A major rebranding move has been confirmed by ISM, as it moves to unify under the banner of two parallel events that have played an integral part of the global confectionery calendar, reports, Neill Barston.

From its next edition between 31-January-3 February, the event’s flagship element will be known as ISM Snacks & Sweets, underlining its commitment to the combined industries,

The event will be held alongside its sister elements, ISM Ingredients – which was formally launched at this year’s key industry gathering in Cologne, including the final edition of ProSweets – after two decades under that banner, this element is being renamed as ISM Manufacturing, which is considered to more accurately reflect its core focus on machinery and equipment for the global confectionery and snacking industries.

As Koelnmesse noted, the new brand architecture of the three shows, encompasses the entire value chain – from raw materials and ingredients, production, processing, packaging and technology, through to finished sweets and snacks as well as retail concepts. In this way, ISM is responding to the growing interconnectedness between innovations, production and marketing within the sweets and snacks sector.

ISM has stood for innovations, business development and international trade in the sweets and snacks sector for over 50 years, expanding in 2006 to include ProSweets.

As the organising team for the events noted, there has been a profound transformation of the industry: Today, new ingredients, automation, digitalisation and alternative production methods impact every stage of the value chain. Innovation no longer occurs in isolation, but arises from the interaction between all stakeholders. With this new trade fair concept, Koelnmesse is creating a platform that actively fosters this exchange.

“The sweets and snacks industry is increasingly taking a holistic approach to innovation. That is why, with ISM and its three trade fair formats, we are creating a brand architecture that unites all relevant areas of the value chain under a strong umbrella brand. This provides improved orientation, strengthens synergies and opens up new, more intensive opportunities for business, exchange, and innovation,” said Bastian Mingers, Vice President Food & Food Technology at Koelnmesse GmbH.

For its part, ISM Ingredients offers a core platform for raw materials, ingredients and semi-finished products. Here, everything revolves around the ingredients of tomorrow – from functional ingredients, flavour and texture, through to solutions for product development.

Meanwhile , ISM Manufacturing is the international platform for production, processing, packaging and technology. Its focus lies on mechanical engineering, automation, AI, quality management and efficient, future-proof manufacturing processes.

ISM Snacks & Sweets is the leading global trade fair for snacks and sweets. International brands, innovative products and leading trading companies come together here, laying the foundation for global business relations.