ProSweets Cologne/ISM 2022 issues update as coronavirus cases rise in Germany

Speaking to ConfectioneryNews, Anne Schumacher, Vice President Food & Food Technology of Koelnmesse, said: "We are looking positively to the upcoming ISM and ProSweets Cologne. Even after the Prime Minister’s Conference on 7 January 2022 on corona issues and the new Corona Protection Ordinance of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, both trade fairs, as pure B2B events, are not subject to the current ban on large public events and can be held with strict trade visitor control in accordance with our proven safety rules.​

“Thus, we are continuing the planning for ISM and ProSweets Cologne on this basis and, together with the participating companies and visitors, we are looking forward to seeing you again and to a multitude of new impulses in January 2022.”​

On Wednesday (12 January), Germany reported 80,430 new coronavirus infections, the highest recorded in a single day since the pandemic began.

As part of the new restrictions announced last week to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country, customers will now need to provide a negative COVID test or proof of a booster shot to enter bars and restaurants.

The latest rules change follows a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and state leaders where they also agreed to shortening quarantine and self-isolation periods.

Winner of the 2022 ISM Award

Luigi Zàini, CEO of  Italian sweets manufacturer Luigi Zàini, will receive the prize for the first time at a presentation during the festive ISM dinner on 30 January, hosted by Dr Massimo Garavaglia, CEO of the De' Longhi Group.

Luigi Zàini has exhibited at every edition of ISM since its premiere in 1971 and said he is is delighted at winning the ISM Award:  "I am literally thrilled at receiving this distinction, which is an honour for the company, for my sister and for me personally. My thoughts go immediately to all of the people who have been working for Zàini for generations and who together with our business partners have significantly contributed towards the company's success story. I would like to dedicate this prize to all of these people!"​

Founded in 1913, the company has stood by its guiding principals of diversity and equality.

Since 2019, Zàini has been in collaboration with Cocoa Horizons, and the company supports the sustainable cultivation of high-quality cocoa in order to enable farmers in Cote d’Ivoire enjoy better living conditions - specifically women, thanks to a project focused on a female entrepreneurial activity.

The award winner is also well-known for his child-friendly chocolate, by producing chocolate eggs filled with collectable toys. Other cocoa products include spreads containing cereals low in sugar and fats.