The inaugural edition of ISM Japan drew an impressive crowd, with over 53,000 attendees converging alongside nearly 70 exhibitors, transforming ISM Japan into a central hub for East Asia's sweets and snacks industry.
Concluding on 14 April 2023 in Tokyo, the first ISM Japan witnessed a substantial turnout, with visitors exploring ISM and eight concurrent partner food and beverage shows from 12 to 14 April. These shows encompassed various categories, including sweets and confectionaries, salted snacks, bakery snacks, specialty snacks, organic foods, halal foods, and more.
Both exhibitors and visitors played a role in solidifying Japan's position as a focal point for key decision-makers in the East Asian sweets and snacks industry. Jeff Chiou from Sophisca Food in Taiwan highlighted the advantage of multiple trade fairs, stating, "Having so many trade fairs co-occurring allowed us to meet many more potential partners than at an isolated fair."
Participants expressed their delight at the return to unrestricted trade fairs in Japan after the challenges of the past pandemic years. Andrew Wang of Ace Synergy International in Singapore said that the company had been wanting to exhibit in Japan for a few years, so being at ISM was a breath of fresh air.
"The removed restrictions helped create a more relaxed atmosphere, making discussions and negotiations easier," said Wang.
The event featured thought-provoking seminars on sweets and snack trends in Japan and Europe, sparking interest and leading to fruitful discussions on capitalising on these trends. ISM Japan also facilitated exhibitor-buyer negotiations through a successful hosted buyer program, including pre-scheduled meetings between exhibitors and buyers from leading East Asian retailers, importers, and distributors.
The robust start to ISM Japan represents a significant milestone for the expanding ISM network of global sweets and snacks trade fairs, joining the original ISM in Cologne, Germany, and ISM Middle East in Dubai, UAE. Managing Director of Koelnmesse Japan, Mr. Makoto Takagi, expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating that he was very encouraged by what he had seen at ISM Japan this year, and he was excited to build upon this strong base to make 2024 even better.
The next ISM Japan is scheduled for 10–12 April 2024, alongside the inaugural edition of Anuga Select Japan and six other partner fairs.
For further information, contact Brent Olian at olian@koelnmesse.jp.
The announcement revealed that the eight concurrent trade fairs under one roof will serve as a comprehensive one-stop shop for all culinary and gastronomic needs. In 2024, ISM Cologne will return to its usual dates, from 28 to 31 January, creating a strategic ~2.5-month buffer between ISM events. This timing provides an ideal opportunity for sweets and snacks companies to introduce their products to European and East Asian markets.
