GERMANY | Following a successful ISM 2025, with thoroughly positive feedback from the industry, it is clear that the dynamics of the leading global trade fair for sweets and snacks are ongoing.
At the end of the early bird phase this March, ISM 2026 had recorded more than 10 percent growth in exhibition space compared to the previous year.
"Together with the international sweets and snacks industry, we are continuing to write the success story of ISM. The strong early bird result reflects the industry's great trust in ISM,” said Sabine Schommer, Director of ISM.
Despite challenging market conditions, such as the volatile prices of raw materials, the companies' interest remains unabated. In addition to well-known brands from around the globe, small and medium-sized companies, newcomers, and start-ups, the following world leaders are also among the exhibitors at ISM 2026.
New impulses: ISM Functional Sweets starts in 2026
The new theme section, "ISM Functional Sweets," will be a special highlight of the upcoming ISM. ISM is responding to current trends, such as Health & Wellness, Functional Food, and Convenience, with this targeted expansion of the trade fair offer.
The segregated section offers functional sweets a central stage - from cough sweets with medicinal herbs or chewing gum with collagen, through to products containing vitamins, melatonin or botanical essence. The new section underlines the role of ISM as a trendsetter and driving force, both in the classic food retail trade and beyond.
Innovative formats with global relevance
Formats like the Creator Day, the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage, or the new section for functional confectionery ISM Functional Sweets demonstrate that ISM continually develops and sets new impulses.
It thus remains not only a central marketplace for new products, but also an international meeting point for decision-makers in the sweets and snacks industry, from buyers and chains to importers and distributors from all continents.
Save the Date
ISM is entering the next round with a strong tailwind, innovative formats, and international relevance and is inviting guests to Cologne from the 1st to the 4th of February 2026. The new ISM Ingredients format will also take place for the first time in 2026, focusing on raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products.
Together with the co-located ProSweets Cologne, the international supply fair for the sweets and snacks industry, a unique trade fair alliance arises. This combination of ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne offers a holistic 360° view of the entire value chain, a unique selling point in the international trade fair environment.
