Highlights of the sweets trade fair 2025

ISM 2025 in Cologne presents exciting theme areas to you that make tomorrow's world of sweets come alive. Get to know the growing segment of halal-certified sweets and snacks in the Halal Market , a dynamic meeting point for production teams, traders and people interested in tapping into new markets. Are you curious about the current developments? Then, you should certainly drop by at the Trend Snacks & Natural Snacks Area of the sweets trade fair: Innovative highlights await you here - from vegan alternatives that are rich in protein through to natural, healthy gourmet products.

In the specialised trade section "Finest Creations – hand-crafted" the focus lies on high-quality, specialised sweets - you have come to the right place here if you are looking for special products for the trade. The Scale-up Area offers growing companies a platform where they can discover exciting innovations and establish new business contacts. The Start-up Area impresses with the creative ideas of young companies that inspire the industry with fresh approaches. ISM 2025 is your opportunity to get to know the latest trends, gain valuable inspiration and actively co-shape the future of the sweets industry.

Get an overall picture of the exhibitors and their innovative products at ISM 2025 in advance! From established brands through to dynamic start-ups – the diversity of the exhibitors reflects the entire spectrum of the international sweets and snacks industry. New flavour trends, sustainable concepts, technological innovations: You can find everything that is moving the industry here. Plan your visit to ISM 2025 in a targeted manner so you meet the suppliers that are relevant for you, establish valuable contacts and experience the latest products live.

Hall 10.1 is the centrepiece of the Sweet Week and unites innovations, interaction and networking. The focus lies on the Lab5 by ISM, which serves as the connecting element between ISM and ProSweets Cologne. Here the following awaits you...

• New Product Showcase: This special exhibition presents the industry's latest products.
• Start-ups and scale-ups: Aspiring young companies present their ideas and solutions.
• Trend Snacks & Finest Creations: Here you can discover the latest flavours and creations.
• Live Sweets Creation: At this interactive event you can watch sweets being produced live.

Furthermore, on 4 February, the GISMO Bar is inviting you to an inspiring get-together that focuses on innovation and exchange.

Expert Stage: The knowledge hub of the industry

The Expert Stage on the Central Boulevard, right next to Hall 10.1, offers well-founded expert knowledge on urgent themes like sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. The contributions of renowned knowledge partners like Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor International turn the stage into a hub for future-looking discussions.

Some of the programme highlights:

• "The Algae Advantage: Revolution of the sweets industry with microalgae" – Dipl. Ing. G. Mühlstädt, ALGENWERK
• "Sustainable packaging: Packaging for tomorrow" – M. Leibrock, CMO of PAPACKS
• "Artificial Intelligence - your new employees" – J. Lauten, CEO of Foodforecast Technologies
• "2025 Global Consumer Trends: What’s next for Snacks Consumers" – A. Tique, Senior Research Analyst at Euromonitor International

Sweet Week – Talks & Tasting Stage

In Hall 10.1 the combination between a knowledge transfer, interaction and enjoyment will become a highlight for all participants. You can...

• try the latest products and experience innovations up close.
• watch live podcasts with industry giants like food insider, T. Gross.
• take part in workshops on sensor technology and trend research by the renowned expert, Hanni Rützler.
• watch pitches by start-ups, hosted by the investor and business angel, Robert Kronekker.

The Sweet Week Production Summit is a special highlight on 3 February. This format unites production teams with the supplier industry and offers practical solutions for current challenges. Three-minute pitch sessions and targeted matchmaking results in valuable contacts and new business relations.

Inspiring lectures like:

• "AI in food production: Intelligent planning for more efficiency and sustainability" – M. Köhler, co-founder Optiwiser A.I. Solutions)
• "Production planning of the future" – N. Weichele, co-founder of OMMM Operations Management Solutions GmbH

show how production can be designed in the future. The ProSweets Cologne Party that allows the industry to network in a relaxed atmosphere rounds the event off.

The Sweet Week not only celebrates innovation it also distinguishes it:

• The ISM Award pays tribute to outstanding industry personalities.
• The New Product Showcase Award and the Consumer Award place the spotlight on novel, creative products.

The distinctions are at the same time indicators for the trends of the future.

The Sweet Week 2025 offers a perfect combination between innovation, practical relevance and networking. Comprising of interactive formats, top-class lectures and a diversified programme, it offers valuable impulses for a sustainable and future-proof industry. Cologne will become the centre of the sweets and snacks world in February 2025 - make sure you are there!

Further information on the events and the programme of the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair 2025 can be found here .