After a successful ISM 2025 with a thoroughly positive feedback from the industry it is clear: The dynamics of the leading global trade fair for sweets and snacks is ongoing. At the end of the early bird phase on 7 March 2025, ISM 2026 had recorded more than 10% growth in the exhibition space compared to the year before.
“Together with the international sweets and snacks industry we are continuing to write the success story of ISM,” said Sabine Schommer, Director ISM, emphasising: “The strong early bird result reflects the industry’s great trust in ISM.”
In spite of challenging market conditions – for example through the volatile prices of raw materials – the companies’ interest is unabated. In addition to well-known brands from all over the globe, small and medium-sized companies, newcomers and start-ups, the following world leaders are also among the exhibitors of ISM 2026: Baronie (Belgium), Canel’s (Mexico), Colombina (Colombia), Elvan (Turkey), Fini (Spain), Gubor with Riegelein and Rübezahl (Germany), ICAM (Italy), Manner (Austria), Kambly (Switzerland), Katjes (Germany), Kervan (Turkey), Kras (Croatia), Krüger (Germany), Lambertz (Germany), Loacker (Italy), Millenium (Ukraine), Natra (Spain), Ragolds (Germany), Roshen (Ukraine), Sölen (Turkey), Toms (Denmark), Trolli (Germany), Valor (Spain), Vidal (Spain), Want Want China (Taiwan), Wawel (Poland) and WAWI (Germany).
New impulses: ISM Functional Sweets starts in 2026
The new theme section “ISM Functional Sweets” will be a special highlight of the coming ISM. ISM is reacting to current trends such as Health & Wellness, Functional Food and Convenience with this targeted expansion of the trade fair offer. The clearly segregated section offers functional sweets a central stage – from cough sweets with medicinal herbs or chewing gum with collagen, through to products containing vitamins, melatonin or botanic essence. Furthermore, the new section underlines the role of ISM as a trendsetter and driving force – both in the classic food retail trade and beyond.
Innovative formats with global relevance
Formats like the Creator Day, the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage or the new section for functional confectionery – ISM Functional Sweets – show: ISM further develops continually and keeps on setting new impulses. It thus not only remains to be a central marketplace for new products, but also an international meeting point for decision-makers of the sweets and snacks industry – from buyers and chains, to importers, through to distributors from all continents.
Save the Date: ISM 2026 from 1 to 4 February in Cologne
ISM is entering the next round with a strong tailwind, innovative formats and international relevance – and is inviting guests to Cologne from 1 to 4 February 2026. The new ISM Ingredients format will also be taking place for the first time in 2026, which concentrates on raw materials, ingredients and semi-finished products. Together with the co-located ProSweets Cologne, the international supply fair for the sweets and snacks industry, a unique trade fair alliance arises. This combination between ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne offers an holistic 360° view of the entire value chain – a unique selling point in the international trade fair environment.
