SternEnzym to Show Enzyme Solutions for Gluten-free and Sugar-reduced Products at ISM Ingredients

SternEnzym is presenting enzyme solutions for today’s confectionery industry challenges at ISM Ingredients 2026, 1 – 4 February in Cologne. The focus is on solutions for gluten-free wafers, improved wafer production and the enzymatic production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) for sugar reduction. The new Ingredients exhibition, held parallel with the ISM for the first time, also gives SternEnzym a venue for another innovation – its first joint trade fair showing with sister companies SternVitamin, SternChemie, OlbrichtArom, and Planteneers.

Expanded expertise: Enzyme solutions for gluten-free wafers

Demand for gluten-free products is growing, creating special challenges for wafer manufacturers. Due to their lack of a gluten network, batters made from alternative grains like buckwheat, rice and millet have difficult properties. The batters are thin and difficult to work with, and the finished wafers are fragile. SternEnzym has expanded its expertise in this area. With targeted recipe adjustments and special enzymes, manufacturers can produce wafers with good structure and appealing browning. Even very light batters like rice can be browned enzymatically.

Proven solutions for better wafer production

SternEnzym also supports manufacturers of conventional wafers with proven enzyme solutions. Varying flour quality with too much gluten often leads to production problems – excessive batter viscosity, clogged nozzles, fluctuating quality. Enzyme solutions from SternEnzym stabilise production, improve wafer crispiness and simultaneously reduce energy consumption and baking times.

Reduced sugar, added value

The trend to sugar reduction remains a central issue for the industry. In Cologne, SternEnzym is showcasing its enzyme solutions for the production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). These are fibres and can contribute to sugar reduction. They are discussed in the industry as an interesting ingredient with benefits for the gut microbiom.

Wafer production shows group cooperation

As a sample for exhibit attendees, SternEnzym and its sister companies are offering a specially developed rice wafer with raspberry / coconut macaroon cream. It combines ingredients from all brands: vitamin mixes from SternVitamin, flavours from OlbrichtArom, lecithin and coconut milk powder from SternChemie, and enzyme solutions from SternEnzym for the right colour. This creation was made in the company’s own Wafer Laboratory, where wafer expert Angelika Drakulic develops customer-specific solutions under industrial conditions.

Bundled expertise: Five companies, one booth

The joint showing by SternEnzym, SternVitamin, SternChemie, OlbrichtArom, and Planteneers is a first. With 12 industry-specific specialist companies, for over 40 years the Stern-Wywiol Group has been one of the leading independent suppliers in the world of food ingredients. For confectionery industry customers, this shared booth offers real added value – they can obtain all-in solutions using the combined expertise of the group, from enzymes to vitamins to flavours to functional ingredients. The companies can offer singular or cross-company solutions as needed.

“For us as “enzyme designers”, for baked goods and confectionery production, it was immediately clear that we would exhibit at the new ISM Ingredients. This is our third time at the ISM,” says Viktor Wild, Head of Business Unit at SternEnzym. “The new format focuses on ingredients and is especially attractive for our target groups. The joint exhibit with our sister companies underlines the innovativeness in this collaboration of specialist solution providers.”

Tasting and talks

ISM Ingredients attendees will find SternEnzym and its sister companies in Hall 10.1, Booth J-009. The experts are available for technical discussions on all enzyme solutions for confectionery, long-life baked goods and marzipan. Wafer creations can be tried at the booth, or taken as samples. SternEnzym’s experts are available to talk about enzyme solutions for wafers, biscuits, crackers and other confectionery. In addition, protein bars and innovative clean-label solutions for ice cream from the Planteneers brand will be available for tasting at the booth.