Exclusive feature: ISM & ProSweets 2026 special preview interview

With the 2026 edition of ISM & ProSweets just around the corner, editor Neill Barston speaks exclusively to its show directors, Sabine Schommer and Guido Hentschke, as well as a number of businesses preparing for these key global industry showcases

Having explored the expansive halls of ISM and ProSweets in Cologne on many occasions now, one of its greatest assets has been its true sense of being a huge, vibrant international gathering. See our exclusive video version of the interview below).

Even amid its pandemic-hit edition several years ago, these combined events continued to play an integral part in setting the pace for the global confectionery sector and its supply chains, from the independent stores, to influencing trends for major manufacturers of finished products, equipment lines, and key ingredients.

The same will undoubtedly prove the case for the 2026 iterations of these pivotal shows as they continue to offer up a host of innovative offerings showcasing the full spectrum of the industry.

Eingang Süd

Confectionery Production will once again be returning as a media partner for the events, which promise an engaging spotlight on key products that continue to respond to global consumer demands.

The timing of the shows, returning to their traditional home of Koelnmesse’s trade fair grounds between 1-4 February, comes amid an atmosphere of continued challenges for our combined sectors.

As previously reported, the tests of heightened costs of operating, ingredients and distribution, as well as geopolitical instability with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine still a factor, there’s an understandable degree of caution prevailing within the sector.

However, as ISM’s director Sabine Schommer, and her colleague Guido Hentschke, heading-up its newly introduced ingredients focus, reveal in an exclusive interview with our title, there’s a commendable degree of optimism surrounding this year’s events.

Notably, as they explain the cycle of innovation that drives these dynamic industries is showing no signs of slowing, which has in part been fostered by the continuing rise of social media influencers, along with a desire for market novelties, including products perceived as presenting healthier alternative options.

As the two directors note, with a total of some 32,000 visitors at last year’s ISM, the landmark trade fair has already attracted exhibitors from more than 70 nations.

This includes a return for major Japanese confectionery firm Morinaga, after an initial debut last year, along with diverse contributions from across the globe, from the US, Canada, Türkiye, Albania, Bangladesh and Iran to name a few into the wide-ranging mix.

“The preparations have been going very well indeed. We’ve seen increases in all figures. We already have four per cent more exhibitor space than we did in 2025, and we’re still selling it, so it’s going to be a very exciting show,” enthused Sabine Schommer.

ISM directors Sabine Schommer and Guido Hentschke offer major insights into this year’s ISM & ProSweets events.

“We’ve also seen more group pavilions as well, which includes three new ones from Morocco and Ukraine, so we’ll have 38 pavilions from a total of 27 countries and regions, and that’s a record, so we’re getting more international.
“So, it’s doing very well, and we’ll be kicking the event off with a great party in our new Confex conference and exhibition centre,” added ISM’s director, speaking of the event’s bold opening, which she noted had been intended to ensure that the event is as inclusive to all attendees possible with its industry celebrations.

Previously, the opening night had been the preserve of an exclusive dinner for the unveiling of its awards – which will form a valuable element of the overall event, as the show places a core spotlight on some of the most novel innovations across the world.

As we’ve previously covered, the freshly opened 6,200 capacity Confex venue opposite Cologne’s Deutz train station, underlines Koelnmesse’s confidence, as it embarks on a reported €3 billion investment in its overall facilities and operations.

Significantly, this year’s ISM will see plenty of activity highlighting major trends for the industry with its experts’ stage operating in overdrive once more across its four days.

This will feature diverse presentations from the likes of Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor, as well as a number of invited sector guests, which are presently being finalised.

Another intriguing aspect of the 2026 edition will be a considerable focus on its Functional Sweets theme area, marking a first for the event.

As the show’s organising team noted, in its live demonstration Lab5 zone in Hall 10.1, exhibitors will showcase products that combine health and well-being with enjoyment: from sweets containing vitamins and probiotic fruit gums, through to herbal products to reduce stress.

This year’s ISM and ProSweets events are rapidly approaching in Cologne. Pic: ISM

This includes product presentations and tastings that offer a window into how confectionery ranges are developed and rolled-out for wider commercial international markets.

“Functional sweets aren’t a short-lived trend, they are an expression of the new consumer understanding. People are looking for products that combine taste with well-being. This is precisely what ISM 2026 will demonstrate and make visible on the new special zone,” added Sabine of its special feature.
Moreover, as her colleague Guido explains, the prospects for ISM Ingredients as an integrated new element to the show, alongside ProSweets focusing on equipment and industry systems, are looking particularly promising.

“We have come from a fantastic ProSweets in 2025, in which visitor numbers were up 25 per cent, and it was together with Lab5 ISM for the first time in Hall 10.1. Last year, the aisles were crowded, so I am very much looking forward to our event for 2026,” explained the event director.

Trkno’s stand at the recent ProSweets event. Pic: Neill Barston

He continued: “There may be another show happening nearby once every three years (Interpack) after ours, so ProSweets maybe a little smaller this time, but we have learned from this. We have technical companies there, processing and packaging machines and materials.

“For the first time, we won’t have ingredients within it, as we now have ISM Ingredients. This will see exhibitor space increase by 250 per cent, which is an incredible amount. It features the likes of Cargill, Exberry, Dohler and Brenntag, even a company that says it makes chocolate out of water, so together with our supplier industry, we are going to have a great show,” enthused the director of its plans this year.

As he revealed, one of the key successes of ProSweets to date has been the support of organisations including Germany’s agricultural society, DLG, in helping drive content areas for event, including sustainable production and packaging materials.

Notably, he confirmed that there will also be a careers day as part of the event for those seeking employment opportunities within the sector, which together combine for an engaging and dynamic mix of focus areas for the trade fair.

Creating a sense of fun
Furthermore, in addition to the dynamic range of exhibitors on show across both events, one of the stand-out aspects of recent Cologne events has been the drive to bring a greater sense of interaction and engagement.

This has seen a leaf being taken out of major shows such as Sweets & Snacks Expo, which has been renowned for its visitor engagement through product demonstrations a colourful array of brand characters that have visibly lifted the mood across the event. Consequently, for the past couple of years, Cologne has seen its own event mascot take flight among the halls of Koelnmesse.

“Our flamingo Gismo is our mascot as it matches ISM in many respects – the flamingo can adapt itself to different surroundings, it exists in different sizes everywhere across continents.

ISM Middle East made a successful return to the Dubai World Trade Centre, including event mascot Gismo. Pic: Neill Barston

“It can also enjoy different nutrition, so is as flexible as we are – you see it and you just love it, so I hope that’s the same with ISM,” added Sabine Schommer on the fine plumaged pink friend that also recently graced the organisation’s Middle East iteration in Dubai last September.

As she reflected, while there remained challenges in the marketplace, events such as ISM and ProSweets have offered an engaging platform for the entire sector to convene and seek solutions and inspiration to drive their respective businesses forward.

Indeed, as she notes, one of the most thought-provoking areas of the show remains Lab5, “which is just like a laboratory” enthuses Sabine, explaining there will be around 30 start-up businesses eager to make an impression on visitors.

In addition, there will be a further eight ‘scale-up’ firms displaying their respective offerings that are helping cement their companies reputation further with a key global platform.

ISM Ingredients potential
With considerable emphasis being placed on the introduction of ISM Ingredients this year, one of its most prominent contributors will be the Cargill group across its sugar application and chocolate segments.

Speaking to Confectionery Production, Anne Mertens-Hoyng, senior director chocolate confectionery, who also serves as global partner lead for one of its most hotly-anticipated innovations which will be on display at ISM in the form of NextCoa.

She explained: “Cargill is excited to exhibit at ISM 2026, one of the industry’s most dynamic stages for showcasing innovation, sparking collaboration and connecting with brands across the global sweets and snacks landscape.
“The show’s electric atmosphere is always energizing, and we look forward to engaging with customers, sharing what’s new across our broad ingredient portfolio, and exploring how we can help them unlock their next wave of growth.

“A major highlight at our booth will be NextCoa, a breakthrough confectionery alternative to chocolate made entirely without cocoa. Developed through Voyage

Foods’ patented technology and powered by Cargill’s global application expertise and supply-chain reach, NextCoa delivers indulgence that is delicious, scalable and more sustainable.”

She added that compared to chocolate, it offers up to 67 per cent lower carbon footprint, 90 per cent lower land use and 95 per cent less water use, while also providing meaningful cost savings against traditional cocoa markets which remain challenging.

In addition, the company is also set to showcase innovations within its sugar portfolio, which respond to consumer research indicating 60 per cent of consumers are seeking low-sugar in gummy ranges.

Strong UK presence

After a challenging period post-pandemic, UK exhibitors are continuing to make their mark on ISM, as Karen Beston, head of exhibitions and events at PS8, which organises the region’s presence, explained.

As she noted, there will be more than 45 British companies represented in Cologne, located in Hall 4.2, spanning chocolate, sweets, biscuits, snacks, as well as preserves and gifting.

Sandra Sullivan of PS8, along with her team, including colleague Karen Beston, enjoyed a successful team at last year’s ISM. Pic: Neill Barston

 

This year’s line-up includes the likes of Candy Kittens, Cocoba, Fox’s Burton’s Companies, Made Uncommon, Thomas Tunnock, Montezuma’s chocolate and Kent’s Fudge Kitchen, the latter led by Richard Parson, pictured below.

Karen commented: “These businesses showcase generations of craftsmanship alongside modern innovation, sustainability and strong international appeal.
“Many brands draw on deep heritage, with origins stretching back over a century, continuing to use traditional recipes, natural ingredients and handmade methods. From shortbread, fudge and toffee to jams, marmalades and classic sweets, British confectionery excellence remains rooted in quality, provenance and taste. Family ownership and long-standing expertise are central themes, with multiple generations maintaining standards while adapting to global markets.”

She added that alongside traditional confectionery brands, there are plant- powered, vegan, halal, gluten-free, reduced sugar, high-protein and functional snacking ranges reflect evolving consumer needs.

Consequently, she asserted that along with a focus on sustainability, brands are introducing bold flavours, single-origin and bean-to-bar chocolate, better-for-you snacks, premium popcorn, oats, nuts, dried fruit and contemporary gifting formats.

Key event debut
Among one of the most notable appearances from the UK pavilion, will be a debut for Peterborough’s Firetree Chocolate.

The premium B2B brand has won acclaim sourcing its cocoa directly from single-estate farmers in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Madagascar and Hispaniola. It has so far gained accolades from the
likes of the Academy of Chocolate, as well as Great Taste Awards, which have driven its momentum.

As the company confirmed, its products do not contain additives or flavourings. Many products in the range are naturally dairy-free, suitable for vegans and are Kosher and Halal certified.

Significantly, the business has gained a key listing in Tesco, and seen its sales rise threefold during the past year as it exports to the US, Europe and China.
Jo Palmer, head of sales, remarked: “Exhibiting at ISM as part of the British
Pavilion is a logical step for us. We’re excited to be sharing our range of chocolate bars, chocolate thins, hot chocolate, gifting presentations and chocolate couverture with a new audience both at home and overseas. As the largest show of its kind, ISM is the place to be for a brand like Firetree that is now firmly on the map of brands to watch.”

John Winnard, joint MD of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, at last year’s ISM. Pic: Neill Barston

Furthermore, there will be plenty of returning businesses appearing within the pavilion, including traditional sweets brand Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls.
The Wigan business has enjoyed a total of more than a century of British manufacturing, and as our title discovered last year, its team remains as dedicated as ever to engaging with the broader industry and the needs of its customers.

John Winnard, joint managing director, explained: “As one of the joint managing directors of Uncle Joe’s and a fourth- generation member of our family business, exhibiting at ISM trade fair in Cologne is deeply personal as well as commercially important to us. For over 30 years, this event has been a constant in our calendar and a key milestone in the continued evolution of our British, family-owned confectionery brand.

“Uncle Joe’s was founded on traditional values: quality ingredients, handmade methods and a genuine passion for confectionery. Those principles have been passed down through four generations, and ISM provides us with the perfect global platform to showcase how a heritage British manufacturer can continue to innovate while staying true to its roots.”