ISM 2027: Cologne Combines Three Trade Fairs Under One Umbrella Brand

<p>Koelnmesse is restructuring its most successful confectionery trade fair: From 2027, three previously independent trade fairs will merge under the common umbrella brand ISM. For the international confectionery and snacking industry, this represents a significant structural realignment – with a clear objective: to map the entire value chain under one roof.</p>

<h2>Three Fairs, One Umbrella Brand</h2> <p>From January 31 to February 3, 2027, the newly restructured ISM will open its doors in Cologne for the first time. Under the common umbrella brand, three specialized trade fairs will be networked in future: <strong>ISM Ingredients</strong> for raw materials and ingredients, <strong>ISM Manufacturing</strong> for production and packaging, and the former leading fair, which will in future operate under the expanded name <strong>ISM Snacks & Sweets</strong>. With this move, Koelnmesse is responding to the increasing interconnection of raw material procurement, production technology and end products – a trend that has characterized the confectionery industry for years.</p> <p>A common theme will link the three formats more closely in terms of content, without losing their respective specialist independence. For visitors, this creates a seamless offering along the entire production chain – from cocoa and sugar through production technology to the finished snack on the shelf.</p>

<h2>ISM as the World's Leading Trade Fair for the Industry</h2> <p>ISM has long been regarded as the world's largest specialized trade fair for the confectionery and snacking industry. The 2026 edition underscored this position impressively: <strong>1,600 exhibitors from 72 countries</strong> presented their products, supplemented by <strong>37 joint stands from 27 nations</strong> – including, for the first time, national pavilions from Ukraine and Morocco. In total, the fair attracted <strong>32,500 specialist visitors from 140 countries</strong>. These figures demonstrate the international character of the event, which is also expected for 2027.</p> <p>Thematically, ISM covers a broad spectrum of product categories: cocoa, chocolate and chocolate products, sugar confectionery, sweets, fruit gums and licorice are just as much in focus as fine and shelf-stable baked goods, snacks as well as salty and trend snacks. Growing segments such as natural sweets, sugar-free and reduced-sugar products as well as ice cream and frozen confectionery are also a permanent part of the offering – an indication of how dynamically the industry is developing towards health-conscious product innovations.</p>

<h2>Austrian Participation as Part of go-international</h2> <p>For Austrian companies, ISM is traditionally an important industry meeting point. At the 2026 edition, AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA participated in the fair with nine Austrian companies. Participation takes place as part of the internationalization initiative <strong>go-international</strong>, a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism and the Austrian Economic Chamber. Interested companies planning to participate in ISM 2027 should inform themselves early: The registration deadline for Austrian group participation is July 10, 2026.</p> <p>This structured support makes it easier, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses, to access a trade fair of this magnitude – a format that would otherwise involve considerable organizational and financial effort.</p>

<h2>Outlook: What the Realignment Means for the Industry</h2> <p>The combination of three specialized trade fairs under one umbrella brand is more than just an organizational restructuring. It reflects the reality of an industry in which raw material issues, production technology and end product development are becoming increasingly intertwined. For exhibitors and specialist visitors, the new ISM 2027 format promises an even more comprehensive view of the entire value chain of the confectionery and snacking industry – compactly bundled at one fair location and within a few days.</p> <p>Whether the proven international participation figures from 2026 will continue in 2027 remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that with the new structure, Koelnmesse clearly positions itself as a central meeting point for a globally networked industry – and thus sends a clear signal for the years to come.</p>