ISM 2019 shows where the global confectionery industry is headed

Sugar-free candy, cannabis, vegan products on trend at this year’s fair.

Sugar-free and reduced sugar candy, cannabis, vegan products and free-from confections were all on trend at this year’s ISM, which ran from Jan. 27-Jan. 30 in Cologne, Germany.

More than 38,000 trade visitors from over 140 countries made their way through the hall of this year’s confectionery show. The world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks featured 1,661 exhibitors from 76 countries, who showcased a comprehensive range of exhibits and used the trade fair to present their new products.

“The top buyers and decision-makers of the industry selected used ISM as the platform for their orders or for establishing new business contacts,” says Bastian Fassin, chairman of the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Task Force (AISM).

Of the top 20 international food retailers, 18 were onsite. And digital retailers were also represented at the show, including: Aeon, Ahold, Amazon, Aldi, Carrefour, Coop, Costco, Edeka, E. Leclerc, El Corte Inglés, ITM, Kaufhof, Kaufland, Kroger, Metro, Migros, REWE, Target, Tesco, TJX, Walgreens, Walmart and Whole Foods.

The show also says it had significant growth in the number of trade visitors from East European and the Baltic countries, South Europe and North America.

The 2020 ISM will be the 50th anniversary of the event and will run from Feb. 2 to Feb. 5, 2020.

Check our our ISM 2019 coverage here:

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Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.