ISM 2026: Expansion, Innovation and Eventisation Set the Pace for the Global Sweets and Snacks Industry

The Cocoa Sector in 2026 - Key Conferences, Trade Shows and Courses

As the cocoa industry navigates significant challenges in 2026, several important conferences and events will provide platforms for stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and drive progress

From The Desk of CocoaRadar™Anthony Myers

With strong exhibitor growth, new independent formats and a significantly expanded event programme, ISM and ProSweets Cologne are sending a clear signal: the future of the industry is collaborative, content-driven and innovation-focused.

Strong Growth and a Fully Integrated Value Chain

Weeks before opening its doors, ISM 2026 is already exceeding expectations. Approximately 1,600 exhibitors from 74 countries have registered, with booked exhibition space surpassing the final figures of the previous event. Together with ProSweets Cologne and the newly launched ISM Ingredients, the trade fair alliance now spans the entire value chain – from raw materials and ingredients to processing, packaging and finished products.

The debut of ISM Ingredients as an independent, fully booked format underlines the growing need for transparency and dialogue in the upstream supply chain. Closely linked in both content and location with ISM and ProSweets Cologne, the new platform creates direct interfaces between ingredient suppliers, machine and packaging manufacturers, brands and trade.

Eventisation as a Strategic Driver

ISM is placing a strong emphasis on experience and exchange. “New formats, a sharper focus on future themes and a top-class event programme are turning ISM into a central orientation platform for the entire market,” explains ISM Director Sabine Schommer. The result is a trade fair concept that goes far beyond classic product presentation.

A new highlight is the ISM Opening Night on 1 February 2026 at the Confex conference centre on the Cologne fairgrounds. As a festive prelude to the show week, it brings together participants from ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne for relaxed networking. The evening also provides the stage for the prestigious ISM Award, which honours an outstanding personality from the international sweets and snacks industry.

Networking continues throughout the week with established and new formats, including the ProSweets Cologne Party, the Lab5 Party presented by LIMITD and numerous informal meeting points across the halls.

Content Hubs, Insights and Interaction

At the heart of the fair lies the Expert Stage on the Central Boulevard in Hall 10.1. Acting as the knowledge hub for both ISM and ProSweets Cologne, it brings together market analyses, trends and best practices. Supported by knowledge partners such as Innova Market Insights, Euromonitor International and the DLG, the programme tackles key challenges facing the industry – from sustainability and digitalisation to artificial intelligence, volatile raw material markets and the shortage of skilled labour.

Complementing this, the Talks & Tasting Stage in Hall 10.1 expands its interactive concept in 2026. Tastings, creator formats and lectures create a dynamic platform particularly tailored to marketing and innovation professionals.

Spotlight on Start-ups and Innovation

A major new programme highlight is the ISM Start-up Pitches Award, which will be presented for the first time on 2 February 2026. Selected start-ups will pitch their business models and product ideas live on stage to a high-profile jury. Hosted by food entrepreneur and investor Robert Kronekker, the format puts entrepreneurial innovation centre stage, with prize money and industry visibility awaiting the winning team.

Innovation is also showcased in the New Product Showcase, the ISM Consumer Award and the New Product Showcase Award, all celebrating the creative strength of exhibitors across the global sweets and snacks market.

Lab5, Functional Sweets and Future Ingredients

The alliance of ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne becomes a tangible experience in Hall 10.1. Here, visitors can trace every step of the process – from sourcing raw materials to final packaging solutions. Integrated into this area is Lab5 by ISM, home to more than 30 start-ups and scale-ups, trend snack providers and handcrafted speciality producers from around the world.

New thematic accents include ‘ISM Functional Sweets’, reflecting the growing demand for products with added health benefits, and the Special Show ‘Ingredients – Functional and Climate-Conscious’, curated together with the future agency Haute Innovation. The focus: vegan alternatives, sustainable ingredients, functional foods and food-tech approaches shaping tomorrow’s portfolios.

Practical Orientation at ProSweets Cologne

ProSweets Cologne 2026 further sharpens its profile as a future-oriented supplier platform. In addition to shared content formats with ISM, the programme features practical Packaging Workshops with Pacoon, addressing topics such as AI in packaging and the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Guided Tours offer structured insights into key themes, from ingredients of the future to the complete value chain.

“With this programme, we want to provide concrete guidance and create real starting points for corporate decisions,” says Guido Hentschke, Director of ProSweets Cologne and ISM Ingredients.

A Trade Fair Alliance with Global Relevance

With its expanded exhibitor base, new independent formats and a clearly upgraded event and content strategy, ISM 2026 positions itself more than ever as the global meeting point for the sweets and snacks industry. The close interlinking of ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne transforms Cologne into a unique platform for business, innovation and dialogue – and sets a strong benchmark for the future of international trade fairs in the sector.

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