GERMANY | ISM, ISM Ingredients, and the new ISM Manufacturing will unite under a single brand umbrella from 2027 and grow closer together physically.
As part of the strategic further development and ongoing modernisation of the fairgrounds in Cologne, a new hall structure is being introduced. The aim is to take the innovative character of ISM, the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks, to the next level, drive new growth, and bring the entire industry even closer together.
The realignment towards a uniform ISM brand family reflects developments within the industry: processes are increasingly interconnected, innovation cycles are shorter, and the exchange between individual value chain stages is becoming increasingly important.
This is precisely where the altered hall layout, which will take effect in 2027, comes into play. It strengthens the thematic connection between ISM, ISM Manufacturing, and ISM Ingredients, and creates clear structures along the entire value chain – from raw materials and technology to production, brands, and retail.
"The new hall structure interlinks the key topics of the trade fair trio even more closely. At the same time, we are creating a significantly more efficient trade fair experience for our trade visitors. For the exhibitors, this means greater visibility, higher visitor traffic and more targeted networking possibilities," said Bastian Mingers, Vice President Trade Fair Management Food and Food Technology of Koelnmesse.
The new layout creates clear thematic clusters and strengthens the thematic interlinking between the individual exhibition sections. At the same time, it ensures shorter routes and improves visitors' orientation within the fairgrounds.
The most important structural changes:
- Innovation Hotspot Hall 5.2: This is where ISM Ingredients, Lab5 by ISM, the New Product Showcase and the Talks & Tasting Stage are gathered together. The hall thus becomes the central meeting point for innovations, trends and networking.
- Technology Hub Hall 4.1, Boulevard, Passage 4/5: ISM Manufacturing is moving to Hall 4.1 and is thus coming under greater focus. This creates a technology hub together with the Boulevard and Passage 4/5, which unites the Expert Stage and the Machines & Plants sections.
- Continuity in Hall 4.2: The country pavilions will remain in Hall 4.2 in their accustomed environment, thus ensuring continuity.
- Expanded ISM halls: Exhibitors from Hall 3.2 will be integrated into Hall 10.1. Furthermore, Halls 10.1 and 10.2 will be used entirely as ISM Halls in future.
This structure strengthens ISM's positioning as a global platform for innovation, exchange, and sustainable growth in the sweets and snacks industry and, at the same time, opens new opportunities for the further expansion of the trade fair trio.
ISM, ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing are being staged from 31st of January to the 3rd of February 2027.
