufacturing is the international platform for production, processing, packaging and technology. Its focus lies on mechanical engineering, automation, AI, quality management and efficient, future-proof manufacturing processes.
• ISM Snacks & Sweets is the leading global trade fair for snacks and sweets. International brands, innovative products and leading trading companies come together here, laying the foundation for global business relations.

The former ISM is being renamed ISM Snacks & Sweets. This makes its role within the umbrella brand immediately apparent: As the world’s leading trade fair for finished sweets and snacks, it represents the market and retail sector, while ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing represent the upstream stages of the value chain. ISM is thus evolving from a single trade fair into an umbrella brand comprising three specialised trade fair formats.

New brand identity promotes exchange
The new, unified brand identity provides improved orientation for the exhibitors, trade visitors and partners, while simultaneously boosting the international visibility of the three trade fair formats. Shared services such as a central website, one ticket shop, a unified trade fair app and integrated networking and communication platforms simplify trade fair planning and encourage interaction within the industry.

The next ISM, comprising the three trade fair formats ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Snacks & Sweets, will be held in Cologne from 31 January to 3 February 2027.

Cologne, 25th August 2026

Press Release

ISM 2027: SUCCESSFUL EARLY BIRD PHASE CONFIRMS STRONG MARKET DYNAMICS

Early bird phase surpasses that of the previous year event by five percent +++ ISM strengthens its position as a global industry platform +++ High return rate among renowned exhibitors +++ International market leaders confirm their participation +++  Numerous country pavilions have registered again

As the early bird phase draws to a close, ISM 2027 is already recording a strong demand: The current number of registrations is around 5 percent higher than the level of last year’s early bird phase. These positive developments underline the fact that the strategic further development of ISM into a holistic platform across the entire value chain is significantly contributing towards this increase in demand. Together with ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing, the ISM trade fair trio is positioning itself as a unique global industry platform, which combines innovation, expertise in ingredients and industrial implementation.

“We are delighted by the ongoing high demand from exhibitors and that the number of registrations has increased again in comparison to the early bird phase of 2025. This fantastic response underlines the role of ISM as an indispensable meeting point for the international sweets and snacks industry,” explained Sabine Schommer, Director of ISM.

High participation from renowned companies
Many international market leaders have confirmed their attendance.
The high return rate of renowned companies is particularly pleasing.
There is also great demand for international pavilions: Country pavilions from a total of 24 countries and regions have already registered during the early bird phase.

New hall structure and concept-related further developments
In addition, several concept-related innovations are being introduced for ISM 2027. Hall 3.2 will not be used in future, the exhibitors from the Bakery Products section are relocating to Hall 10.1. After its successful premiere at ISM 2026, the “ISM Functional Sweets” section will also be further expanded.

The innovation format “Lab5 by ISM” is returning to its original location in Hall 5.2 in 2027. Here, ISM will once again be showcasing forward-looking formats and industry trend topics. For example, sections like “ISM Functional Sweets“, the “Start-up and Scale-up Area“, “Trend Snacks” and the “New Product Showcase” will be featured in this area. The Talks & Tasting Stage and ISM Ingredients will also be at home in Hall 5.2.

The coming ISM is scheduled to be co-staged with ISM Manufacturing and ISM Ingredients in Cologne from 31 January to 3 February 2027.

For further information and to register as an exhibitor, please visit:
https://www.ism-cologne.com/for-exhibitors/become-an-exhibitor/

Cologne, May 2026

Press Release

NEW HALL STRUCTURE: ISM, ISM INGREDIENTS AND ISM MANUFACTURING ARE GROWING CLOSER TOGETHER

New hall allocation strengthens the networking and exchange along the value chain +++ Clear structures and short routes ensure improved visitor guidance +++ Increased visibility for the exhibitors

ISM, ISM Ingredients and the new ISM Manufacturing are being united under a single brand umbrella from 2027 on – and will also grow closer together physically. As part of the strategic further development and ongoing modernisation of the fair grounds in Cologne, a new hall structure is being introduced. The aim is to take the innovative character of ISM as the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks to the next level, drive new growth and bring the entire industry even closer together.

The realignment towards a uniform ISM brand family reflects the developments within the industry: Processes are increasingly interconnected today, innovation cycles are shorter and the exchange between the individual value chain stages is becoming increasingly important. This is precisely where the altered hall layout, which will take effect in 2027, comes into play. It strengthens the thematic connection between ISM, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Ingredients and creates clear structures along the entire value chain – from raw materials and technology to production, brands and retail.

“The new hall structure interlinks the key topics of the trade fair trio even more closely. At the same time, we are creating a significantly more efficient trade fair experience for our trade visitors. For the exhibitors this means greater visibility, higher visitor traffic and more targeted networking possibilities,” explained Bastian Mingers, Vice President Trade Fair Management Food and Food Technology of Koelnmesse.

An overview of the new hall layout
The new layout creates clear thematic clusters and strengthens the thematic interlinking between the individual exhibition sections. At the same time, it ensures shorter routes and improves the orientation of the visitors at the fair grounds.

The most important structural changes:
• Innovation Hotspot Hall 5.2: This is where ISM Ingredients, Lab5 by ISM, the New Product Showcase and the Talks & Tasting Stage are gathered together. The hall thus becomes the central meeting point for innovations, trends and networking.
• Technology Hub Hall 4.1, Boulevard, Passage 4/5: ISM Manufacturing is moving to Hall 4.1 and is thus coming under greater focus. This creates a technology hub together with the Boulevard and Passage 4/5, which unites the Expert Stage and the Machines & Plants sections.
• Continuity in Hall 4.2: The country pavilions will remain in Hall 4.2 in their accustomed environment, thus ensuring continuity.
• Expanded ISM halls: Exhibitors from Hall 3.2 will be integrated into Hall 10.1. Furthermore, Halls 10.1 and 10.2 will be used entirely as ISM Halls in future.

This structure strengthens the positioning of ISM as a global platform for innovation, exchange and sustainable growth in the sweets and snacks industry and at the same time opens up new opportunities for the further expansion of the trade fair trio.

ISM, ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing are being staged from 31 January to 3 February 2027. Companies from the industry can already register as an exhibitor.

Cologne, April 2026

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

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