The decision, made in close consultation with the sponsors of both trade fairs, is due to the continuing rise in the number of infections and the associated lockdowns and international travel restrictions.
“We very much regret having to take this step. We were well-positioned and certain that we would be able to kick-start the sweets and snack industry again with ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2021,” said Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse.
“Amid the current uncertainty, however, our exhibitors and visitors do not foresee a dramatic change that would make trade fair participation possible in January. We will nevertheless keep pushing forward and start right away with preparations for ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2022.”
Hybrid live and digital format
Organiser Koelnmesse had planned a hybrid live and digital format for the trade event, but instead the two trade fairs are planning an online campaign to present significant industry developments, new products and trends in the sweets and snacks sectors.
“Trade fairs like ISM and ProSweets Cologne depend on the large number of national and international industry experts who are responsible for the quality of the event. We can no longer ensure this quality due to the very dynamic infection situation and further cancellations by exhibitors as a result, which made it impossible to maintain the number of registrations that were quite solid,” said Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.
“Naturally, we are disappointed. Nevertheless, now is the time to look ahead positively together with our customers. We here in Cologne continue to be ready to hold our trade fairs with maximum safety and hygiene measures and are already looking forward to a new edition of ISM and ProSweets Cologne.”
The next ProSweets Cologne and ISM will take place from 30 January to 2 February 2022. ISM celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and 2021 will be the first year the event will not have been held in its history.
