GERMANY | ISM 2026 has received a strong response at an early stage, four months before the fair opens, as booked space already exceeded the final result of ISM 2025.
Companies from 71 countries have already confirmed their participation, a clear signal of the dynamism and international significance of the world's leading trade fair for sweets and snacks.
In 2026, there will be new exhibitors, for example, from Albania, Bangladesh, Iran, and Luxembourg. Established international brands are also focusing on continuity: Morinaga, one of Japan's leading sweets manufacturers, is returning after its successful 2025 debut and has significantly expanded its stand area.
Like last year, Walker’s Shortbread, a long-standing exhibitor in the UK pavilion, will once again be represented with its own exhibition stand. Fazer, which previously had a lounge in the Europasaal, also has its own stand this year.
"The fact that ISM 2026 has already topped last year's booking level demonstrates the industry's great confidence in the trade fair. New country participations and the return of international market leaders confirm ISM's position as the leading global platform for trends, exchange and business development," said Sabine Schommer, Director of ISM.
With 37 pavilions from 27 countries and regions, ISM 2026 has set a new record for international participation.
The new pavilions include two from Ukraine, organised by the Export Promotion Centre KCCI LLC (Kyiv) and the Ukrainian Food Association U-Food (Uman), as well as a pavilion from Morocco coordinated by the FENAGRI – National Federation of the Agro-Food Industry (Casablanca).
In the scope of the new "ISM Functional Sweets" theme area, ISM 2026 is focusing on the theme of functional sweets for the first time.
In Lab5 by ISM in Hall 10.1, exhibitors will showcase products that combine health and well-being with enjoyment: from vitamin- and probiotic-containing sweets and probiotic fruit gums, to herbal products to reduce stress.
A special event with information, product presentations and tastings will illustrate how modern sweets are conceived today as small everyday assistants and part of a healthy lifestyle.
"Functional sweets aren't a short-lived trend; they are an expression of the new consumer understanding: People are looking for products that combine taste with well-being. This is precisely what ISM 2026 will demonstrate and make visible on the new special zone."
The Start-up Area in Lab5 by ISM will also give an exciting insight into the future of the sweets and snacks industry in 2026. The ISM Start-up Pitches Award 2026 will be a special highlight. Eight selected start-ups will present their innovative ideas and products on the Talks & Tasting Stage in Hall 10.1. A panel of experts will evaluate the entries and select the winner live on stage.
The pitches will be hosted by Robert Kronekker – food entrepreneur, investor & start-up mentor. He will also accompany the participants in their preparation. Start-ups registered for ISM can apply for one of the places up until the 31st of December 2025.
The ISM Opening Night, which is open to all participants of ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne for the first time, is a further highlight. Together with the industry sponsors of ISM, Koelnmesse is inviting guests to join them at the new Confex at the fairgrounds in Cologne.
The evening will mark the festive prelude of the trade fair and brings the international sweets and snacks industry together in a relaxed atmosphere – to enjoy live music, culinary highlights and many networking opportunities. In addition, as part of ISM Opening Night, an outstanding personality from the sweets and snacks industry will once again be honoured with the ISM Award for their lifetime achievement.
Tickets for ISM are already available. ISM 2026 is scheduled in Cologne from the 1st to the 4th of February 2026.
