In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the global confectionery market, Koelnmesse announced plans to launch ISM Ingredients, a new specialized trade fair format focusing on raw materials and ingredients, starting February 2026.
The format will be integrated into Hall 10.1 under the ISM brand umbrella, creating a dedicated platform for raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products in the sweets and snacks industry.
The new initiative will absorb the existing ingredients sections from ProSweets Cologne, positioning them alongside ISM’s innovation sections. This restructuring aims to enhance synergies between raw material suppliers and manufacturers while fostering innovation and sustainable production practices.
“In the form of ISM Ingredients, we are not only offering the ideal bridge between ISM and ProSweets Cologne to promote innovations along the entire value chain. We are also pushing the forward-looking further development of our trade fair formats of the food portfolio forward and additionally satisfying the needs of the exhibiting industry,” said Bastian Mingers, Vice President Trade Fair Management, Food & Food Technology at Koelnmesse.
The decision reflects industry demand for closer integration with ISM, according to company officials. Guido Hentschke, Director of ProSweets Cologne and the upcoming ISM Ingredients, noted: “The discussions with the industry also confirm that the theme raw materials and ingredients holds huge growth potential. The integration into the brand world of ISM as the leading platform of the sweets and snacks industry is thus a logical step for us so we are even closer to the producers.”
The new format will feature an innovative congress and event program, including presentations on industry trends and technologies, networking opportunities, and discussions on sustainable production. The popular Ingredients Special Show will continue under the new format.
Meanwhile, ProSweets Cologne will maintain its independent status, refocusing its scope on machinery, manufacturing equipment, packaging solutions, and quality control systems. This reorganization is designed to create clearer market focus while strengthening both trade fair formats.
Find out more at: https://www.ism-cologne.com/