ISM returns in February 2026, alongside ProSweets Cologne, with strong anticipation across the confectionery sector. What key themes or focal points have shaped this edition of the show?
ISM 2026 clearly stands for growth, orientation and innovation within the global confectionery and snacks industry. In the run-up to the event, demand for exhibition space had already surpassed the final figures of the previous edition, underlining the strong confidence the industry continues to place in ISM as the world’s leading trade fair.
Content-wise, this year’s edition is shaped by changing consumer expectations, new product concepts and innovative ingredients. Topics such as functional confectionery, sustainable recipes, premiumisation and experience-driven indulgence are at the heart of ISM 2026. The show reflects a market that is evolving rapidly, where enjoyment, quality and added value increasingly go hand in hand.
For international attendees planning their visit, what distinguishes the 2026 edition as a “must-attend” event compared to previous years? Are there any new halls, formats, or collaborative showcases they should know about?
ISM remains the central meeting point to experience the global diversity and innovative strength of the confectionery and snack industry in one place. International visitors gain a comprehensive overview of markets, trends and new product concepts – from established global brands to young, creative start-ups.
The 2026 edition is further enhanced by an expanded interactive event and content programme. For the first time, the ISM Opening Night will take place at the Confex, bringing together all participants from ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne. As a ceremonial opening of the fair, the evening sets the tone for the week, offering a relaxed atmosphere with live music, culinary highlights and ample networking opportunities.
Another new highlight is the ISM Start-up Pitches Award, where eight selected start-ups will present their ideas live on the Talks & Tasting Stage, with a jury selecting the winner on stage. In addition, ISM Functional Sweets makes its debut in 2026. Located in Lab5 by ISM in Hall 10.1, the new theme area showcases products that combine indulgence with health and wellbeing – from vitamin-enriched candies and probiotic gummies to herbal products aimed at relaxation or stress reduction.
Complementing this focus on innovation, the New Product Showcase has expanded by 35% compared to the previous year. Displayed in more than 100 vitrines, around 140 product innovations provide a compact and curated overview of the latest developments across the international sweets and snacks industry.
What emerging technologies, ingredients, or manufacturing trends do you expect to take centre stage at the 2026 event?
We are seeing a strong shift towards indulgence with added value across the market. One particularly dynamic growth area is functional confectionery. Functional sweets are no longer a short-term trend but reflect a fundamental change in consumer mindset: more and more people are looking for products that combine enjoyment with tangible benefits for health and wellbeing, such as energy, focus, sleep or immune support.
Manufacturers are responding with a growing variety of concepts, including candies and gummies with probiotics, melatonin for sleep, vitamins or plant extracts designed to support balance and relaxation – all delivered in familiar, enjoyable formats.
Beyond this, sugar-reduced recipes, plant-based alternatives, new textures, sweet-and-spicy flavour combinations and interactive product formats continue to gain momentum. These developments are clearly reflected in the international exhibitor portfolio of ISM 2026.
Sustainability continues to define decision-making in confectionery production. How is the show supporting or highlighting advances in areas such as energy-efficient equipment, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing?
Sustainability is an integral part of ISM 2026, embedded across products, ingredients, packaging solutions and the event programme itself. It is no longer treated as a standalone topic, but as a core driver of innovation and competitiveness.
On the Expert Stage, discussions will focus on climate-conscious ingredients, responsible sourcing and economically viable sustainability strategies. This is complemented by the Special Show “Ingredients – Functional and Climate-Conscious” within ISM Ingredients, which highlights sustainable and functional raw material alternatives.
Sustainability also becomes tangible on the Talks & Tasting Stage, where innovative product concepts can be presented and experienced first-hand. The aim is to make concrete solutions and best practices visible and to provide orientation for future-oriented business decisions.
Read the full interview in our latest issue here
