ProSweets and ISM 2016 review

Around 17,600 trade visitors were registered to attend ProSweets in Cologne this year, which corresponds to a 4% increase in the number of visitors.

The number of exhibitors also increased slightly in 2016 compared to the previous year.

“Here in Cologne, the supplier industry finds ideal conditions which enable them to present their new technologies to the innovative, investment-happy sweets and snacks manufacturers,” said Katharina C. Hamma, Chief Operating Officer, Koelnmesse GmbH, when the trade fair came to a close.

“The fact that the show is held parallel to ISM, offers the exhibitors of ProSweets Cologne the direct contact to customers from all over the world and thus unique synergies. This combination in the direct vicinity of their most important industry event also offers the ISM exhibitors significant added value,” remarked Bastian Fassin, Managing Partner of Katjes Fassin GmbH, on behalf of the ISM exhibitors.

Popular themes from ProSweets included flexible machines that can be adapted to change recipes and demands as a result of their fast set-up options. Individualised shapes and packaging are of great significance within the sweets and snacks industry and this was also reflected at the event. Natural ingredients continue to play a major role in the production. In order to increase the effectiveness and capacity utilisation of the machines, the speeds in the production and packaging areas are being further increased.

ISM had an increase in visitors too

The International Sweets and Biscuits Fair, ISM, that was held parallel, also closed with an increase in visitors. Around 38,000 visitors from 146 countries attended the trade fair, four percent more than in the previous year. ISM also recorded growth in the number of exhibitors: 1,601 exhibitors from 65 countries presented sweets and snacks from all over the world.

Once again this year, ISM exhibitors impressed the visitors with new products, innovative technologies and smart marketing concepts. The New Product Showcase – the central new products exhibition at ISM – was fully-booked and registered record participation with 120 display windows. The themes covered all aspects of the world of sweets and snacks.

Among others, two technological innovations were voted as top innovations by the ISM visitors. For example, Katjes took first place with the Magic Candy Factory, the world’s first food-certified 3D printer for fruit gums. Followed in second place by an innovative snack product: Spicy wasabi-flavoured coconut crisps by the Hamburg-based company Heimatgut. Third place went to the company Boncha Boncha from Taiwan, which can apply among other things selfies, but also other photo motifs, in excellent printing and colour quality to sweets and lollies. This confirms the ongoing trend towards personalised products, which enables the industry and trade to accommodate the individual desires and needs of the customers.

The sweets and snacks line-up at ISM also provided numerous alternatives for nutrition-conscious consumers. These include vegan and sugar-reduced chocolate, lactose-free biscuits and sugar-reduced filled chocolates. Natural aromas, colours and ingredients are a matter of course for numerous manufacturers. Also small, compact, frequently resealable packets across all categories, from savoury to sweet, shape the offer.

The next ProSweets Cologne is scheduled to take place from 29 January to 1 February 2017. The 47th edition of ISM will be staged in parallel.