Confectionery makers and suppliers prepare for ‘Sweet Week’ in Cologne

ProSweets Cologne will bring the cumulative know-how of the international supplier sweets and snacks industry with 250 exhibitors, while ISM is going to be the ‘hotspot' for the innovations and trends of the sweets and snacks industry, with over 1,400 exhibitors from 74 countries.

Organisers Koelnmesse said this year there is an even closer content-related interlink between the two events, creating “numerous profitable effects along the entire value chain.”

Connecting the two shows under the scope of a ‘Sweet Week’ promises not only the latest industry innovations but also an extensive specialised programme and new event formats – including a joint lecture programme on the Expert Stage and the trade fair-connecting Guided Tours to accompany the close exchange.

ISM 2024

ISM 2024 presents a multifaceted product show highlighting current sweets and snack trends. A particular focus lies on the consumers' growing health awareness, reflected by the demand for healthy food options and sustainable ingredients. The exhibitors promise innovative solutions, including integrating sustainably grown, natural ingredients and upcycling raw materials.

"The synergies of the Sweet Week promise increased business activities and a strengthening of the industry in 2024. The numerous renowned international packaging and production machine manufacturers at ProSweets Cologne underlines the significance of the focused industry meeting point for the sweets and snacks industry. The priority lies on inspiration, the exchange and networking,” said Clair Steinbrück, Food Technology Vice President of Koelnmesse GmbH.

“The strong participation in the segments "Raw Materials & Ingredients" and the ‘Packaging’ segment is particularly pleasing. The trade fair supports these main themes by organising two interactive special shows in the respective exhibition sections - focusing on sustainability and innovation aspects."

ProSweets 2024

ProSweets Cologne 2024 is more practice-oriented and adds value to the industry. Visitors can look forward to highlights, including the Expert Stage ProSweets Cologne shares with ISM, where high-class lectures will be held, and an interactive event programme in the exhibition sections ‘Packaging & Packaging Materials’ and ‘Raw Materials & Ingredients’. Sensors that allow visitors to feel, smell, or taste will promote a further new event experience.

Furthermore, for the first time, Sweet Week is offering visitors the opportunity to engage in an exchange about the latest trends in eCommerce, online marketing, and the digitalization of supply chains. In addition, together with DMEXCO, Europe's leading digital marketing and tech event, new digital marketing themes will be presented especially for marketing directors this year in the scope of an interesting series of lectures. Among others, successfully implemented social media campaigns and the practical application of artificial intelligence will, for example, be addressed.

Organisers have confirmed that most exhibitors come from Germany, Italy, China, Turkey, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Spain and Switzerland. All of the main exhibition sections are covered - from packaging materials and machines to plants and automation through to food safety and operating and auxiliary equipment.

They said that ProSweets Cologne has also received a huge response in the ‘Ingredients and Semi-finished Products’ section. In this connection, and due to the present and future significance of this segment, the trade fair has built up its own line of communication (sweet & snackable ingredients) and has entered a cooperation with German Sweets.

• Prosweets/ISM Cologne runs from 28 to 31 January. See website ​for more information.​