In 2024, ISM, the premier global trade fair for sweets and snacks, has reached new heights of international representation and diversity. Boasting 1,350 exhibitors hailing from 70 countries and encompassing 35 pavilions across Europe, Asia, North and South America, the event showcases a broad spectrum of products and innovations. Attendees range from established global leaders and national industry giants to emerging enterprises and start-ups from countries such as Albania, Algeria, Canada, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
The six halls of ISM provide visitors with a multisensory journey through the world of sweets and snacks. The expansion of Hall 4.2, featuring new country pavilions from the USA, Latin America, and the Middle East, adds a layer of international diversity. These additions complement the already established pavilions from Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Hall 5.2 continues the success of Lab5 by ISM, offering an extended and unique trade fair experience.
Among the trade fair’s highlights is the annually presented ISM Award, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the sweets and snacks industry. The New Product Showcase (NPS) remains diverse, with the top three innovative products celebrated during the ISM Night on Sunday. The Consumer Award, in collaboration with Foodnewsgermany, returns for its second year.
The Expert Stage program features trend lectures, market analyses by Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor, start-up pitches, and discussions on digital education in collaboration with DMEXCO, Europe’s leading digital marketing and tech event. Best practices from the sweets industry cover themes like energy efficiency, sustainability, climate-friendly production, regenerative value chains, and the recycling economy.
A novel addition to the agenda is the innovative speed dating format, bringing together exhibitors and influencers in the sweets and snacks sector. This format facilitates networking, product promotion, and brand recognition.
Another exciting inclusion is the ISM get-together on Sunday evening, catering specifically to young professionals and providing an informal setting to conclude the first day of the fair.
From speed dating for exhibitors and influencers to the ISM get-together for young professionals, ISM 2024 offers a dynamic blend of event formats, fostering inspiring networking opportunities for industry professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
ISM 2024 is co-located with the international supplier fair ProSweets Cologne from January 28 to 31. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Koelnmesse – Industry Trade Fairs for the Food and Beverage Sector: Koelnmesse stands as an international leader in organizing trade fairs in the food and beverage segment. Notable events such as Anuga and ISM are established, world-leading trade fairs held in Cologne, Germany. The launch of Anuga HORIZON in Cologne marks the introduction of an additional event format dedicated to food industry innovations. Beyond its Cologne headquarters, Koelnmesse organizes numerous food trade fairs with different sector-specific focuses in key markets worldwide, including Brazil, China, India, Japan, Colombia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. This global approach enables Koelnmesse to provide tailored events and leading regional trade fairs, forming the basis for sustainable international business. Koelnmesse is also a key player in food technology with leading international trade fairs Anuga FoodTec and ProSweets Cologne, along with a global network of satellite events.
