ISM 2026: Where the world of sweets comes together

In 2026, ISM once again proved to be a broadly positioned platform for the snacks and sweets industry. The trade fair trio comprising ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne recorded:

• 1,790 companies exhibiting from 75 countries
• around 32,500 trade visitors from 140 countries

These included both companies from Germany such as Budni and Alnatura, as well as internationally operating trade groups like the Rewe Group, Aeon or the S Group. The share of international exhibitors and trade visitors – among others from Great Britain, China and the USA – rose once again compared to the previous year. International networking was thus not only the motto, but indeed lived practice.

A special premiere demonstrated that networking didn't just take place during the day. The International Sweets and Biscuits Fair 2026 kicked off with a panel on the topic of "International trade politics and diversification". The discussion focused on how cooperations and diversified trade strategies can strengthen the industry.

For the first time, the networking continued afterwards at the ISM Opening Night in the Confex at Koelnmesse – which provided the opportunity for a personal exchange, new contacts and in-depth discussions beyond the classic trade fair events.

This year the ISM offered many highlights and impressed with new products.

Bundled added value under one roof
The three trade fairs – ISM, ProSweets Cologne and ISM Ingredients were staged simultaneously for the first time. This brought the entire value chain of the sweets and snacks industry together in one location. The close interlinking opened up new synergies between the trade, industry and suppliers. From 2027 onwards, as "ISM Manufacturing" ProSweets Cologne will become an integral part of the ISM trade fair portfolio.

Lab5 by ISM: Focus on innovation

Current trends and innovations were showcased on the Lab5 by ISM area. More than 30 start-ups and scale-ups from 16 countries exhibited new product concepts and forward-looking ideas here. The industry's dynamism became tangible here.

Special areas for functional products and sustainable concepts

• The trade fair dedicated a special area to the growing market of functional sweets in the scope of the new "ISM Functional Sweets" section.
• Whilst visitors were able to gain an overview of the current developments in the snacks and sweets trade on the "New Product Showcase" that presented over 150 new products.
• ISM Ingredients presented new recipes, modern processing technologies and international product ideas that are sustainable in the "Ingredients Special Show – Functional and Climate-Conscious".

Digital reach and creator programme
ISM 2026 also set clear digital benchmarks. Under the hashtag #ISMfamily, the community networked globally via the social media. With a total reach of more than 1.8 million impressions, ISM reached an international audience far beyond the physical fair grounds.

The established creator programme additionally strengthened this position. The Talks & Tasting Stage evolved further into a content platform for industry giants such as @crispyrob, @heymoritz, @rosakochtgruen, @Joeskochwelt and @fabiundphil.

Numerous innovations were distinguished at ISM 2026. The presentation of the New Product Showcase Award took place directly in the exhibition halls on the Talks & Tasting Stage for the first time. The prize-winning products demonstrated how strongly functional ingredients, creative flavour combinations and new consumption occasions are shaping the industry. Amid loud applause, the visibly moved winners were called up onto the stage to receive their awards.

The awards were presented by Oliver Frese, Koelnmesse; Dr. Carsten Bernoth, BDSI and Joachim Eckert, Sweets Global Network.

ISM Award 2026
Dr. Uwe Lebens, owner and long-standing Chief Operating Officer of Genuport Trade GmbH, was recognised for his outstanding services to the sweets and snacks industry.

ISM Consumer Award
The German brand, Hosta, won the award for its product "nippon MINIS Original & Limited Edition Matcha".

ISM Start-up Pitches Award
At the premiere of the ISM Start-Up Pitches Award, FRENVI was recognised for its concept for edible cutlery and cups.

New Product Showcase Award

First place went to the Spanish brand, CandyGlam, for the "Creatine GummyBar with Chocolate", an energy bar containing creatine monohydrate.

Chocolaterie Carrè claimed second place with dark chocolate pearls, filled with liquid espresso martini cocktail.

Third place went to Gottfried Wicklein GmbH & Co. KG from Nuremberg for the "Cinnamon Roll" Biscuit Bar.

The figures for ISM 2026 accentuate that the snacks and sweets industry is still internationally connected despite geopolitical tensions, changed supply chains and increased regulation. The stronger integration of raw materials, production and the trade into the trade fair concept is a reaction to these developments. The growing significance of functional products and sustainable concepts was also noteworthy.

The next ISM is scheduled to take place from 31 January 2010 to 3 February 2027.