ISM and ProSweets unveil theme for 2023 events, supporting industry through major tests
The organisers of ISM in Cologne, Germany, have confirmed its core theme of supporting industry through ‘unprecedented challenges’ of the energy crisis, turbulent economy and supply chain disruption through the war in Ukraine, writes Neill Barston.
According to the Koelnmesse team, the event – which has been moved from its traditional January date to a shortened format alongside ProSweets between 23-25 April 2023, will be held under the banner of ‘encourage, enable and excite,’ backing an industry facing multiple major tests.
As a consequence, next year’s ISM will examine some core related themes revolving around digitalisation at the POS, as well as the sustainability, transparency and origins of products and ingredients still continue to play a central role. Resilience and the sustainable, resource-saving production of sweets and snacks is called for more than ever.
“Under the flag of our new key theme, in addition to the classic product presentations, we will be relying increasingly on an exchange and discussions at ISM 2023. It is important to us in these times that the industry allow more space for its innovative solutions and new approaches, and promote the opportunity for exchanging experiences in the scope of event and networking formats”, explains Sabine Schommer, Director ISM.
The first highlights of the event and congress programme, being planned together with ProSweets Cologne 2023 – Special Edition taking place parallel, have already been set. Thus, for example, Euromonitor, the partner of both trade fairs of many years, will discuss the effects of inflation on the sweets and snacks market in Europe under the title “Inflation Surge and its Impact on Snacks”. The industry sponsor of ProSweets Cologne, DLG, will also discuss approaches to solutions for the global procurement of raw materials and energy efficiency in sweets production on the Expert Stage.
In addition to this, the networking format #CONNECT2030 will continue on the trade fair Monday, 23 April 2023 on the Expert Stage. Here, representatives from production and packaging, as well as from industry and trade will dedicate themselves in particular to the impact of the energy crisis and the lack of raw materials in the sweets industry. The event will then offer all participants and speakers the possibility to exchange ideas with the industry pros and to establish new business contacts along the entire value creation chain under the motto “Meet the Speakers”.