Organizers for ISM say they have seen a 40 percent increase in booked exhibitor space — compared to last year’s event — despite postponing the 2023 fair from January to April 23-25.

Koelnmesse also reported it has received exhibitor applications from 56 countries, with more than 30 country pavilions confirming their participation. Groups from China, Latvia, Lithuania and Taiwan, which didn't take part in 2022, are set to return.

Among the participating companies from Germany are Dietrich Borggreve, Brandt, Cavendish & Harvey, Coppenrath Feingebäck, Genuport, Halloren, hitschler, Katjes, Dr. Klaus Karg, Klett Schokolade, Herbert Kluth, Krüger, Kuchenmeister, Niederegger, Georg Parlasca, Pertzborn, Piasten, Riegelein, Rübezahl, Schluckwerder, Conrad Schulte, Seitenbacher, Chr. Storz, Trolli, WAWI, Wicklein, Windel and Zentis.

Other confectionery companies set to exhibit include Baronie (Belgium), 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) and Wawel (Poland).

Alongside individual stands, the trade fair will also offer special areas for startups or newcomers, as well as theme areas such as Trend Snacks or the specialized trade section "Finest Creations – hand-crafted.”

Challenges related to climate, raw materials, energy, supply chains, logistics, health and digitalization are key themes of ISM’s supporting program. As an international industry meeting point, in addition to being the central discussion platform, the trade fair will also offer a display window for solutions and new product ideas.

ProSweets Cologne, the international supplier fair for sweets and snacks, is also being staged in April as a special edition and will focus on networking and a business exchange.