The 48th edition of ISM, the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, will kick off in Cologne, Germany, on Jan. 28.
More than 1,600 exhibitors from 60 countries will show their wares during the Koelnmesse-organized fair, which will run through Feb. 1. Many facets of the sweets and snacks industries will be represented, from chocolate and confectionery products to biscuits, snacks and ice cream.
Several large companies will be represented, but among the special attributes of ISM is the presence of medium-sized and smaller companies that regularly exhibit. They bring selected products and country-specific delights.
In addition to participation from nations with history of producing sweets such as Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and Turkey, companies from Armenia, Guatemala, Iceland and Nepal are exhibiting.
A dozen companies will exhibit in the Newcomer Area, while more than 30 companies from 16 countries are exhibiting in the New Snacks Area. Furthermore, ISM will offer an area for 14 startups — companies that have not existed for more than five years — for the first time this year.
Again this year, the "Cologne Coffee Forum" in Hall 5.2 will present a host of coffee manufacturers and roasting companies. They will demonstrate on-site how sweets, biscuits, coffee, cocoa and tea go together.
Dylan Lauren, founder and proprietor of Dylan's Candy Bar, will be presented the 2018 ISM Award, given to industry professionals who have provided exceptional services to the sweets and snacks industry.
Lauren, daughter of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, launched the specialty retail chain in 2001. The flagship store in New York City has been on the "Top 10" list of the most famous tourist attractions in New York since its foundation. More than two million visitors a year experience the unique mixture of sweets, art, fashion and pop culture.
The award ceremony of the ISM Award will be held during an exclusive dinner on Jan. 28.
ISM will also be staged parallel to international supplier fair ProSweets Cologne.
Products we’re excited to see
BE4 hard candies
El Caserio S.A., Navarra, Spain
El Caserio has created a line of hard candies with flavors and properties designed to promote health. They include:
- Fresh – Mint & Green Tea: With Vitamin C, it contributes to the absorption of other vitamins and essential nutrients.
- Energy – Orange & Passion Fruit. With Superboost, it increases physical and mental energy.
- Antiox – Strawberry & Guava: High in vitamins A, B and C.
- Detox – Apple & Grape: Stimulates the immunological system.
- Citrus – Fruits. Perfectly combines all the refreshing and detoxifying properties of fruits.
Rawsome snack bars
Pachamama Gida, Istanbul, Turkey
These bars combine fruits and nuts to create delicious, natural snacks. Flavors include:
- Chia & Choco
- Cherry & Peanut
- Incaberry
- Apple & Cinnamon
- Protein (with chia seeds)
Maracuja Sunshine
Bischenberg Schokoladen, Sasbachwalden, Germany
This vegan bar combines cocoa butter and passion fruit juice to create a decadent tasting experience without milk or other animal products. Bischenberg also has a strawberry variety.
