More than 1,500 exhibitors from around 70 countries are expected to participate at this year’s ISM again, the world’s most important trade fair for sweets and snacks held January 31 to February 3. As in the past, ProSweets Cologne — the international supplier fair for the sweets and snacks industry — boasts more than 300 exhibitors and will be staged parallel to ISM again. Together, both trade fairs cover the entire value chain in the production of sweets and snacks.

Germany, which accounts for 15 percent of exhibitors, once again will display its customary strong participation, enhanced in part by the return of past trade fair participant, Bahlsen. Familiar returning German companies include: Brandt, Frankonia, Gubor, Halloren, Hans Riegelein, Haribo, Intersnack, Katjes, Krüger, Kuchenmeister, Lambertz, The Lorenz Bahlsen Snack-World, Niederegger, Ragolds, Ritter, Rübezahl Schokoladen, Seeberger, Seitenbacher, Trolli, Ültje, Wawi, Wicklein and Zentis.

Foreign participation, always a draw, also remain strong, with international exhibitors accounting for 85 percent. The long list of star-studded companies that produce well-known brands include the following: Barry Callebaut, Guylian, and Hamlet from Belgium - also on board again Baronie and Neuhaus - Dori Alimentos, Embare, Peccin, Riclan and Vonpar from Brazil, Dan Cake and Toms, incl. Feodora and Hachez from Denmark, Orkla from Finland, Cemoi from France, Ion from Greece, Walkers and Tangerine Confectionery from Great Britain, ICAM and Loacker from Italy, Lotte from Japan, Colombina from Columbia, Gunz, Manner and PEZ from Austria, Colian and Wawel from Poland, Konti from Russia, Chocolat Halba, Camille Bloch, Kambly and Ricola from Switzerland, Natra, Vidal Golosinas and Zeta from Spain, Sölen from Turkey, AVK Confectionery from the Ukraine or Adams & Brooks, Bazooka Candy Brands and Jelly Belly from the USA.

Partner country France

With outstanding products and a highperformance sweets and snacks industry, France will be clearly raising its profile at ISM 2016 as the show’s partner country. The French trade association Alliance 7, which is an amalgamation of nine trade associations of the food industry, will initiate and sponsor the French partner country activities while Sopexa SA will handle organizational duties. The key areas for the French Pavilions will be in Hall 4.2 and Hall 5.2. With nearly 90 exhibitors, France is traditionally among the top five most highly represented countries at ISM.

ISM will also feature 12 young, aspiring companies that have not exhibited at ISM before. Thjey will present their wares under a joint flag in the “Newcomer Area” in Hall 11.1. Another favorite returnee, the New Product Showcase, will once again highlight exhibitors’ innovations and new products. With its attractive location in the heart of the trade fair action, this area is already fully booked weeks before the trade fair starts. As in 2015, the ISM visitors can participate in the vote for the three top innovations and results will be announced on Tuesday, 2 February 2016.

Visitors can also expect a strong supporting program involving lectures, trend presentations and a “Sweet Planet” special event. Held in the passageway between Halls 4 and 5 on the “ISM Stage,” daily lectures on a variety of themes will undoubtedly capture the interest of visitors.

Nearby, Innova Market Insights, which is actively taking part in the lecture series, will also provide detailed information on the current trends of the industry. Other lecture series participants include William Reed Business Media SAS and the IFH Institute for Commercial Research. The themes range from consumer analyses to successful recipes for sweets and chocolate.

Last, but not least, international students from the KISD (Cologne International School of Design) will be presenting extravagant design ideas again in Passage 4/5; under the motto “Sweet Planet” this year.