Wrapping-up fine editions of ISM and ProSweets in Cologne

A feast for the eyes greeted all comers to this year’s ISM and ProSweets events, with innovations across all segments demonstrating that the sector has considerable resilience amid uncertain times.

While it is almost impossible to ignore the raft of challenges that remain in many supply chains, some 32,000 people from around the world assembled in Cologne between last Sunday and Wednesday for what surely would have been worthy of the city’s annual winter Karneval celebrations.

Confectionery Production was once again on hand as a media partner across its four days – and with 1,600 exhibitors at ISM and around 140 equipment, systems and ingredients firms as well, it proved quite some feat as ever, to get around to seeing everyone we’d like to have caught up with. (See our exclusive video review of the event below).

As its organisers have duly noted, one of the events’ greatest assets has undoubtedly been the fact that you’re almost guaranteed to have some fantastic accidental encounters with people from right across the sector, which have continued to provide some unique highlights.

There were plenty of trends on display, from the continuing fascination with Dubai Chocolate and its close variants, through to the rapidly-rising protein enhanced snacking options, as well as other functional ingredients for confectionery that are continuing to push the envelope of what is technically possible for the industry.

On a personal level, it was heartening to see plenty of old industry friends during the four days of the show, who all offered a positive perspective on their experiences in Cologne.  My apologies to anyone that we were not able to see during the week – especially given that many companies didn’t take an official stand this year in light of the rapidly-approaching Interpack.

As expected, the ‘big event’s proximity ensured that ProSweets – which appeared in its present branding for the 20th and final time before being set to be rebranded as ISM Manufacturing next year, was a smaller affair than usual, but it certainly offered-up some interesting equipment displays that were bolstered by the introduction of ISM Ingredients, with the likes of Palsgaard, Cargill and GNT all making their mark on the show.

All-in-all-, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate across the four days, os thanks to all those who offered their time to chat about latest innovations for the overall sector. Please do get in touch with any show report news to contribute to our review of the event – which we would need urgently by Monday with deadlines fast approaching. (Contact me at [email protected]) with any contributions.  

With the dates already set for ISM 2027, these next 12 months are certain to roll around before you know it, so here’s hoping to see you all at the next one, as well as the very busy list of events for the remainder of this year. 

Neill Barston, editor, Confectionery Production magazine

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