Sabine Schommer, Director ISM

ISN Editor  Beladi Talks to Sabine Schommer of Koelnmesse About Innovations at ISM 2025

The 2025 ISM Exhibition is gearing up to showcase the latest innovations and trends shaping the global confectionery and snack industry. ISN Editor Riad Beladi recently spoke with Sabine Schommer spokes person for Koelnmesse, about what attendees can expect from this year’s event.

 

ISM is known for spotlighting cutting-edge innovations in the sweets and snacks sector. Could you highlight some of the most exciting new trends and product innovations we can expect at ISM 2025?

ISM 2025 continues to serve as the leading platform for showcasing innovations in the confectionery and snack industry. This year, the spotlight is on key trends such as sustainability, health-conscious options, and snacks on the go. Consumers are increasingly drawn to environmentally friendly packaging and products made with regional or plant-based ingredients, driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprint. Functional snacks are also gaining traction, with high-protein options, nutrient-enriched products, and meal replacements in bar form catering to health-conscious and on-the-go lifestyles.

Transparency is another key focus, as consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. Brands that embrace sustainable practices and share detailed supply chain information not only build trust but also stand out in a competitive market.

Visitors to ISM 2025 can look forward to innovations like coffee chocolates, bubble tea-flavoured popcorn, fried chicken-flavoured almonds, probiotic fruit snacks, natto chocolate (crafted with a traditional Japanese superfood), and low-calorie konjac-based snacks. These cutting-edge products reflect the creativity and adaptability that define the industry’s evolution.

Sustainability has become a major focus in the food industry. How is ISM 2025 incorporating sustainability into the fair, both in terms of exhibitor offerings and the event itself?


Sustainability is a central theme at ISM 2025, both in terms of the products on display and the fair’s own operations. To emphasie its importance, we have a dedicated sustainability session, which will take place on the Expert Stage from 3 February at 12:30 pm to 4 February at noon. During this time, leading industry experts will discuss the impact of sustainability on the confectionery sector, explore the challenges it presents, and provide actionable solutions to address them.

Beyond highlighting sustainability in the exhibitor offerings, ISM also sets an example with its own initiatives. For instance, to combat food waste, surplus goods from the fair will be donated to Tafel Köln, a local food bank. Furthermore, Koelnmesse has made significant strides in reducing its own environmental impact. The venue operates Cologne’s largest inner-city solar power plant, generating three million kilowatt-hours of solar power annually, which saves 1,850 tonnes of CO2. Additionally, by 2028, the entire heating system will transition to fossil-free geothermal energy, cutting another 5,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Energy efficiency is also a priority, with modernised ventilation systems and LED lighting reducing electricity consumption in the exhibition halls by up to 50%. To tackle transport-related emissions, Koelnmesse uses a digital logistics management system called eSlot to coordinate 50,000 trucks per year, minimising congestion and CO2 emissions. Visitors benefit from the NUNAV app, which optimises routes to parking areas or directs them to one of nearly 170 EV charging stations on-site.

These measures underline ISM and Koelnmesse’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the fair not only showcases environmentally conscious products but also leads by example in fostering a greener future for the industry.

GISMO Square
Boulevard Mitte,

The role of technology in retail and production is growing. Will ISM 2025 feature any groundbreaking digital solutions or smart technologies for the confectionery industry?

Technology is playing an increasingly vital role in the confectionery industry, and ISM 2025 is embracing this shift in collaboration with ProSweets Cologne. While ISM focuses on showcasing finished products, ProSweets spotlights the latest advancements in machinery, ingredients, and packaging. Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of how digital solutions and smart technologies are shaping the future.

One of the key highlights this year is the Sweet Week Production Summit, which focuses on digital transformation and AI-driven solutions. Innovations in flexible production systems, such as the ConfecVARIO system, and sustainable machinery designed to maximise raw material efficiency will take centre stage. Cutting-edge tempering machines and new ingredient technologies, including “CocoaBoosters,” aim to enhance flavour while reducing cocoa content, aligning with sustainability goals.

By addressing production efficiency, sustainability, and consumer-driven trends, ISM and ProSweets offer attendees invaluable insights into how digital tools and smart technologies can drive innovation and growth in the confectionery sector. The inclusion of AI-based solutions for cost-efficient production further reinforces the fair as a hub for future-ready advancements.