ISM 2026 Draws 32,500 visitors, Launches Standalone ISM Ingredients Format

ISM 2026, held in Cologne from 1–4 February, drew around 1,600 exhibitors from 72 countries. International companies accounted for 87% of exhibitors, while approximately 32,500 trade visitors from 140 countries attended the event.

A key development this year was the launch of ISM Ingredients as a standalone format for raw materials and ingredients. The debut edition featured 87 exhibitors, nearly tripling the size of the former ingredients segment previously hosted within ProSweets Cologne. Together, ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne formed an integrated platform covering the full value chain, from ingredients and processing to finished confectionery and snacks.

Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, said the 2026 edition strengthened the fair’s international footprint and laid the groundwork for further consolidation under the ISM umbrella brand. From 2027, ProSweets Cologne will be rebranded as ISM Manufacturing.

ISM 2026 featured 39 country pavilions from 29 nations and regions, marking a record high. Exhibitors ranged from multinational brand manufacturers to niche suppliers and start-ups.

Major international retailers in attendance included Carrefour, Edeka, Rewe Group, Tesco and Walmart, alongside leading European buying groups and drugstore chains. International visitors accounted for 71% of total attendance, with strong representation from across Europe and key markets including China, Japan, Canada and the US.

The event opened with a high-level panel discussion on international trade policy and diversification, organised with the support of the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Task Force (AISM). A new ISM Opening Night format at the Confex venue attracted around 600 industry guests.

Innovation remained central to the 2026 edition. Lab5 by ISM hosted more than 30 start-ups and scale-ups from 16 countries, while the New Product Showcase presented over 150 launches. A dedicated “ISM Functional Sweets” section reflected growing interest in functional confectionery.

ISM Ingredients highlighted formulation and sustainability trends through its “Functional and Climate-Conscious” special show, focusing on new recipes and processing technologies.

Among the awards presented, CandyGlam won the New Product Showcase Award, while the ISM Consumer Award went to Hosta for its nippon MINIS Original & Limited Edition Matcha. The inaugural ISM Start-up Pitches Award recognised FRENVI for its edible cutlery concept.

In total, 1,790 exhibitors from 75 countries participated across the three co-located fairs, with foreign companies representing 85% of the total.

The next edition of ISM is scheduled for 31 January to 3 February 2027 in Cologne.