SHERIDAN, WYOMING - January 31, 2026 - ISM 2026 is positioning itself as a central business platform for the global sweets and snacks industry by bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers from across international markets at the beginning of February in Cologne. Taking place from February 1 to 4, 2026, the event is designed to support deal-making, partnership development, and long-term market orientation in a sector facing shifting consumer expectations and growing innovation pressure. By forming an expanded trade fair alliance with ProSweets Cologne and the newly launched ISM Ingredients, the event covers the entire value chain, from raw materials and processing to finished products and retail execution.
A Holistic Trade Fair Concept Covering the Full Value Chain
For the first time, ISM is being staged as part of an integrated trade fair alliance that brings together finished sweets and snacks, supplier solutions, and ingredients under one coordinated framework. Alongside ISM, ProSweets Cologne addresses processing, packaging, and technology needs, while ISM Ingredients focuses on raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products. This structure enables exhibitors and visitors to connect product innovation with sourcing, formulation, and production requirements in one location.
Across approximately 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, around 1,600 companies from 72 countries are presenting their portfolios. An international exhibitor share of 89 percent highlights the global relevance of the event and reinforces its role as a reference point for international market development in the sweets and snacks sector.
International Participation Reaches New Record Levels
ISM 2026 is welcoming exhibitors from all major production and consumption regions worldwide. After Germany, the countries with the highest exhibitor representation include Italy, Belgium, China, Spain, Turkey, the Netherlands, Poland, Great Britain, France, and Greece. This broad geographic spread reflects the event's importance as a neutral meeting point for established markets and emerging regions alike.
Group participation is also reaching a new milestone. A record 39 country pavilions from 29 countries and regions are represented, providing structured market access for exporters and buyers. New country pavilions from Japan, Morocco, Thailand, and Ukraine further strengthen the international profile of the fair and signal growing interest from diverse production hubs.
Strong Exhibitor Portfolio Anchors Market Relevance
The exhibitor portfolio at ISM 2026 underlines the trade fair's established market position. German participation includes a wide range of well-known manufacturers and brand owners, with the return of Ritter for the first time since 2020 standing out as a notable signal for the domestic market. International exhibitors span Europe, the Americas, and Asia, with companies such as Fazer exhibiting with a dedicated stand for the first time and Walker's Shortbread returning with its own presence in 2026.
This breadth allows buyers to compare product strategies, brand positioning, and innovation approaches across categories and regions, supporting informed sourcing and portfolio decisions.
Buyer Presence Confirms Commercial Relevance
On the visitor side, ISM 2026 is attracting broad participation from national and international retail and wholesale organizations. Confirmed buyers include leading grocery, discount, e-commerce, and wholesale groups from Europe, North America, and Asia. The presence of these decision-makers reinforces the event's role as a transaction-oriented platform rather than a purely promotional showcase.
Content Program and Event Highlights Drive Knowledge Exchange
ISM 2026 is complemented by a structured event program designed to support knowledge transfer and trend orientation. The Expert Stage on the Central Boulevard serves as the main knowledge hub, offering insights into current market developments and operational challenges. The Talks & Tasting Stage in Hall 10.1, jointly organized with ProSweets Cologne, is being expanded to include tastings, live podcasts, and creator-led formats.
A new highlight is the ISM Opening Night, which hosts the ISM Award for the first time at the Confex venue on the opening day, setting a formal tone for the trade fair week. Innovation remains a central focus through Lab5 by ISM and the new "ISM Functional Sweets" section in Hall 10.1, which brings together 12 participants from four countries to address the growing functional confectionery segment. The New Product Showcase adds further visibility with more than 150 new product launches.
For more information about ISM 2026 and participation opportunities, visit https://www.ism-cologne.com.