Exclusive: Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls targets success at ISM 2026

Long-standing British confectionery brand Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls is among a wide range of UK companies set to take their place at this year’s major ISM event in Cologne, writes Neill Barston.

The Wigan-based business has more than a century of manufacturing to its name from its Lancashire location, with its traditional sweets proving a household favourite in the region, as well as gaining traction into European markets through exhibiting at the key international show in Germany.

This year’s dates for ISM run from 1-4 February, with the 2026 show having some 27 global pavilions including a returning delegation from the UK, with hopes remaining high that last year’s visitor total of more than 32,000 attendees from around the world can be exceeded this time around.

Speaking to Confectionery Production, John Winnard, MBE, the joint managing director of the firm which traces its roots back to 1898, revealed that the Cologne show had been an integral part of its operations for decades.

He enthused: “As one of the Joint Managing Directors of Uncle Joe’s and a fourth-generation member of our family business, exhibiting at the International Sweets and Biscuits 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.

“Each year, we are proud to present new products and ideas that reflect changing consumer tastes, emerging trends and our commitment to premium craftsmanship. What makes ISM truly special is the quality of industry professionals it attracts and the level of insight, feedback and collaboration is exceptional,” adding that for small and medium-sized businesses such as itself, global trade fairs at the scale of ISM have proved invaluable over the years.

As John noted, it has offered the company direct access to international buyers, distributors and decision-makers, helping SMEs compete on a global stage, build long-term partnerships and unlock new growth opportunities.

He added that continuing to engage with the event was of significant importance to its long-term strategy, through supporting latest innovations being delivered by the wider sector.