Press Release

SWEET EUPHORIA: FULL HALLS, GOOD BUSINESS, TOP ATMOSPHERE – THAT WAS ISM 2025

ISM as a mirror of a globally booming industry in spite of the growing challenges +++ Optimism and innovative spirit determine the atmosphere +++ ISM demonstrates its ability to adapt with new formats like the Creator Day and the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage.

February 2025 – ISM in Cologne confirmed its position as the leading trade fair worldwide of a global flourishing sweets and snacks industry from 2 to 5 February 2025 – and impressively demonstrated that the industry is full of optimism and innovative spirit in spite of all the challenges. The positive atmosphere in the Cologne exhibition halls, the hustle and bustle in the aisles and the enthusiasm of the trade visitors determined the trade fair happenings from day one onwards. With a 5.5% growth in the number of exhibitors and 5% more exhibition space, the trade fair consistently continued on its expansion course: More than 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries (foreign share 89%) presented an impressive cross-section of the industry and demonstrated the dynamics of a constantly changing market. Around 32,000 trade visitors from 135 countries (foreign share 71%) – and thus just under 7% more than last year – used the trade fair to seal business deals on-site and establish valuable contacts. With innovative formats ISM once again confirmed its role as a pioneering industry trendsetter and demonstrated impressively that personal encounters remain to be essential for long-term partnerships and economic growth, especially in challenging times.

With a strong opening and a star-studded panel on the Mercosur Trade Agreement, ISM 2025 set a strong signal as the central platform for industry-relevant discussions from the very start. Rupert Schlegelmilch, EU Chief Negotiator of the Agreement, was among others one of the important business partners. Together with further international stakeholders from political, business and industry circles, intensive discussions about the opportunities and challenges of the agreement were held.

Successful trade fair duo, ISM and ProSweets Cologne
Together with the co-located ProSweets Cologne, ISM 2025 formed the biggest industry get-together of the sweets and snacks industry worldwide. This unique trade fair duo unites the entire value chain – from raw materials, to packaging, through to the finished product – under the umbrella of the “Sweet Week”. The direct and successful co-location of both events in Hall 10.1 created valuable synergies by promoting the exchange between manufacturers, the trade and industry experts. The Sweet Week Production Summit, which brought the participants of both trade fairs together, also contributed towards this.

“With an increased number of visitors and exhibitors as well as a growing amount of exhibition space, the clear upwards trend of ISM is ongoing. As the global trendsetter and driver of innovations and trends, ISM sets benchmarks for the global booming sweets and snacks industry – with a strong content and event programme, renowned speakers and new formats for creators, which inspire and network the industry,” said an impressed Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.

“The sweets and snacks industry is faced with major challenges, but also with new opportunities, for example as a result of the EU trade agreement with Mercosur. In times of economic uncertainty, continued extraordinarily high cocoa prices and growing bureaucratic burdens, ISM is presenting itself as a strong partner and platform for the industry. It is quite rightly the industry’s leading international trade fair – a place of orientation, dialogue and forward-looking business perspectives,” Bastian Fassin, Chairman of the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Task Force (AISM), added.

Impressive visitor quality and high international participation
With a share of over 70%, there proved to be a strong international participation among the trade visitors. The most strongly represented countries included Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Outside of Europe, growth was registered above all from Cyprus, Israel, Mexico and Romania.

New products and trends for all tastes
In addition to current trends such as sustainability, transparency, health, functionality and new combinations of different aromas or textures, the classic sweets and snacks were also the centre of attention. The “Snacks on the go” trend, which involves conventional meals being replaced by practical in-between meals, is reflected by many of the new products.

Lab5 by ISM which bundled the Trend Snacks, Start-ups, Scale-ups, New Product Showcase, Finest Creations and the Club of the Confectionery Shops sections in Hall 10.1 proved to be a crowd-puller and underlined how future-oriented ideas and solutions can bring the industry forward today already. The new concept of the direct connection to the Raw Materials & Ingredients and the Packaging sections of ProSweets Cologne went down very well and created valuable synergies with the supplier industry.

The Expert Stage: Know today already what will move the industry tomorrow
The challenges and opportunities of the industry were discussed in detail on the Expert Stage. For example, innovative strategies for the reduction of sugar, the promotion of sustainable cocoa cultivation projects and the development of plant-based protein alternatives came under focus. The famous food expert and futurist, Hanni Rützler, and the food journalist, Bettina Röttig, showed how the entire value chain – from the agricultural sector, to production, through to the trade – is adapting to the changed consumer expectations. The innovative power of the international sweets and snacks industry was also examined by Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor.

Mixture between tradition & innovation – on the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage
As an interactive stage, the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting format impressed the trade audience with a mixed programme comprising of live podcasts, influencer tastings, expert panels and product presentations by among others Johann Lafer.

#ISMfamily: Global networking, viral highlights and unlimited business opportunities
The creator programme on Sunday – with tastings, a tour and workshop on the sweets & snacks of the future – established the ISM as a content platform and attracted additional interest.

ISM satellite events: Central platforms for a globally expanding industry
The ISM foreign trade fairs, ISM Middle East and ISM Japan, were also represented with an information stand and thus actively contributed towards promoting the international exchange and networking within the industry. In an increasingly globalised food world these trade fairs play a decisive role as central points of contact for the diversity of the sweets and snacks industry. They particularly offer small, regional companies a strong quality brand locally and make it easier for export-oriented companies to gain access to the respective country markets and thus support their international business. The ISM family relies on new impulses at both local and global level and shapes the future of the sweets and snacks world.

ISM in figures
1,513 exhibitors from 70 countries, 89 % of which came from abroad, participated at ISM 2025. They included 160 German exhibitors and 1,353 exhibitors from abroad. Around 32,000 trade visitors from 135 countries attended ISM 2025, the foreign share was 71 %.

The next ISM will take place from 01.-04.02.2026

Press Release

ISM 2025 IS PRESENTING THE INNOVATIONS OF THE SWEETS AND SNACKS INDUSTRY

+++ Sustainability under focus +++ Health and functionality +++ Snacks on the go +++ Play with aromas and textures

Cologne, January 2025 – The leading global trade fair for sweets and snacks – ISM – is inviting the international industry to discover the most exciting trends and innovations from 2 to 5 February. From sustainable treats, to healthy alternatives, through to spectacular taste combinations – the sweets trade fair is demonstrating what the creative and dynamic industry has to offer. With almost 200 entries the new products database is presenting the most innovative products of the participating companies.

Sustainability: Enjoyment with a good conscience
Sustainability remains to be a key theme and characterises the innovations of the sweets and snacks industry – and not only regarding the packaging.

The demand for environmentally-friendly, plant-based and locally sourced ingredients grows constantly, because more and more consumers want to reduce their CO2 footprint. At the same time, sustainable production processes and transparency are becoming increasingly more important: The consumers are asking more and more often where and how their snacks are manufactured – and acknowledge brands that provide clear answers. At ISM 2025 the manufacturers are demonstrating how they are setting sustainable accents through resource-saving cultivation methods, fair trade practices and the use of alternative raw materials.

Vegan chocolate alternatives are also in demand, for example like those based on fermented oats, soy beans or carob beans. Furthermore, upcycling also continues to gain significance: Manufacturers are increasingly using by-products that not much attention was paid to hitherto, transforming them into tasty, nutritious ingredients. This not only contributes towards the reduction of waste, but also supports a more efficient usage of existing resources. Using the entire cocoa fruit in one single product instead of just the beans is a further example of upcycling and at the same time a sustainable innovation. In this way, the industry is not only focusing on the excellent taste, but is increasingly also taking on more responsibility towards the environment.

Healthy snacking: Less sugar, fat and salt – more enjoyment
Even if conventional products like chocolate and crisps provide enjoyable moments and short breaks, the manufacturers are reacting to the growing demand for healthier alternatives. That is why products that convince with reduced sugar, salt and fat contents, but which nevertheless offer maximum taste, are convincing in 2025. For example, the new product database contains sugar-free biscuits, low-calorie wafer-thin snacks and products made from the konjac root.

Functional snacks: More than just a snack
The boundaries between food and the promotion of health are increasingly becoming blurred. Probiotic sweets, bars, biscuits and even popcorn that are rich in protein as well as products like lollies with vitamin D3 and bee pollen in chocolate, which are considered to be a source of vitamins and minerals.

Snacks on the go: Nibbles en route
Practical, delicious and always ready to hand – to-go snacks remain to be one of the main trends of ISM 2025. Portionable energy balls, resealable nut mixtures, bars or espresso bites offer a fast source of energy for active consumers.

Aromas and textures: A play of the senses
ISM 2025 is demonstrating that the enjoyment of sweets and snacks is far more than simply a taste experience – it is becoming a true sensory adventure. The combination between creamy and crunchy textures offers exciting moments of snacking enjoyment, such as for instance pretzels coated in chocolate or innovative balls that are filled with tempting mulled wine. The exhibitors of ISM also perfectly master the play with unexpected taste combinations and intense sourness. Intensively sour fruit gum products made from potato starch that open up new taste horizons, are particularly worth highlighting. Freeze-dried products like fruits, which impress with their intense aromas and crunchy textures, are also gaining significance. A particularly fascinating trend is “swicy” – the exciting fusion between sweet and spicy that provides extraordinary taste experiences.

ISM 2025 is proving that the world of sweets and snacks is more diversified and more exciting than ever. The ISM team is looking forward to presenting the future of snacking enjoyment to the trade visitors, distributors and the media!

Press Release

MORE THAN 1,500 EXHIBITORS FROM 70 COUNTRIES: THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR ISM 2025

Strong global interest and the return of well-known brands +++ More synergies with ProSweets Cologne in the scope of the Sweet Week +++ Innovation platform for early product presentation +++ Ticket shop is open immediately

The preparations for ISM 2025, the leading trade fair of the sweets and snacks industry, are already in full swing. With over 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries, the trade fair will once again be the international stage for the innovations and trends of the sweets and snacks industry from 2 to 5 February 2025 in Cologne. ISM is co-located with the supplier trade fair ProSweets Cologne in the scope of the Sweet Week and brings supply and demand together in a targeted manner.

Strong global interest and the return of well-known brands
The current number of applications comprising of renowned national and international companies shows impressive diversity. German brands are presenting their latest products, whilst international stars will exhibit their innovations. Some exhibitors are returning to the trade fair after several years of absence.

More synergies with ProSweets Cologne in the scope of the Sweet Week
The exhibitors and trade visitors will benefit from the co-located ProSweets Cologne, the international supplier fair of the sweets and snacks industry, again next year. Organising the two trade fairs simultaneously in the scope of the Sweet Week creates unique synergies, offers practical solutions for current challenges and promotes the exchange within the industry. The close interlinking between ISM and ProSweets Cologne creates a platform for production managers, research and development as well as packaging and ingredients experts that goes far beyond a pure trade fair visit and lends suppliers and manufacturers the opportunity to shape the future of the sweets and snacks production. This is further enhanced by high-quality contents like those for example presented on the jointly organised stages, the Expert Stage on the Boulevard and the Sweet Week – Talks & Tasting Stage in Hall 10.1.

Furthermore, a special highlight is the Sweets & Snacks Production Summit that is being organised for the first time and which brings production managers, CEOs and owners of the production companies exhibiting at ISM together with the supplier industry (exhibitors of ProSweets Cologne) in a targeted manner. Among others, first-class examples of best practice on the implementation of AI tools for a cost-efficient and future-proof production will be showcased here. Three-minute pitch sessions of the supplier industry by ProSweets Cologne exhibitors will additionally be held here followed by a matchmaking forum in the Networking Area to promote concrete solutions and business relations.

“Both trade fairs, ISM and ProSweets Cologne, have developed into leading content platforms for the sweets and snacks industry and in times of rapid market changes offer in-depth insights into trends and progress such as sustainable packaging solutions and innovative flavours. The synergy with ProSweets Cologne allows a comprehensive overview of the entire value chain and turns the Sweet Week into the ideal platform for innovations and business opportunities,” commented Sabine Schommer, Director ISM.

Innovation platform for early product presentation
As an innovation exhibition of the global sweets and snacks industry, ISM offers its exhibitors the exclusive opportunity to present their latest products, trailblazing trends and creative innovations in the run-up to the trade fair already and generate attention within the industry. The New Products Tool is at the disposal of the exhibitors with immediate effect: ISM New Products Presentation 2025 (ism-cologne.de).

Ticket shop is open with immediate effect
The ticket sales for ISM 2025 have begun. Visitors from all over the globe are awaited. Trade visitors can purchase their ticket for the coming event immediately via the ticket shop, prepare their visit to the trade fair at an early stage, remain up-to-date via the ISM app and plan their accommodation in Cologne in due time: Buy tickets | ISM (ism-cologne.com)

#ISM

Press Release

ISM REPORTS GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS AND EXHIBITION SPACE FOR 2025 AFTER THE EARLY BIRD PHASE

85% of previous year’s space already booked

The leading global trade fair for sweets and snacks, ISM, has announced a positive development after the early bird phase: 85% of the overall space of ISM 2024 has already been booked again by exhibitors from over 60 countries. Compared to the number of applications received by the end of the early bird phase of ISM 2024, Koelnmesse is registering an eight percent increase. As the leading trade fair, ISM will once again this year offer a platform for innovations, networking as well as numerous entertainment offers and business opportunities for the sweets and snacks industry. As usual, the coming ISM is being co-located with the supplier fair ProSweets Cologne in Cologne from 2 to 5 February 2025.

“We are delighted to have recorded seven percent more exhibitors and an eight percent increase in space compared to ISM 2024. That is remarkable, especially since the early bird phase didn’t end until 31.05.2023 last year – but it also underlines the significance of ISM as the indispensable highlight of the annual event calendar of the sweets and snacks industry,” stressed Sabine Schommer, ISM Director.

“For our exhibitors, participating in the trade fair means more than just booking stand area. They profit from unprecedented visibility with the industry, the access to buyers of global importance as well as a comprehensive presence in the national and international media. Beyond this, we enable first-class networking within the industry as well as with the exhibitors of ProSweets, the experts for the production of sweets and packaging technology, ingredients and packaging material,” explained Bastian Mingers, Vice President Trade Fair Management Food at Koelnmesse GmbH.

Highlights of ISM 2025

In Lab5 by ISM young, innovative companies will once again be presenting their products and trend snacks in the Start-up Area, the specialised dealer section presents its offer of specialities for the small-volume business with sweets and snacks and the special event for innovations, the “New Product Showcase”, is the stage for the new products of the exhibiting companies. ISM unites companies from all over the globe across the digital channels under the hashtag #ISMfamily

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