The "all things sweet" ISM trade show takes place 28–31 January in Cologne, Germany.
The ISM is always worth a visit, especially if you are a confectionery buyer or you like sugar! There is a grand diversity of all things sweet at the show.
ISM is mainly a finished-product confectionery show: 90% of the exhibitors offer packaged or finished product to retailers and food services companies. The show occupies 8 of the Cologne Messe halls.
The show has an international flavour featuring a pavilion for all large European countries. International pavilions include China, the US and Turkey.
The US National Confectioners Association has typically been the driving force behind putting together the US Pavilion in Hall 11.2 In 2017, the pavilion comprised roughly 30 exhibitors, including the California Raisin Marketing Board.
The show incorporates a confectionery ingredients section. The California Walnut Commission exhibited there last year. When asked whether they thought it would be appropriate for individual walnut producers to exhibit at this show, they responded that their presence was valuable because it was an opportunity to distribute shipper details and raise awareness, but an individual processor would struggle with sufficient leads.
There is also a coffee section in Hall 5.2 comprising 3–4 coffee bars and roughly 40 exhibitors. Excellent coffee for weary people (like TradeScope's Ted Horton) walking the whole show!
Get hold of Ted here for some sweet talkin'!