ISM/ProSweets 2023
ISM 2023 moved to April, organisers look at axing ProSweets
In a shock move, Koelnmesse GmbH has announced it plans to shorten the duration of ISM by one day and switch the dates for 2023 to 23 to 25 April. The organisers also told ConfectioneryNews it is considering scrapping its ProSweets manufacturing and ingredients event in 2023, which is co-located with ISM.
In a statement, Kolnmesse said the decision was made “in consultation with the conceptual sponsors of ISM and decision-makers in the industry”. ConfectioneryNews understands that at this stage the changes will only affect the 2023 event.
“The entire confectionery industry is currently facing extreme challenges with dramatic cost explosions for raw materials, energy and logistics as well as an almost incalculable consumer behaviour, according to the associations. The industry now hopes that the difficult situation will calm down again and that there could then be significantly better-planning certainty at the later trade show date in April 2023.”
Against a difficult background due to Covid restrictions in place in Europe, ISM/ProSweets 2022 went ahead at the beginning of this year as hybrid live-virtual event, but nevertheless attracted approximately 15,000 trade visitors from 96 countries.
“Of course, we weren't expecting a superlative trade fair or new records, but the fact that ISM 2022 took place underscores once more the fact that trade fairs with a clear business focus can be staged safely also in pandemic times and can offer their respective industries the urgently needed platform for the development and expansion of international business,” said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH.
Regarding 2023, ProSweets Cologne “is examining the possibilities for implementation in April in consultation with the trade fair's sponsors and will announce further details on this in due course,” the organisers said in a statement.
"With the one-time date shift, we are meeting the wishes of the confectionery and snack industry and thus ensuring the greatest possible business opportunities for all companies and visitors involved. It is important to us to provide a fully comprehensive overview of the global market for the confectionery and snack industry and to ensure the usual high quality of exhibiting companies and international participating trade visitors," said Böse.
Preparations for the event in April are already in full swing in order to provide all participants with maximum planning security and an optimum schedule for ISM 2023.
