GERMANY | Koelnmesse is introducing a new specialised trade fair format, ISM Ingredients, focusing specifically on raw materials, functional ingredients, and semi-finished products for the sweets and snacks industry.
The new platform is a response to the increasing importance of ingredients as innovation drivers, particularly in light of rising raw material prices, disrupted supply chains, and growing demands for sustainability.
The market is signalling its approval even prior to the premiere: The amount of exhibition space booked, where the Ingredients section was formerly located, is almost 40 percent up compared to the figures for ProSweets Cologne 2025.
International industry giants such as Olam Food Ingredients, GNT Group, Döhler, Brenntag, Dreidoppel, Sethness Roquette, SternEnzym, Freeze-Dry Foods (Paradiesfrucht), Coppenrath Feingebäck, as well as a pavilion organised by the Istanbul Exporters Association, have already confirmed their participation. Further global market leaders and international group stands are pending.
"The strong response shows that there is a concrete need for a focused and future-oriented Ingredients platform with international reach among the producers of sweets and snacks," said Guido Hentschke, Director ProSweets Cologne & ISM Ingredients.
"Especially the combination between functional, natural and technologically relevant ingredients opens up new perspectives for innovation, added value and consumer relevance."
With the introduction of ISM Ingredients, not only is a new trade fair format being created, but indeed a promising platform that offers answers to the industry's key future questions – from functional ingredients and sustainable raw material solutions, through to technologically effective natural components.
In combination with ISM and ProSweets Cologne, a strong trade fair trio is emerging that completely interlinks the entire value chain of the sweets and snacks industry for the first time – from the development of formulas to production and packaging, through to positioning at the point of sale.
This close content-related and spatial interlinking creates synergies, promotes innovation and enables cross-industry impulses across the entire field of product development.
The target group of ISM Ingredients encompasses producers of sweets and snacks, including specifically procurement decision-makers, product developers, innovation departments, manufacturers, trademark developers, and trade visitors from the food service sector.
The trade fair is focusing on themes such as health and functionality, fermentation, sensory innovations, clean label products, upcycling, and natural ingredients. The Special Show Ingredients form a special highlight. Throughout the show, innovative start-ups will present their solutions and engage in an active dialogue with the industry and investors.
ISM Ingredients is being co-located with ISM and ProSweets Cologne in February 2026.
