ISM 2026 is sending a strong signal to the international sweets and snacks industry a few weeks before the opening of the trade fair, it says. With around 1,600 exhibitors from 74 countries as well as exhibition space bookings that already exceed the final figures of the previous event, the global trade fair is underscoring its ongoing momentum and global relevance, ISM adds. Together with ProSweets Cologne and the new trade fair format ISM Ingredients, ISM covers the entire value chain, it notes—from raw materials, to the production and packaging, through to the entire spectrum of sweets and snacks products, focusing on an interactive event program.

"ISM is using the 55th edition to further reinforce its position as a key driver of content for the industry. New formats like ISM Ingredients, a clear focus on relevant future themes, and a top-class event program, turn ISM into a central orientation platform for the entire market. With the aid of targeted eventisation measures we are consistently further developing the trade fair experience and creating additional points of contact to attract new target groups," says Sabine Schommer, director of ISM.

Festive prelude and networking highlights

ISM Opening Night forms the festive prelude of ISM on February 1 at the new Confex at the Cologne fairgrounds. The event is open to all participants of ISM, ISM Ingredients, and ProSweets Cologne and creates the opportunity for exchange and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, the ISM Award will be presented during the ISM Opening Night, which once again honors an outstanding personality from the sweets and snacks industry. In 2025, the Award went to Ulrich Zuenelli, managing partner of Loacker. The winner of the prestigious award for 2026 will only be announced at the start of ISM Opening Night.

The personal exchange continues on the second day of the fair with the ProSweets Cologne Party. In addition, the Lab5 Party presented by LIMITD will take place on February 3 at the Talks & Tasting Stage, with drinks, snacks, and a live DJ.

Expert stage, Talks & Tasting Stage, and start-up pitches

The Expert Stage on the Central Boulevard at the entrance to Hall 10.1 aims to serve as a content hub for the trade fair. In conjunction with the participation of the knowledge partners, Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International, and the DLG, the program addresses key industry themes—from sustainability and digitalization to artificial intelligence and the rising prices for raw materials as well as the lack in skilled workers. Case studies and examples of best practice provide practical insights along the entire industrial value chain.

The Talks & Tasting Stage is also returning to Hall 10.1 and its scope and interactivity will be further expanded in 2026. The stage program combines product tastings and creator presentations with lectures and particularly addresses marketing and innovation professionals.  

The ISM Start-up Pitches Award is a new program highlight. The award will be conferred on February 2 for the first time. Start-ups will present their business models and product ideas to a high-profile panel of experts. The pitches will be hosted by Robert Kronekker, food entrepreneur, investor, and start-up mentor. The winning start-up will be distinguished on stage and will receive prize-money in addition to the award certificate.

World record at ISM: KuchenMeister presents the biggest croissant in the world

A special highlight awaits the visitors at KuchenMeister's stand in Hall 11.2, Stand D11/E18. On Sunday, February 1 starting at 1:00 pm, the biggest croissant in the world will be measured and the official world record registered. The world record-breaking croissant can also be tasted, and filled croissants can be personally decorated.

Lab5 by ISM, ISM Functional Sweets and Ingredients under focus 

The alliance between ISM, ISM Ingredients, and ProSweets Cologne will become realized in Hall 10.1. Visitors can follow all the process steps from the procurement of the raw materials through to the final packaging. Also located here is Lab5 by ISM, which gathers together more than 30 start-ups and scale-ups from 16 countries, around 20 providers of trend snacks and 30 exhibitors of handcrafted specialties in the specialized trade section. Lab5 by ISM is enhanced by the new theme section "ISM Functional Sweets," which picks up on the growing trend towards functional sweets with an added health benefits.

Further content-related highlights include the Special Show "Ingredients – Functional and Climate-Conscious" as well as the New Product Showcase, where new products from the international sweets and snacks industry will be presented. The New Product Showcase Award on February 1 and the ISM Consumer Award on February 2, both of which will be held on the Talks & Tasting Stage, recognize the innovation achievements of the exhibitors.

New this year: ISM Ingredients 2026 

ISM Ingredients, an independent platform for the providers of raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products, will debut this year to enhance the trade fair portfolio for sweets and snacks, the conference says. The fact that the new format is already completely fully-booked in advance underlines the high demand for exchange and transparency in the upstream value chain, ISM adds. Closely linked with ISM and ProSweets Cologne in terms of contents and location, the result is a trade fair alliance that systematically brings suppliers, machine, and packaging manufacturers together with the industry and trade.

Parallel to the expansion of the exhibitor offer, ISM and ProSweets Cologne are aiming to raise their profile as international content and innovation platforms. A further developed, interactive event program with new awards as well as expanded tasting and creator formats strive to further heighten their role as key drivers of innovation for the global sweets and snacks industry.

The full ISM event program can be found here.

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