Review of trends, innovations and full exhibition halls

ISM 2025 achieved record figures and convinced the trade audience from all over the world with exciting innovations and top-class awards. Themes like sustainability, digitalisation and new snack trends were the centre of attention. Lab5 by ISM as a playground for innovations and the interactive Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage provided forward-looking impulses for the industry.

Impressions of ISM 2025 in Cologne. (Image: Koelnmesse GmbH)

Plenty of exhibition stands and bustling halls characterised ISM 2025 in Cologne

International success of ISM in Cologne

The International Sweets & Biscuits Fair ISM 2025 broke records again:

Over 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries
Around 32,000 trade participants from 135 nations
A 5 percent increase in exhibition space

From globally-operating companies from Germany like Katjes, Lambertz and Trolli, through to international brands like Fazer (Finland), Cloetta Holland (Netherlands) and Millano (Poland) - the industry's largest companies and innovative newcomers poured into the trade fair city of Cologne.

Sweet Week: Success via cooperation

The premiere of the Sweet Week was a decisive step for the international sweets and snacks industry. Through the close cooperation between ISM and the co-located ProSweets Cologne, the entire value chain came under focus - from raw materials, to packaging, through to the finished product. This cooperation not only strengthens the industry's innovative power, but also promotes the international exchange and the development of new, sustainable solutions.

Lab5: Innovation hub for the future

Lab5 by ISM was a special highlight at ISM 2025 – the perfect stage for start-ups and scale-ups to present their latest snack ideas. Lab5 by ISM presented Finest Creations, start-ups and scale-ups, the latest and most innovative products on the New Product Showcase and Trend Snacks area.

The "Snacks On The Go" trend was especially under focus, i.e. innovative, quickly consumable and healthy, to-go snack solutions. In Lab5 visionaries met with curious industry professionals to talk about trends and push innovations forward.

Lab5 by ISM not only offered a platform for new products, but also valuable space for networking, inspiration and shaping the snack world of tomorrow together. In live tastings, pitch sessions and interactive discussion rounds, the participants got to know the latest developments and received direct feedback from skilled personnel.

ISM presented strong content on industry-relevant topics on the Expert Stage.

A woman gives a presentation to an audience at a trade fair. Information on global consumer trends and health can be seen on a large screen behind her. The ISM & ProSweets Cologne logo is displayed on the podium and the stage.

Sustainability, AI & enjoyment redefined

Industry experts delved deep into the most important trends of the sweets world on the Expert Stage:

Sustainability and alternative ingredients: Companies are relying strongly on plant-based alternatives and eco-friendly packaging.
Artificial Intelligence and digitalisation: AI-supported analyses are revolutionising the product process and consumer behaviour.
Sensory technology and personalised snacks: Tailor-made taste experiences are on the advance.

Visitors explore the ‘New Product Showcase’ exhibition at ISM, where innovative products are presented in illuminated showcases.

People visit an exhibition of new products at a trade fair. The showcases are arranged on white pedestals, while a large red sign reading ‘NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE’ hangs above the area.

Winners of the ISM Awards 2025

Special services and innovations were distinguished at ISM 2025

ISM Award 2025
The ISM Award went to Ulrich Zuenelli, managing partner of Loacker. This was in special recognition of his innovative contributions to the sweets industry and his life's work.

New Product Showcase Award
This award was presented to Primus Wafer Paper BV – its "Yummy Super Sour Candy Paper" impressed with its exceptional taste experience.

ISM Consumer Award
The ISM Consumer Award went to Treets Vegan Crunchy Corn – a product that demonstrates that vegan snacks don't make any compromises when it comes to taste and crunchiness!

After a successful trade fair, the industry is already looking ahead with full expectations to ISM 2026, which is being held from 01.-04.02.2026.

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