The first ISM Japan, hosted in Tokyo from the 12th to the 14th of April 2023, marked a significant milestone in the East Asian sweets and snacks industry. Attracting more than 53,000 visitors and around 70 exhibitors, this inaugural event swiftly established itself as a key networking and business hub in the region.
Jeff Chiou from Sophisca Food in Taiwan commented on the benefits of holding multiple trade fairs concurrently, noting the enhanced opportunities for forging new business relationships. Similarly, Andrew Wang of Ace Synergy International in Singapore appreciated the unrestricted nature of the trade fairs, a welcome change after the restrictive pandemic years, which he felt led to more relaxed and effective discussions.
The event featured thought-provoking seminars focused on trends in the sweets and snack industries in Japan and Europe, sparking lively and productive discussions among attendees. A key highlight was the successful hosted buyer programme, which facilitated pre-scheduled meetings between exhibitors and prominent buyers from leading retailers, importers, and distributors across East Asia.
This successful start for ISM Japan signifies an important addition to the ISM network of global sweets and snacks trade fairs, complementing the original ISM in Cologne, Germany, and ISM Middle East in Dubai, UAE. Makoto Takagi, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Japan, expressed optimism for the future, looking forward to building upon this year's success for an even more impressive event in 2024.
The next ISM Japan is slated for 10–12 April 2024, and will be held alongside the inaugural Anuga Select Japan and six other partner fairs, promising a comprehensive experience for culinary and gastronomic enthusiasts. This arrangement, along with the return of ISM Cologne to its usual dates in late January, offers an excellent opportunity for sweets and snacks companies to showcase their products to both European and East Asian markets.
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