A change of venue will greet attendees at the International Sweets and Biscuit Fair (ISM) in Cologne, Germany, January 30 – Feb.  2, 2005.

The four-day trade fair for the confectionery industry is moving to newer, “Eastern Halls” within the massive Cologne Exhibition Center, affording exhibitors more space to display their wares.

More than 1,500 suppliers representing 72 countries showed off products in 2004, and a similar pool of vendors is expected for the coming show.

ISM features a wide assortment of end products intended for the retail trade including chocolate products, sugar confectionery, fine baked goods, snack items, ice cream and raw pastes.

ISM’s organizers at Koelnmesse  Inc. (one of the world’s largest trade show organizations) report that the ISM product assortment is broader than that of any other comparable trade fair.

Show attendance is limited to those with bona fide trade buyer credentials, which helps to promote a professional atmosphere at the show. More than 30,000 attendees are expected.

Among the highlights of the 2005 show will be a new focus on packaging that includes innovative solutions and the chance to make direct contact with representatives of the packaging industry.

Another highlight of the ISM experience is a Store Check Outing scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29. It’s a great way to glean insights into trends in European retailing.

Advance purchase of admission passes to the show is recommended. For information, contact the Chicago office of Koelnmesse at (773) 326-9920 or email info@koelnmessenafta.com.

Admission ticket purchasers may travel free of charge in second class on buses, trams and trains run by the Cologne Transport Executive  (KVB) and the Rhine-Sieg Transport Authority (VRS).

For the past decade, the National Confectioners Association has been presenting the USA Confectionery Pavilion at ISM. The pavilion attracts U.S. companies interested in reaching out to the international buying community. It features a variety of amenities designed to help exhibitors successfully do business in a European manner.

According to the association, buyers from around the world consider the pavilion a “must-see” destination during their time on the exhibit floor.