SHERIDAN, WYOMING – February 5, 2025 – From February 2nd to 5th, 2025, ISM in Cologne reaffirmed its position as the leading international trade fair for a thriving confectionery and snack industry – and impressively demonstrated that the industry, despite all challenges, is characterized by optimism and innovative strength. The positive atmosphere in the Cologne exhibition halls, the bustling activity in the aisles, and the enthusiasm of the trade visitors determined the trade fair from day one. With an exhibitor growth of 5.5% and a 5% increase in exhibition space, the fair is consistently continuing its expansion course: More than 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries (89% international share) impressively presented the industry's innovative strength and showed the dynamics of a constantly changing market. Around 32,000 trade visitors from 135 countries (71% international share) – almost 7% more than in the previous year – used the fair to conclude business on site and make valuable contacts. Through innovative formats, ISM once again proved its role as a pioneering driving force in the industry and impressively demonstrated that personal encounters – especially in challenging times – are indispensable for long-term partnerships and economic growth.
Strong Start and Important Impetus
With a powerful start and a top-class panel on the Mercosur trade agreement, ISM 2025 set a strong signal from the outset as a central platform for industry-relevant discussions. Rupert Schlegelmilch, EU chief negotiator of the agreement, was among the important interlocutors. Together with other international stakeholders from politics, business, and industry, the opportunities and challenges of the agreement were intensively discussed.
Successful Trade Fair Duo ISM and ProSweets Cologne
Together with the parallel ProSweets Cologne, ISM 2025 represented the largest industry gathering of the confectionery and snack industry worldwide. This unique trade fair duo unites the entire value chain – from raw materials and packaging to the finished end product – under the umbrella of Sweet Week. The direct and successful connection of both events in Hall 10.1 created valuable synergies by promoting exchange between manufacturers, retailers, and industry professionals. The new Sweet Week Production Summit, which specifically brought together participants from both trade fairs, also contributed to this.
Statements from the Organizers
"With rising visitor and exhibitor numbers as well as growing exhibition space, ISM is continuing its clear upward trend. As a global driving force and driver of innovations and trends, ISM sets standards for the globally booming confectionery and snack industry – with a strong content and event program, well-known speakers, and new formats for creators who inspire and network the industry," says Gerald Böse, Chairman of the Board of Management of Koelnmesse GmbH, enthusiastically.
"The confectionery and snack industry faces major challenges, but also new opportunities, such as through the EU trade agreement with Mercosur. In times of economic uncertainty, continuing extraordinarily high cocoa prices, and growing bureaucratic hurdles, ISM proves to be a strong partner and platform for the industry. It is rightly the leading international trade fair of the industry – a place of orientation, dialogue, and future-oriented business prospects," adds Bastian Fassin, Chairman of the International Sweets Fair Working Group (AISM).
Impressive Visitor Quality and High International Participation
With a share of over 70%, a strong international participation of professional attendees was evident. The most important European countries of origin included Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Outside Europe, growth was recorded above all from Cyprus, Israel, Mexico, and Romania.
The trading companies represented from Europe included, among others, leading national and international companies such as Aeon, Albert Heijn, Aldi, Bartels-Langness, Colruyt Group, Coop, Costco, Edeka, Globus, Jumbo Supermarkten, Mercadona, Metro, Migros, Rewe Group, S Group, Salling Group, Schwarz Group, SPAR International, Walmart, and many more.
Novelties and Trends for Every Taste
In addition to current trends such as sustainability, transparency, health, functionality, and new combinations of different aromas or textures, the classic confectionery and snacks were the center of attention. The trend towards "Snacks On The Go," in which traditional meals are replaced by practical snacks, is also reflected in many new products.
Lab5 by ISM as a Visitor Magnet
Lab5 by ISM with Trend Snacks, Start-ups, Scale-ups, the New Product Showcase, Finest Creations, and the Club der Confiserien in Hall 10.1 proved to be a visitor magnet and illustrated how pioneering ideas and solutions are already driving the industry forward today. The new concept of direct connection to the Raw Materials & Ingredients and Packaging areas of ProSweets Cologne was very well received and created valuable synergies with the supplier industry.
The Expert Stage: Knowing What Will Move the Industry Tomorrow
On the Expert Stage, the challenges and opportunities of the industry were intensively discussed. The focus was on, for example, innovative strategies for sugar reduction, the promotion of sustainable cocoa cultivation projects, and the development of plant-based protein alternatives. The renowned food expert and futurologist Hanni Rützler and the food journalist Bettina Röttig showed how the entire value chain – from agriculture to production to trade – is adapting to changing consumer expectations. The innovative strength of the international confectionery and snack industry was also highlighted by Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International.
Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage
As an interactive stage, the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting thrilled the professional audience with a program mix of live podcasts, influencer tastings, expert panels, and product presentations by, among others, Johann Lafer.
Awards for Innovation and Creativity
Ulrich Zuenelli, Managing Partner of Loacker and a member of the third generation of the Loacker-Zuenelli entrepreneurial family, is the winner of the ISM Award 2025 – an award for his outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the confectionery industry. At the New Product Showcase Award, Primus Wafer Paper BV (Netherlands) impressed with its Yummy Super Sour Candy Paper. The ISM Consumer Award was presented to the Treets Vegan Crunchy Corn.
#ISMfamily: Global Networking and New Business Opportunities
The Creator program on Sunday – with tasting, tour, and workshop on the sweets & snacks of the future – established ISM as a content platform and ensured additional reach. Industry giants such as @crispyrob, @heymoritz, @Joeskochwelt, @nathaliegleitman, @piaundhalloumi, and the podcast hosts Naschkatzen visited ISM to create content on site, share the latest innovations with their community, and bring industry trends closer to a global audience. A special highlight: ISM mascot and walking act GISMO, who delighted both the public and the creators.
ISM Satellite Events
The ISM international trade fairs ISM Middle East and ISM Japan were also represented with an information stand and thus actively contributed to promoting international exchange and networking within the industry. In an increasingly globalized food world, these trade fairs play a key role as central points of contact for the diversity of the confectionery and snack industry. They offer small regional companies on site a strong quality brand and facilitate market access in the respective countries for export-oriented companies, thereby expanding their international business. The ISM family sets new impulses both locally and globally and shapes the future of the confectionery and snack world.
ISM in Figures
1,513 exhibitors from 70 countries took part in ISM 2025, 89 percent of them from abroad. Among them were 160 exhibitors from Germany and 1,353 exhibitors from abroad. Around
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