ISM Cologne attracts global base of exhibitors for 2024 show
ISM 2023 was held in April as a one-off, and is set to return to its January time-slot in 2024. Pic: Koelnmesse
The organisers of the key ISM Cologne event have confirmed its plans for the 2024 have exceeded projections in delivering its most diverse range of participants, with a total of 1,350 exhibitors from 70 countries due to take part in next year’s show in Germany, writes Neill Barston.
Confectionery Production was on hand to cover the show for 2023, which was held as a one-off alternate date this April, combining with its linked ProSweets equipment and systems event (see our exclusive video review of the 2023 edition of the trade fair here), which revealed the market was in resilient shape, despite ongoing significant supply chain challenges.
According to Koelnmesse, the 2024 event has attracted exhibiting business from around the world, with 35 international pavilions being established, with companies registering from Europe, Asia, North and South America to play their part in the event.
As it noted, this includes a strong mix of businesses spanning major global players, through to aspiring start-up enterprises from nations including Albania, Algeria, Canada, Jordan and Uzbekistan among many others, as the event repositions itself in its traditional early year time slot, being staged between 28-31 January.
Moreover, as organisers noted, the six halls of ISM offer the visitors the opportunity to experience the world of sweets and snacks with all their senses. Notable features this year include the expansion of Hall 4.2 featuring new country pavilions from the USA, Latin America and the Middle East open up room for additional, international diversity. These are enhancing the already established pavilions from Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Hall 5.2, the successful Lab5 by ISM is being continued and extended to offer a unique trade fair experience with festival flair.
New Product Showcase, Halle 5.2. Pic: Koelnmesse
Further highlights of the trade fair encompass the annually conferred ISM Award, which pays tribute to a personality who has rendered special services to the sweets and snacks industry. The New Product Showcase (NPS) is equally diversified and the three most innovative products are distinguished during the ISM Night on Sunday evening. As in the previous year, the Consumer Award will be conferred for the second time in cooperation with FoodNews Germany. A new format this year is the Consumer Award in cooperation with ISM Middle East, where consumers from the United Arab Emirates are allowed to choose their favourite product from among the NPS products.
The programme on the Expert Stage includes once again trend lectures and market analyses by Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor, start-up pitches and further main topics, including Digital Education in cooperation with dmexco as well as examples of best practice from the sweets industry on themes including energy efficiency, sustainability, climate-friendly production, regenerative value chains and the recycling economy.
Trade visitors to this year’s ISM event in Germany attended a number of key industry sessions. Pic: ISM
Exhibitors and influencers in the sweets and snacks section will be brought together in the scope of the innovative speed dating format. This promotes the networking of new products in the community and their marketing, while at the same time increasing the brand recognition. A further new item on the agenda is the ISM Party on Sunday evening, which especially addresses young professionals and serves as an informal meeting point bringing the first day of the fair to a close in a relaxed atmosphere. For additional details and event booking, visit the w Tickets can already be purchased online now.