ISM Cologne 2026: Europe's Largest Confectionery and Snacks Exhibition

ISM Cologne continues to solidify its position as the world’s leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks. Additionally, the 2025 event already demonstrated its appeal by attracting over 1,500 companies from 70 countries and 32,000 professional visitors from 135 countries, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Certainly, the ISM trade fair offers a unique combination of inspiration, innovation, and networking opportunities for all participants. In 2026, for the first time, we will introduce ISM Ingredients as an independent platform dedicated to raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products, perfectly complementing the existing collaboration with ProSweets Cologne, which focuses on the industrial value chain of the sector.  

ISM Cologne 2026 Brings Together the Global Sweets and Snacks Industry

The ISM Cologne trade fair has established itself as the global meeting point for the sweets and snacks industry, turning the German city into the epicenter of the sector for four intense days in 2026. Building on the success of previous editions, the upcoming event promises to exceed all expectations in terms of international participation and business opportunities.  

Event Dates and Location

ISM 2026 will be held from February 1 to 4, 2026, at the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds in Cologne-Deutz, Germany. This venue, renowned for its excellent infrastructure, will once again host the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks. Industry professionals should mark these dates on their calendars to avoid missing this essential event.  

The opening hours will be distributed as follows:  

For exhibitors:  

• February 1–3: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM  
• February 4: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM  

For visitors:  

• February 1–3: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM  
• February 4: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM  

This schedule allows exhibitors to adequately prepare their stands before visitors arrive and provides additional time at the end of each day for private meetings and networking. Additionally, Koelnmesse offers a total exhibition space of 100,000 square meters, providing ample room to accommodate all product categories and specialized areas.  

Key Figures: Exhibitors, Visitors, and Represented Countries

The fair’s statistics clearly reflect its global scale and relevance to the industry. Following the success of the 2025 edition, which saw notable growth, the outlook for ISM 2026 is extremely positive, with a 10% increase in exhibition space compared to the previous year.  

Over 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries are expected to participate, demonstrating the event’s truly international reach. A particularly significant fact is that 89% of exhibitors are international, confirming ISM as the ideal platform for establishing global connections in the sector.  

Regarding attendance, organizers anticipate attracting approximately 32,000 professional visitors from 135 countries. The event’s international character is also evident in its audience, as over 71% of visitors come from outside Germany, creating an ideal environment for market expansion.  

The 2025 edition marked an important milestone with a 7% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year—a trend expected to continue in 2026. This upward progression reaffirms ISM’s position as the industry’s benchmark event.  

Among the companies that have already confirmed their participation for 2026 are major international brands such as:  

• Baronie (Belgium)  
• Canel's (Mexico)  
• Colombina (Colombia)  
• Elvan (Turkey)  
• Fini (Spain)  
• Gubor, 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)  
• WAWI (Germany)  

According to the organizers, ISM Cologne is considered the world’s largest exhibition dedicated exclusively to sweets and snacks. The fair stands out for offering "the largest range of private-label products in the global sweets and snacks sector," making it a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends in chocolate, confectionery, baked goods, and snacks.  

Despite market challenges, such as volatility in raw material prices and supply chain disruptions, companies remain highly interested, foreshadowing an event of great relevance for the entire sector’s value chain. Organizers are actively working to ensure ISM 2026 remains the ultimate platform for innovation and trends, bringing together "who’s who" in the industry.  

Exhibitors Present the Latest in Confectionery and Snacks

At the heart of ISM 2026 lies the impressive variety of products that exhibitors will present to buyers and professional visitors from around the world. With 2,550 exhibitors from 128 countries, the fair offers an unparalleled platform to discover the latest innovations in sweet and savory confectionery and snacks.  

Product Categories: Chocolates, Biscuits, Savory Snacks

The diversity of products at ISM Cologne 2026 reflects the breadth of the sector, ranging from artisan chocolates to innovative healthy snacks. The exhibition is organized into clearly defined categories, making it easy for visitors to find exactly what they’re looking for:  

1. Chocolate & Chocolate Products (680 exhibitors): Featuring everything from single-origin bars to seasonal creations for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.  
2. Sugar Confectionery (795 exhibitors): Includes candies, gummies, coated sweets, and spreads.  
3. Fine Bakery Products (467 exhibitors): Macarons, baklava, panettone, and other baked specialties.  
4. Savory Snacks (493 exhibitors): From traditional snacks to more innovative options.  
5. Trend & Natural Snacks (388 exhibitors): A growing category focused on organic and healthier choices.  

Additionally, ISM 2026 will pay special attention to emerging categories such as:  

• Vegan products (209 exhibitors)  
• Sugar-free or reduced-sugar products (264 exhibitors)  
• Ice cream & frozen confectionery (110 exhibitors), including sugar-free ice cream (15 exhibitors) and fruit-based ice cream (17 exhibitors).  

New Brands and Exclusive Launches

ISM Cologne 2026 will serve as the global stage for launching innovative products that will set industry trends. The "New Product Showcase," located in the Lab5 by ISM area in Hall 10.1, will be the epicenter of innovation, where exhibitors present their latest creations to buyers and industry experts.  

Among the most notable highlights are cutting-edge sustainability concepts, surprising flavor combinations, and smart snack solutions that will shape tomorrow’s trends. For example, at the 2025 edition, Primus’ super-sour paper candies that dissolve in the mouth won first place in the product showcase.  

A significant new feature for 2026 will be the "ISM Functional Sweets" section—a specialized area responding to current trends in health, wellness, and functional foods. This dedicated space will highlight functional confectionery, including:  

• Herbal cough drops  
• Collagen-infused chewing gum  
• Vitamin-enriched products  
• Melatonin or botanical essence-based treats  

Brands that have already confirmed their participation for 2026 include major international manufacturers such as Baronie (Belgium), Canel's (Mexico), Valor (Spain), Loacker (Italy), and Katjes (Germany). Many of these companies will use the platform to unveil exclusive innovations, following the success of previous editions’ launches.  

Exhibitors will also showcase advances in freeze-dried confectionery, introducing new textures to traditional sweets. Likewise, products reflecting a growing commitment to creativity and sustainability—such as cocoa bonbons made from recycled byproducts—will be on display.  

The "ISM Consumer Award," introduced in 2023, allows consumers to vote for the most outstanding innovations, complementing the evaluation of a professional jury composed of buyers, industry experts, trade media, and scientists. This recognition helps identify products with the highest commercial potential.  

Without a doubt, ISM Cologne 2026 will once again demonstrate why it is considered the ultimate platform for innovation and trends, with over 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries presenting their latest creations in an ideal environment to discover the future of the sweets and snacks industry.  

ISM Ingredients Debuts as an Independent Platform

A major new development for the sweets and snacks sector emerges in 2026: the ISM Ingredients platform will debut as an independent format, transforming the trade fair landscape and creating new synergies across the value chain. This initiative represents a significant strategic shift within Cologne’s trade fair ecosystem.  

What is ISM Ingredients and Why is it Important?

ISM Ingredients is a specialized platform dedicated exclusively to raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products for the sweets and snacks industry. Starting in February 2026, this format will be integrated into Hall 10.1 under the strong umbrella brand of ISM. The new fair will replace the existing ingredients sections of ProSweets Cologne, closely integrating them with ISM’s innovation areas.  

The creation of ISM Ingredients directly responds to the growing importance of ingredients as drivers of innovation, especially amid rising raw material prices, disrupted supply chains, and heightened sustainability demands. This platform focuses on several key segments:  

• Base ingredients  
• Fats & oils  
• Flavors & flavorings  
• Colorants & dyes  
• Stabilizers, additives & functional ingredients  
• Semi-finished products  

Its significance lies in maximizing synergies between raw material suppliers and manufacturers, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable production. As Bastian Mingers, Vice President of Trade Fair Management, Food, and Food Technology at Koelnmesse, stated:  

"With ISM Ingredients, we not only offer the ideal bridge between ISM and ProSweets Cologne to promote innovations along the entire value chain but also drive the development of our trade fair formats."  

Market reception has been remarkably positive: reserved exhibition space is nearly 40% larger than ProSweets Cologne 2025. International giants such as Olam Food Ingredients, GNT Group, Döhler, Brenntag, and Dreidoppel have already confirmed their participation.  

Differences with ProSweets and Its New Focus

While ISM Ingredients focuses specifically on raw materials and ingredients, ProSweets Cologne will continue as an independent fair with a distinct focus. ProSweets will concentrate on machinery, plants, packaging solutions, food safety, and quality control. This new segmentation creates clear focuses and strengthens existing formats.  

Guido Hentschke, Director of ProSweets Cologne and future Director of ISM Ingredients, explained:  

"Discussions with the industry confirm that raw materials and ingredients have enormous growth potential. Integrating them into ISM’s world of brands as the leading platform for the sweets and snacks industry is a logical step to get even closer to producers."  

In addition to presenting raw materials, semi-finished products, and functional ingredients, ISM Ingredients will feature a new congress and event format, including:  

• Trend and technology conferences in the ingredients industry  
• Networking opportunities connecting suppliers and producers  
• Impetus for sustainable production and innovation  
• Continuation of the Special Show Ingredients  

The fair will place special emphasis on topics such as:  

• Health & functionality  
• Fermentation  
• Sensory innovations  
• Clean-label products  
• Upcycling  
• Natural ingredients  

A highlight will be the Special Show Ingredients, where innovative startups will present their solutions and engage in active dialogue with industry players and investors.  

Furthermore, with the introduction of ISM Ingredients in February 2026, the raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products sector will move closer to ISM producers, maximizing synergies between suppliers and manufacturers. This unique trade fair duo brings together the entire value chain under the umbrella of 'Sweet Week'—from raw materials and packaging to finished products.  

Special Areas Drive Innovation and Networking

To enhance product discovery and facilitate business connections, ISM 2026 incorporates specialized areas that act as catalysts for innovation. These strategically designed spaces complement the fair’s main offerings, creating unique ecosystems for different market segments.  

Lab5: Space for Startups and Co-Creation

Lab5 by ISM is positioned as the innovation hub where creative minds and established brands forge pioneering collaborations. This space not only serves as a stage for product presentations but also as a platform for ideas and trends shaping the future of the sector.  

Its proximity to the Raw Materials & Ingredients and Packaging sections of ProSweets Cologne creates ideal conditions for effective networking with suppliers. Visitors can follow every step of the process—from sourcing raw materials to final packaging—increasing transparency and generating new business opportunities.  

The Startup Area, specifically designed for companies founded within the last five years, allows these entrepreneurs to pitch their innovations to international buyers. In 2024, this area featured 25 companies from 12 countries, demonstrating its global reach.  

Additionally, Lab5 by ISM will also focus on:  

• New products  
• Snack trends  
• Expanding businesses  
• Small artisanal companies  

Young companies (under ten years old) will reinforce the existing Startup Area, presenting their innovative products and ideas to a professional audience.  

Halal Market: Opportunities in Emerging Markets

The ISM Halal Market represents an exceptional opportunity to access a rapidly growing segment. With over 1.8 billion Muslims in more than 100 countries, this market offers significant expansion potential.  

In 2026, the new ISM Halal Market will be located on the central boulevard of ISM, following its successful debut in 2013. This space allows manufacturers to:  

• Present Halal-certified products to buyers and regional decision-makers  
• Increase brand visibility in a specialized environment  
• Access new sales channels in emerging markets  
• Forge strong business partnerships  

The diversity of Halal products reflects a forward-looking trend in the German and European retail food market. This specialized format provides a global commercial audience with an overview of the growing range of Halal offerings.  

Functional Products Zone: Health & Wellness

A standout feature of ISM 2026 will be the launch of "ISM Functional Sweets"—a dedicated area responding to consumers’ growing interest in health, wellness, and functional foods. This clearly defined section will highlight functional confectionery, including:  

• Herbal cough drops  
• Collagen chewing gum  
• Vitamin-infused products  
• Melatonin or botanical-based treats  

This new section underscores ISM’s role as a trendsetter and driving force, both in classic food retail and beyond. Innovative formats such as the Creator Day, Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage, and the new Functional Confectionery Section demonstrate ISM’s continuous evolution and ability to set new industry impulses.  

Without a doubt, these special areas reinforce ISM 2026’s positioning as a comprehensive platform for discovering trends, establishing strategic contacts, and exploring business opportunities in specialized segments of the sweets and snacks market.  

Parallel Events and Awards Recognize Industry Excellence

Alongside the main exhibition, ISM 2026 will host various events and awards highlighting excellence and innovation within the sector. These gatherings enrich the fair experience and provide valuable recognition to the most outstanding companies.  

ISM Award and Consumer Award

The ISM Award, considered one of the most prestigious honors in the sector, celebrates extraordinary contributions to the development of the confectionery and snacks industry. This recognition is presented during the exclusive ISM Dinner, a private event bringing together key market players. In 2025, Ulrich Zuenelli, Executive President of Loacker, received this award for his outstanding services to the international sweets and snacks industry.  

Additionally, since 2023, the Consumer Award has allowed consumers to vote for their favorite product from a curated selection in the New Product Showcase. This initiative, in collaboration with ISM’s partner @foodnewsgermany, meticulously selects 10 products based on quality, price, and customer satisfaction. In 2025, the winner was "Treets Crunchy Corn VEGAN Chovia Crunchy"—an innovative product combining lightly salted roasted corn kernels with vegan ChoViva, a sunflower-seed-based chocolate alternative.  

New Product Showcase and Sweet Week

The New Product Showcase is undoubtedly the epicenter of innovation at ISM. In this space, exhibitors present products developed since the last edition, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the sector’s latest offerings. An independent jury of industry experts, trade professionals, and scientists evaluates these innovations and selects the top three, which are awarded during the ISM Dinner.  

Furthermore, Sweet Week encompasses a series of parallel events, including the Expert Stage, where conferences and panel discussions on the latest industry trends take place. During the fair, visitors can explore international startups’ innovative ideas and attend daily presentations by knowledge partners such as Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor. Additionally, Sweet Week Talks & Tasting provides a dynamic stage in Hall 10.1 for presentations and tastings that bring visitors closer to the latest market trends.  

These events and awards not only recognize excellence but also drive continuous innovation within the sector, solidifying ISM Cologne 2026 as a comprehensive platform for trend discovery and business opportunities.  

ProSweets and ISM: A Strategic Alliance for the Value Chain

The collaboration between ProSweets Cologne and ISM represents a unique concept in the trade fair world. Together, they form the largest global meeting point for the confectionery and snacks industry, creating synergies that benefit the entire sector’s value chain.  

How the Two Fairs Complement Each Other

ProSweets Cologne runs parallel to ISM, establishing a perfect symbiosis that covers the entire industrial value chain of the sweets and snacks sector. While ISM targets global commercial leaders and manufacturers producing ready-to-sell sweets and snacks, ProSweets Cologne is specifically designed for suppliers. This clear differentiation allows each fair to maximize its value.  

With the introduction of ISM Ingredients in February 2026, the trade fair trio will be fully configured:  

• ProSweets Cologne: Focuses on machinery, systems, packaging solutions, and food safety.  
• ISM Ingredients: An independent platform for raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products.  
• ISM: The global showcase for finished products.  

This spatial proximity and thematic interconnection have been highlighted as decisive advantages by both exhibitors and visitors. The successful formula continues with significant improvements: Lab5 by ISM remains integrated into Hall 10.1, and the stage format will expand to include new thematic groups.  

Benefits for Suppliers and Manufacturers

The close interconnection—both in content and space—generates synergies, promotes innovation, and facilitates cross-sector impulses across product development. For the first time, it fully connects the entire value chain: from formula development to production, packaging, and point-of-sale positioning.  

For manufacturers, this structure provides direct access to suppliers across the entire production chain in one place. Meanwhile, suppliers value the high quality of professional visitors, where 89% are involved in purchasing decisions, and one-third have decisive influence over purchases.  

Additionally, the hybrid format allows all relevant industry players to network at the fair, participate digitally, and stay updated. Exhibitors benefit from the opportunity to reach new target groups and present their solutions to a broader audience.  

Conclusion: Future Outlook for ISM Cologne 2026

The upcoming edition of ISM Cologne will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone for the entire sweets and snacks industry. This fair has consistently demonstrated its unique ability to bring together the sector’s most relevant players—from raw material suppliers to manufacturers and distributors—all under one roof.  

The numbers speak for themselves:  

• Approximately 37,500 professional visitors  
• 1,656 exhibitors from over 70 countries  
• 5.5% growth in exhibitors  
• 5% expansion in exhibition space  

The major new feature for 2026, ISM Ingredients, represents a strategic step that will perfectly complement both ISM and ProSweets Cologne. This new platform, dedicated specifically to raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products, will strengthen the entire value chain and create new business opportunities for all participants.  

Specialized areas such as Lab5, the Halal Market, and the Functional Sweets Section will provide tailored spaces for exploring high-growth market niches. Meanwhile, parallel events and awards like the ISM Award and Consumer Award will continue recognizing excellence and driving innovation within the sector.  

The close collaboration between ISM, ISM Ingredients, and ProSweets Cologne will generate unprecedented synergies, solidifying Cologne as a must-visit destination for those at the forefront of the sweets and snacks industry. Through this tripartite setup, participants will access the entire production chain—from formula development to production, packaging, and final positioning.  

Sweet Week 2026 promises to be not just a trade showcase but also a privileged forum for knowledge exchange, emerging trends, and business opportunities. Buyers and sellers will have the unique chance to establish strategic contacts in an environment specifically designed to maximize their return on investment.  

Undoubtedly, ISM Cologne 2026 will reaffirm its position as the world’s leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks, providing an unparalleled platform where tradition meets innovation, where local becomes global, and where the present of the industry connects with its most promising future.