ISM 2025: Sweet Euphoria, With Full Halls, Good Business, And A Top Atmosphere

With 5.5% growth in the number of exhibitors and 5% more exhibition space, the trade fair consistently continued on its expansion course. More than 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries (foreign share: 89%) presented an impressive cross-section of the industry and demonstrated the dynamics of a constantly changing market.

Around 32,000 trade visitors from 135 countries (foreign share: 71%) – and thus just under 7% more than last year – used the trade fair to seal business deals on site and establish valuable contacts.

The European trading companies represented included, among others, Albert Heijn, Aldi, Bartels-Langness, Colruyt Group, Coop, Costco, Edeka, Globus, Jumbo Supermarkten, Mercadona, Metro, Migros, REWE Group, S Group, Salling Group, Schwarz Group, SPAR International, and Walmart.

With innovative formats, ISM once again confirmed its role as a pioneering industry trendsetter and demonstrated that personal encounters remain essential for long-term partnerships and economic growth, especially in challenging times.

“As the global trendsetter and driver of innovations and trends, ISM sets benchmarks for the global booming sweets-and-snacks industry, with a strong content and event programme, renowned speakers, and new formats for creators, which inspire and network the industry,”

said Gerald Böse, president and chief executive officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.

With a strong opening and a star-studded panel on the Mercosur trade agreement, ISM 2025 sent a strong signal as the central platform for industry-relevant discussions from the very start.

Rupert Schlegelmilch, the EU’s chief negotiator of the agreement, was one of the important business partners therein.

Together with further international stakeholders from political, business and industry circles, intensive discussions about the opportunities and challenges of the agreement were held.

ISM And ProSweets Cologne

Together with the co-located ProSweets Cologne, ISM 2025 formed the biggest industry get-together of the sweet-and-snack industry worldwide.

This unique trade fair duo unites the entire value chain – from raw materials to packaging, through to the finished product – under the umbrella of ‘Sweet Week’.

The direct and successful co-location of both events in Hall 10.1 created valuable synergies by promoting the exchange between manufacturers and trade and industry experts.

Creativity awarded

Ulrich Zuenelli, managing partner of Loacker and member of the third generation of the entrepreneur family Loacker-Zuenelli, is the winner of the ISM Award 2025 – a distinction for his outstanding services and considerable contributions to the sweets industry. In the New Product Showcase Award Primus Wafer Paper BV (the Netherlands) won the prize for its Yummy Super Sour Candy Paper. The ISM Consumer Award was presented to Treets Vegan Crunchy Corn.

The next edition of ISM will take place from 1 to 4 February 2026.