The global sweets and snacks industry converges at the end of January in Cologne to showcase products, ingredients and manufacturing solutions. Ism 2027 takes place from 31 January to 3 February 2027 and brings together the full value chain under a reorganized fair structure.
What is new at Ism 2027
From 2027 the brand is structured into three platforms: ISM for finished products, ISM Ingredients for raw materials and semi-finished products, and ISM Manufacturing for suppliers and production technology. The change clusters exhibitors by role within the Exhibition Centre Cologne.
Key figures for the show
Ism 2027 presents around 1,600 exhibiting companies from 72 countries with a foreign share of 87 percent. That international mix places manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and production vendors in direct proximity for business talks.
Venue and dates
Ism 2027 runs from 31 January to 3 February 2027 at Exhibition Centre Cologne. Stand planning, set-up schedules and exhibitor services are handled through the show’s operational channels managed by Koelnmesse.
Programme highlights and special areas
The live programme includes formats such as the Talk & Tasting Stage and curated areas like the New Product Showcase and Lab5. Awards on the agenda include the ISM Award and the ISM Start-Up Pitches Award 2027. ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing form dedicated theme worlds for suppliers and technology.
Practical prospecting advice for exhibitors and visitors
Segment your targets: focus on confectionery manufacturers, snack developers, ingredient companies and equipment suppliers. Prepare concise commercial materials and product samples suitable for short meetings. Use the event’s meeting tools to schedule priority conversations and divide roles in your team between strategic meetings and lead generation on the exhibition floor.
Visit the New Product Showcase early to map launches and join sessions at the Talk & Tasting Stage to identify trending topics that open technical conversations. Assign a team member to monitor the Networking Area for spontaneous contacts and to follow up leads immediately after initial meetings.
Closing note and official link
For companies active in confectionery, snacks, ingredients or food manufacturing, Ism 2027 concentrates relevant partners and formats to test product concepts and supplier relationships. Check exhibitor applications, hall plans and event services at the official site http://www.ism-cologne.com and plan your presence around the ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing zones.
