ISM - Article overview

Review of trends, innovations and full exhibition halls

For four days the international sweets and snacks industry met up at ISM 2025. The participants set the course for a sweet future.

Sweets sales: Now is the time for proximity and experiences!

Whether next to the checkout or in view on the coveted sweets shelves – it has always been a tough battle between the sweets manufacturers to get the best places in the supermarket. More recently in addition to the...

How climate change and rising prices are changing the future of the cocoa industry

Climate change and increasing prices are facing the cocoa industry with major challenges. From the cultivation and sustainable production, through to new regulations - discover how manufacturers are encountering the...

"Upcycling" chocolate "Cabosse": a revolutionary taste experience

When waste becomes a delicacy then Confiserie Vandenbulcke from Belgium has shown its mettle. Their "Cabosse" chocolate not only tastes great, but is also produced and packaged in an environmentally friendly way....

Corporate influencer in the food section: How Philip Hitschler-Becker is shaking up the sweets market

Philip Hitschler-Becker, CEO of Hitschler International, is redefining the sweets market as a corporate influencer. By blending tradition with a fresh social media approach, he shows how authentic storytelling and...

The transformation in the world of food and beverages: What the consumers really want today

Imagine walking into a supermarket. The shelves are packed with colourful packaging, and the choices seem endless. But what determines which product ends up in your shopping cart today?

New opportunities through digitalisation: From sweets production through to sales

The digitalisation has fundamentally changed the sweets industry and opens up manifold opportunities for more efficiency and innovation. From the sweets production and sales, through to the customer experience, digital...

An interview with Robert Kronekker, the start-up expert

Robert Kronekker, start-up expert and founder of Hafervoll, shares his experiences and insights into the world of start-ups, as well as the significance of ISM 2025 for young businesses.

ISM 2025: Guide for a perfect trade fair experience

Get ready for an exciting ISM 2025! The world's largest trade fair for sweets and snacks is being staged in Cologne from 2 to 5 February 2025.

Annual review: The most important and innovative sweets of 2024

ISM 2024 already demonstrated it: The international sweets industry was also characterised by numerous trends and innovations this year. From sustainable, to health-conscious, through to creative - here is an overview of...

Highlights of the sweets trade fair 2025

Cologne will become the "sweetest" city in the world from 2 to 5 February 2025: The Sweet Week will bring the global sweets and snacks industry together in one location. This unique synergy between ISM and...

ISM 2025 in Cologne: These 5 tips will make your trade fair visit a success

The ISM 2025 in Cologne offers insights into the latest confectionery trends and valuable networking opportunities. With these five tips, your trade fair visit will be even more successful.

ChoViva - low-CO2 chocolate alternative as a box office hit

It's Christmas. Sara und Max, in the meantime also known as the Chocolate Siblings, have made themselves comfortable in their living room at home. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples is in the air, while plates...

PEZ: A Success Story from Peppermint Candy to Innovative Collectibles

They are small, come in a wide range of flavours and can be stored in a characteristic dispenser that fits inside the smallest pocket. What are we talking about? PEZ, what else? - the cult products for both young and old...