ISM is shifting the focus of the 2023 trade fair to content and discussions around the main theme of "ISM - Encourage.Enable.Excite!"

The sweets and snacks industry, like many other industries, is facing unprecedented challenges. Alongside the ongoing effects of the pandemic, are the Ukrainian war and the related volatile markets, increases in the prices of energy and raw materials, and disrupted supply chains. However, ongoing themes revolving around digitalization at the point of sale, as well as the sustainability, transparency and origins of products and ingredients, still continue to play a central role. Resilience and the sustainable, resource-saving production of sweets and snacks is called for more than ever. 

"Under the flag of our new key theme, in addition to the classic product presentations, we will be relying increasingly on an exchange and discussions at ISM 2023," said Sabina Schommer, director, ISM. "It is important to us in these times that the industry allow more space for its innovative solutions and new approaches, and promote the opportunity for exchanging experiences in the scope of event and networking formats."

The first highlights of the event and program, being planned together with the 2023 ProSweets Cologne, have already been set. For example, Euromonitor, partner of both trade fairs, will discuss the effects of inflation on the sweets and snacks market in Europe under the title "Inflation Surge and its Impact on Snacks." DLG, the industry sponsor of ProSweets Cologne, will also discuss approaches to solutions for the global procurement of raw materials and energy efficiency in sweets production on the Expert Stage.  

In addition, the networking format #CONNECT2030 will continue on the trade fair on April 23, 2023 on the Expert Stage. Representatives from production and packaging, as well as from industry and trade, will dedicate themselves in particular to the impact of the energy crisis and the lack of raw materials in the sweets industry. The event will then offer all participants and speakers the possibility to exchange ideas with the industry pros and to establish new business contacts along the entire value creation chain under the motto "Meet the Speakers."