Cémoi CEO Poirrier wins ISM2020 Award as trade fair celebrates new confectionery innovations

Cémoi was founded in 1814 and is one of France’s main chocolate manufacturers, considered a guardian of French chocolate production and a champion of sustainability reflected in its ‘Transparence Cacao’ programme.

Poirrier represents the third generation of the family’s control over Cémoi and said he was “delighted​” to win the Award, and was proud of his entire Cémoi team. The award pays tribute to exceptional services to the confectionery and snack industry.

“Without their services, I wouldn't be standing here today​, he said. “I am also proud of the cocoa farmers, who are partners of our ‘Transparence Cacao’ programme and thus contribute towards the success of the French chocolate manufacturer​."

Cémoi introduced its first organic series of chocolate onto the market last April and is working alongside the consumer brand ‘C'est qui le Patron?’ for the production of fair and sustainable chocolate.

ISM New Product Showcase: The top innovations of 2020

Organizers says that, in total, 100 exhibitors from 33 nations took part in this year's New Product Showcase and with 178 products on show. The selection of the top innovations was made by an independent jury of experts from the industry, trade and field of science.

First place went to Dr Karg's Bio Lentil Snacks, a healthy nutritious snack based on the plant-based protein of lentils.

Petit Melo took silver with its fresh twist on classic melo cake, transforming it into a high-quality product covered in a light marshmallow foam and premium Belgian chocolate.

"We are very proud to be in second place at the ISM fair's New product Showcase. This is one of the most important events of the year for us and the chocolate business​," said Jelle Vandenbulcke, CEO of Chocolatier Vandenbulcke. "It is the reward for our team's hard work over the past year. It is also a confirmation for us that, with our new strategy, which is fully committed to the quality and sustainability of the product and the world around it, we made the right decision​."

Licorice Cooky, which finished third this year, is the first licorice biscuit and stands out with an innovative new mixture – comprising a crunchy cocoa double-decker biscuit with a unique licorice cream filling.

ISM Packaging Award

The winner of ProSweets ISM Packaging Award went to German manufacturer Froben Druck with its ‘labels made of grass paper’.

Its innovative labels, made of grass paper, are more sustainable and more eco-friendly than paper that is gained from wood. A spokesperson for the company said “the grass paper production only requires a fraction of the energy, water and chemicals and makes an ideal supplement to the host of high-quality natural and designer papers​”.