When and where does ISM Cologne 2027 take place?

ISM Cologne 2027 takes place from 31 January to 3 February 2027 at Koelnmesse, Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne, Germany

What is the new umbrella brand structure for ISM from 2027?

From 2027 onwards, Koelnmesse is bundling three specialised trade fairs under the ISM umbrella brand: ISM Snacks & Sweets (finished products), ISM Ingredients (raw materials and semi-finished products), and ISM Manufacturing (production and packaging technology, formerly ProSweets Cologne)

Who organises ISM Cologne?

ISM Cologne is organised by Koelnmesse GmbH

What are the opening hours for visitors?

For visitors, the fair is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 31 January – 2 February 2027, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on 3 February 2027

How can I contact the organiser?

You can reach Koelnmesse by phone at +49 221 821-0, by email at info@koelnmesse.de, or via the contact form on the ISM Cologne website

Is there an official event app?

Yes, the official ISM Cologne app is available approximately three months before the event. It helps attendees find partners, generate leads, and network efficiently

ISM Cologne 2027 | TradeShowIntel

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at ISM Cologne 2027 include 1882 SRL, Arcfox GmbH, Aromsa Besin Aroma ve Katki Madd. San. ve Tic. Ltd. Sti., California Natural Color and Confiserie Moehlenkamp OHG.

1882 SRL
Arcfox GmbH
Aromsa Besin Aroma ve Katki Madd. San. ve Tic. Ltd. Sti.
California Natural Color
Confiserie Moehlenkamp OHG

Event overview

Overview

ISM Cologne 2027 represents a strategic repositioning of the world's leading trade fair for sweets and snacks.

From 2027 onwards, Koelnmesse is bundling three specialised trade fair formats under a single, strong ISM umbrella brand: ISM Ingredients (focusing on raw materials, functional ingredients, and semi-finished products), ISM Manufacturing (covering machinery, systems, packaging, and production technology), and ISM Snacks & Sweets (the renamed successor to the original ISM, showcasing finished sweets, snacks, and retail concepts)

TL;DR

1World's leading trade fair for the sweets and snacks industry, held annually in Cologne
2Introduces a new umbrella brand structure in 2027, uniting ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing, and
3Covers the entire value chain – from raw materials and ingredients, through production and
4Expected to feature over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 75 countries and 33,000 visitors
5ISM Manufacturing, the successor to ProSweets Cologne, has already seen a 12% increase in

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Retail buyers and purchasing managers from retail chains, wholesalers, importers, and convenience stores

Product developers, innovation managers, and R&D specialists seeking new ingredients, flavours, and textures

Production and operations managers looking for efficiency, automation, and quality upgrades

Procurement officers and technical buyers sourcing raw materials, machinery, and packaging solutions

Packaging engineers and quality management experts

Foodservice operators and online retailers

Industry representatives from trade magazines and associations

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Manufacturers and distributors of chocolate and chocolate products, sugar confectionery, biscuits, and snack foods

Suppliers of raw materials, functional ingredients, flavours, and semi-finished products for the confectionery and snack industry

Providers of machinery, systems, packaging materials, and production technology

Companies offering automation, robotics, AI, and quality management solutions for sweets and snacks production

Suppliers of operating equipment and auxiliary devices for the production process

Trade magazines, associations, and industry service providers

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Chocolate and chocolate products

Sugar confectionery (sweets, gums, jellies, lozenges, pastilles, candies, caramels, tablets)

Biscuits

Snack foods (savoury snacks, nuts, crisps, meat snacks, fish snacks)

Trend Snacks and Natural Sweets (organic, vegan, free-from, functional products)

Breakfast Snacks (cereal bars, muesli, breakfast cereals)

Ice cream, deep-frozen confectionery / raw pastes

Trade magazines, associations

Basic ingredients (cocoa, nuts, oilseeds)

Fats and oils

Aromas and flavorings

Colors and colorants

Stabilizers, emulsifiers and texturizers

Additives and functional ingredients (e.g. sweeteners)

Semi-finished products

Innovative, sustainable and alternative raw materials

Packaging materials (primary, secondary and transport packaging, sustainable materials)

Packaging technology (machines, systems for packaging, labelling, filling and sealing)

Production technology (machines, plant systems, automation, robotics, digitalisation)

Operating equipment and auxiliary devices (hygiene, climate, cooling, quality assurance, analytics, testing technology, certification, traceability)

Refrigeration and air-conditioning technology

Food safety, quality management

Automation, robots, data processing, open-loop and closed-loop control technology

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

4.14.210.110.211.111.25.21CC OstPassage 3/11Passage 10/11Passage 4/5Boulevard

Koelnmesse

Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne, Germany

Entrances & gates

North Entrance (Eingang Nord)

Köln Messe/Deutz

East Entrance (Eingang Ost)

Deutz-Mühlheimer Straße

South Entrance (Eingang Süd)

Köln Messe/Deutz

Floor plans & maps

Floor plan (PDF)Floor plan 2027 Hall & site plans Official venue page

Facilities

Parking

(P1-P22),.Messeparkhaus P22a(:Pfälzischer Ring 105, 50679 Cologne)

Accessibility

Food options

Minsu, Lommerzheim, Haus Zeyen, Grissini, Deutzer Brauhaus

On-site dining

Parking: Follow Koelnmesse’s dynamic parking signs. Exhibitor logistics vehicles should use the organiser’s eSlot process and the assigned check-in location.

Gate: Use the entrance printed on your badge or shown in the current ISM visitor information.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Exhibitors: 31.01.–02.02.20278:00 AM

–7:00 PM

03.02.20278:00 AM

–5:00 PM

Visitors: 31.01.–02.02.20279:00 AM

–6:00 PM

03.02.20279:00 AM

–4:00 PM

Dayticket (2026 reference)
2026 price shown; 2027 pricing not yet published
€109.00
Seasonticket (2026 reference)
2026 price shown; 2027 pricing not yet published
€164.00

Ticket info

Badge collection

Badge collection details not specified on the official site. Typically, badges are collected on-site with proof of registration and trade

Ticket notes

Ticket prices for 2026 are provided as reference (Dayticket EUR 109.00; Seasonticket EUR 164.00). 2027 pricing not yet published

Build-up & tear-down

Setup starts28 Jan 2027

Setup ends30 Jan 2027

Teardown starts3 Feb 2027

Teardown ends4 Feb 2027

Who runs the show

Organisers

Koelnmesse GmbH

Organiser

Website

Koelnmesse GmbH General Contact

Organiser

Email Call Website

Paula Tiutiu

Sales Manager Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands

Email Call Website

Guido Hentschke

Director Sales Operation Manager

Email Call Website

Claudia Majchrowicz

Sales Operations Manager

Email Call Website

Patricia Cox

Event Manager

Call Website

Maren Noormann

VIP Account Manager

Call Website

Patrick Schmitz

Press Contact

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Topic tracks

AI & DigitalizationSustainability & Climate StrategyPackaging & Production TechnologyIngredients & Functional SweetsTrends, Innovation & Start-UpsComplexity Management & TransformationDLG Career's Day

Co-located events

ISM Ingredients 2027

Separate ticket

ISM Manufacturing 2027

Separate ticket

ISM Snacks & Sweets 2027

Separate ticket

Co-located seminars

Talks & Tasting Stage

Paid

Cocoa & Chocolate Discovery Workshops

Paid

New Product Showcase

Paid

ISM Start-up Pitch

Paid

Innovation Stage

Paid

Awards

ISM New Product Showcase Award

Annual

2009,ISM., .2023,ISM

New Product Showcase AwardISM Consumer Award

source

ISM Start-up Pitches Award

Annual

ISM

source

ISM Award

Annual

ISM

source

Previous edition

Current edition

2027 · 40,000 visitors · 1,700 exhibitors

2027110,000,1,700,40,000(140,71%)

Forecast — not final

Visitors

32,500

Exhibitors

1,790

Exhibitor countries

Visitor countries

140

Growth over time

New this edition

1
ISM Ingredients
2026,ISM Ingredients,.87,ProSweets Cologne
Source
2
ISM Opening Night
ISM 2026ISM Opening Night,Confex,600
Source
3
ISM Start-up Pitches Award
ISM 2026ISM Start-up Pitches Award,FRENVI
Source

Next edition outlook

2027-01-31 – 2027-02-03

estimated

ISM 2027 will take place from 31 January to 3 February 2027 at Koelnmesse in Cologne. From 2027 onwards, ProSweets Cologne will be fully integrated into the ISM umbrella brand under the new name ISM Manufacturing, completing the consolidation of ISM Snacks & Sweets, ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing under one unified brand. The 2027 edition is expected to build on the momentum of 2026, which set records with 1,790 exhibitors, 32,500 visitors and 39 country pavilions. Early indicators point to continued growth in international participation and exhibitor bookings

ProSweets Cologne renamed to ISM Manufacturing and fully integrated into the ISM umbrella brand Unified brand architecture bringing together ISM Snacks & Sweets, ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing under one ISM brand Continued expansion of the ISM Functional Sweets area in response to growing market demand Enhanced integration of the three trade fairs for seamless value chain coverage Shared digital services including central website, unified ticketing, event app and standardised networking platforms

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

ISM 2026 cemented Cologne's position as the undisputed global hub for the sweets and snacks industry. The edition recorded 1,790 exhibiting companies from 75 countries (85% international) and 32,500 trade visitors from 140 nations (71% international) across ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne. The debut of ISM Ingredients as an independent format — with 87 exhibitors nearly tripling the former ingredients segment — demonstrated the industry's growing demand for specialised supplier platforms. The close spatial and thematic interlinking of the three events in Hall 10.1 was praised as clearly beneficial for efficient discussions and sustainable business development. The record 39 country pavilions from 29 nations underscored the event's unmatched international reach. Koelnmesse President Gerald Böse highlighted the event's strategic role: 'In times of volatile markets, the industry needs platforms that provide guidance and enable business deals. ISM 2026 provided precisely that'- 3

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

ISM 2026 attracted 32,500 trade visitors from 140 countries, with international visitors accounting for 71% of total attendance. Leading retail groups represented included Aeon, Aldi, Auchan, Carrefour, Colruyt Group, Coop, Edeka, Globus, Mercadona, Metro, Migros, Rewe Group, S Group, Salling Group, Schwarz Group, Tesco and Walmart, alongside drugstore chains such as A.S. Watson, dm-drogerie markt, Müller and Rossmann. European markets were strongly represented by Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, while China, Israel, Japan, Canada and the USA led non-European attendance. The event's consistently high level of international participation — with decision-makers from retail, manufacturing and the supplier sector — underscored ISM's role as a central business platform in a dynamic market environment

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

ISM 2026 delivered strong exhibitor returns across the value chain. The event brought together 1,790 exhibiting companies from 75 countries, with foreign exhibitors accounting for 85%- 6. The debut of ISM Ingredients with 87 exhibitors — nearly triple the former ingredients segment — demonstrated strong supplier interest in the new standalone format. The close spatial and thematic interlinking of ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne in Hall 10.1 was widely praised by exhibitors and visitors as enabling efficient discussions and sustainable business development. Record country pavilions (39 from 29 nations) provided exhibitors with enhanced international visibility and targeted networking. Exhibitor feedback highlighted consistent visitor flow and high-quality engagement throughout all four show days, with many reporting productive order placements and new partnership discussions. The 32,500 trade visitors from 140 countries, including decision-makers from leading global retailers, created a high-density B2B environment for exhibitors across the entire value chain

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Why it matters

ISM Cologne is a leading global sourcing platform for confectionery and snacks. Its co-location with supplier-focused formats gives buyers a broad view of finished products, ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and private-label innovation.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Reduced-sugar, functional, plant-based, and portion-controlled products are expanding across mainstream ranges.

Buyers increasingly expect traceable ingredients, responsible cocoa programmes, and credible environmental reporting.

Distinctive flavours, gifting formats, and high-quality ingredients help brands defend value in price-sensitive markets.

Shorter runs and faster product launches are increasing demand for adaptable processing and packaging systems.

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

ISM expands the sweets and snacks value chain

The Cologne platform increasingly connects finished-product buyers with ingredient and manufacturing specialists.

International sourcing remains central

Export-ready brands use ISM to meet distributors, retailers, and foodservice buyers from multiple regions.

Innovation focuses on health and indulgence

New launches balance sensory appeal with changing expectations around nutrition, transparency, and sustainability.

2027

20271 – 202711

ISM Cologne 2027(202713123,)

12–14 Jan 2027

PSI 2027 (Promotional Products Show)

Cologne, Germany

2027

website

31 Jan – 3 Feb 2027

ISM Cologne 2027

Cologne, Germany

2027ISM,ISM IngredientsISM Manufacturing.110,000

website

23–26 Feb 2027

Anuga FoodTec 2027

Cologne, Germany

ISM

website

15–19 Mar 2027

Gulfood 2027

Dubai, UAE

website

13–15 Apr 2027

ISM Japan 2027

Tokyo, Japan

ISM

18–20 May 2027

Sweets & Snacks Expo 2027

Indianapolis, USA

website

9–13 Oct 2027

Anuga 2027

Cologne, Germany

ISM

website

1–30 Nov 2027

Gulfood Manufacturing 2027

Dubai, UAE

website

20271

PSI 2027ISM Cologne 2027

20271.PSI(112-14)ISM(131-23)

2027

Anuga FoodTec 2027Gulfood 2027ISM Japan 2027Sweets & Snacks Expo 2027Anuga 2027Gulfood Manufacturing 2027

2Anuga FoodTec,3Gulfood,4ISM Japan,5Sweets & Snacks Expo,10Anuga11Gulfood Manufacturing

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · EUR

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

CGN

Cologne Bonn Airport

Primary international gateway for Cologne; confirm transfer time shortly before travel.

See live route

to venue

Varies with traffic

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

Public-transport corridor

Not yet confirmed

Prioritise a direct S-Bahn and regional rail connection to Koelnmesse.

Mid-range

Venue district

Not yet confirmed

Best balance of commute time, business facilities, and dining access.

Premium

City centre or venue district

Not yet confirmed

Suitable for hosted buyers, executive meetings, and client entertaining.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

S-Bahn and regional rail

Estimated costCheck current local fare

Best forUse the nearest station serving Koelnmesse

Usually the most reliable option during exhibition hours.

Taxi or ride-hail

Estimated costMetered or app-based fare

Best forAirport, hotel, or city centre to Koelnmesse

Allow additional time during morning and evening peaks.

Walking

Estimated costFree

Best forNearby hotels to the venue

Practical only where the route and weather are suitable.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Short-stay business visitor entry	Requirements depend on nationality and passport type.	Not yet confirmed	Varies by nationality

/., 62, 18090

ATA,.,.,ATA(IHK).,ISM Cologne 2027

Official visa page

Weather

Cologne in January is typically cold, commonly around 0–7°C (32–45°F). Rain, wind, and occasional winter weather are possible. Pack comfortable business footwear and a light layer for air-conditioned halls.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Koelnmesse is accessible from Cologne Bonn Airport by S-Bahn and regional rail, taxi, or pre-booked transfer. Check live schedules and allow extra time during peak periods.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Book early and arrive the day before the first important meeting.

Visa

Entry rules depend on nationality. Verify passport validity and business-visitor requirements with the official immigration authority.

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: Varies

Carry event registration and accommodation details if requested at the border.

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Venue district · City centre with direct public transport

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Use S-Bahn and regional rail, taxi, or a pre-booked transfer from Cologne Bonn Airport.

Hotel → venue: Choose a hotel with a direct connection to Koelnmesse.

Ride-hail: Use licensed local taxi or ride-hail services where available.

Public transit: S-Bahn and regional rail is generally the most predictable option.

Parking: Check the venue’s official parking page and book in advance where required.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: January

Temperature: cold, commonly around 0–7°C (32–45°F)

Seasonality: Rain, wind, and occasional winter weather are possible.

Packing: Bring comfortable shoes, business layers, and weather protection appropriate to the forecast.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: 2027-02-01

the first full show day is the strongest day for a first visit because the full exhibition and conference programme is active, giving attendees the best balance of international sweets and snacks sourcing, supplier meetings, and networking.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day