The leading trade fair for sweets and snacks in Europe has already received applications from 56 countries and all continents, as well as a current 40% increase in space booked compared to last year's event, organisers said.
It is usually held at the beginning of February in Cologne but has been moved to April in 2023 as a one-off occurrence.
The ProSweets manufacturing show, which usually runs alongside ISM, will also take place next year as a 'special event'.
Instead, ISM will focus on the themes and challenges of the confectionery industry, including climate, raw materials, energy, supply chains and logistics.
Health and digitalisation will also be key themes of the supporting programme of ISM 2023.
“In the course of this discussion, resilience and a sustainable, resource-saving production of sweets and snacks is called for more than ever,” said Sabine Schommer, Director ISM.
“At the coming edition, beside the presentation of products, the emphasis will above all lie on the contents and themes of the industry. The personal exchange plays a significant role here, which we are dedicating new event and networking formats to."
More than 30 pavilions have already confirmed their participation, including applications from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the USA. Also groups from the People's Republic of China, Latvia, Lithuania and Taiwan, which didn't take part in 2022, are back on board again, too.
As in previous years, ISM is also displaying a strong international alignment. The companies that have already confirmed their participation include Baronie (Belgien), Canel’s (Mexico), Cloetta Holland (the Netherlands), Colombina (Colombia), Dan Cake (Denmark), Elvan (Turkey), Fazer (Finland), Hamlet (Belgium), Hellema – Hallum (the Netherlands), ICAM (Italy), Kervan (Turkey), Loacker (Italy), Luker (Colombia), Kambly (Switzerland), Manner (Austria), Millano (Poland), Natra (Spain), Nestlé Italiana (Italy), Peccin (Brazil), Roshen (Ukraine), Royal Fassin (the Netherlands), Sölen (Turkey), Toms (Denmark), Valor (Spain), Vidal (Spain) as well as Wawel (Poland).
Alongside individual stand areas, the trade fair also offers special zones for start-ups or newcomers and theme-oriented areas such as Trend Snacks or the specialised trade section "Finest Creations – hand-crafted". The latter celebrated its debut in 2022 and attracted a high level of interest, said Kolenmesse.
