ISM confirms key confectionery event remains on course with global interest
Trend Court@ISM, Start-Up Area, Spooning Cookie Dough, Halle 5.2
The team behind the ISM event in Cologne has confirmed it remains on track as a broad international celebration of the confectionery sector, with applications from 65 countries, reports Neill Barston.
According to Koelnmesse, there will be an ‘extensive safety and hygiene concept’ in response to ongoing concerns surrounding Covid-19, as cases in the country have increased notably within recent weeks.
Significantly, organisers have stated there is a requirement for all attendees to be fully vaccinated, or have recovered from an infection within the last six months (but at least 28 days ago), or test negative for Covid, applies throughout the trade fair grounds.
More than 80% of exhibition space has already been booked, with a total of around 1,300 exhibitors already confirmed for the key global event.
Notably, a total of 24% of those featuring at the show are domestic businesses from Germany, while 76% are from further afield, reflecting its strong global emphasis.
Consequently, the major trade fair for sweets and snacks covers seven halls in total and with exhibitors from 65 countries, including also companies from North Africa, South America and Asia,
In total, 27 country pavilions from 22 countries and regions have already registered. The country participations with the highest number of exhibitors come from Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, France, the Netherlands and the USA.
Major exhibitors include Arcor (Argentina), Baronie (Belgium), Cémoi (France), Chocolates Valor (Spain), Cloetta (Netherlands), Colombina (Colombia), Elvan (Turkey), Fazer (Finland), Fini Golosinas (Spain), Frankonia (Germany), ICAM (Italy), ION (Greece), Kambly (Switzerland), Katjes (Germany), Krüger (Germany), Lambertz (Germany), Loacker (Italy), Manner (Austria), Millano (Poland), Natra Midco (Spain), Nestlé Italiana (Italy), Ragolds (Germany), Riclan (Brazil), Roshen (Ukraine), Rübezahl (Germany), Sölen (Turkey), Toms (Denmark), Trolli (Germany), United Confectioners (Russia), Vidal (Spain), Wawel (Poland) and WAWI (Germany).
“We are delighted with this positive result. It shows how important ISM is for the industry as a central business meeting point. With our trusted safety and hygiene concept, #B-SAFe4business, we ensure comprehensive safety as we have already demonstrated in the course of trade fairs like Anuga,” explained Sabine Schommer, Director ISM.
Admission to the fair grounds is exclusively possible on presentation of digital admission tickets using the ISM app. This ticket must be presented together with recognised digital proof of full vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery – a measure that will eliminate waiting times and ensure the safety of all trade fair participants.
Attendees must also continue to wear a medical mask and maintain social distancing of 1.50 metres. At the same time, many of the restrictions have been relaxed: For example, it is no longer necessary to take contact tracing details at the stands or in the catering areas or to keep count of visitors in the stand areas.
The blanket restriction on the number of people at trade fair stands has also been relaxed, although social distancing must still be observed. The mask requirement has been removed at fixed seating and standing areas. Masks can also be removed when tasting food or beverages. Sneeze guards are no longer required at fixed seating and standing areas. In addition, exhibits and info counters can now be placed at the edges of stand areas again and exhibitors can also hold “get-togethers” at their stand.
