GERMANY | From 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks, ISM Cologne, will gain a new dimension with the launch of ISM Ingredients.
This dedicated platform will showcase raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products, sitting alongside ProSweets Cologne to create a full view of the industry’s value chain. It will serve as a central meeting point for suppliers and manufacturers, driving innovation and collaboration across the global confectionery and snack sectors.
Demand has been strong from the outset. ISM Ingredients was fully booked by early October, prompting organisers to expand into Hall 10.1. Interest has surged further following Anuga, where many suppliers of classic ingredients confirmed plans to participate.
“The journey of exhibitor applications is far from over. The momentum around ISM Ingredients reflects the strong demand and potential for this new format,” said Guido Hentschke, Director ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne.
Leading players are already confirmed, bringing a strong mix of sustainability, science and creativity to Cologne.
- Cargill will present its Cost-Effective Delights range, including NextCoa, a cocoa-free innovation that delivers chocolate-like indulgence with up to 67 percent lower carbon emissions and 95 percent less water use.
- Döhler will showcase concepts for sweets, snacks, and ice cream focused on sustainability and multi-sensory experiences.
- Exberry by GNT will demonstrate plant-based colour solutions that help brands move away from artificial dyes.
Brenntag, Capol, Sternenzym, Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), Calowry, and Pfeifer & Langen will all highlight their latest ingredient technologies and natural sweetening solutions.
Philippe Bernay, Marketing Director Indulgence at Cargill, said the event arrives at the right moment. “As the industry looks for sustainable solutions that bring taste, viability and responsibility together, ISM Ingredients is the ideal stage for showcasing our wide range of chocolate alternatives.”
For Exberry by GNT, innovation and transparency take centre stage.
“ISM has always been a fantastic platform for innovation and sustainability,” said Sabrina Moers, Marketing Communication Coordinator.
“We’ll show why our EXBERRY colours fit perfectly into this direction, with verified CO₂ data for almost our entire range.”
Döhler’s Market Segment Manager, Stefanie Engel, added that the fair offers “the perfect stage for presenting sustainable and forward-looking concepts for sweets, snacks and ice cream, from plant-based protein bars to innovative chocolate alternatives.”
Newcomer Calowry plans to make its global debut at ISM Ingredients.
“We’re celebrating the world premiere of our patented water-based chocolate technology,” said Kate Wilson, Lead Food Technologist, Calowry Canada.
“It allows shiny, crunchy chocolate with fewer calories and lower costs, while reusing coconut waste fibre that would otherwise go to landfill.”
The Ingredients of the Future special show will spotlight trends shaping tomorrow’s industry, from plant-based proteins to climate-friendly raw materials. The exhibition aims to inspire new partnerships and product development across categories.
With strong international participation from Turkey, China, and Germany, ISM Ingredients is already proving to be a key new hub for the global sweets and snacks supply chain, a place where innovation, sustainability and opportunity meet.
More news here.
