ISM Trade Fair Trio To Unify Under One Brand In 2027
Koelnmesse announced that, beginning 2027, the three events currently known as ISM Ingredients, ISM Manufacturing and ISM Snacks & Sweets will operate under a single umbrella brand for the first time.
Brand architecture covers the entire value chain
The new structure links raw‑material sourcing, production processes and finished snack and confectionery offerings in one cohesive framework. Organisers say the layout mirrors how manufacturers increasingly view innovation, from ingredient research to retail concepts.
ISM Ingredients will remain the international platform for raw materials, functional additives, flavours and texture solutions. Exhibitors will showcase what the industry calls “ingredients of tomorrow,” ranging from functional ingredients, flavour and texture, through to solutions for product development.
ISM Manufacturing focuses on production, processing, packaging and related technology. The programme highlights mechanical engineering, automation, artificial intelligence and quality‑management tools designed to make factories more efficient and future‑proof.
ISM Snacks & Sweets, the former ISM, will host global snack and confectionery brands, innovative product launches and leading trading companies. The event serves as the primary meeting point for the market and retail side of the business.
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Shared services aim to simplify planning
Organisers will roll out a unified website, a single ticketing portal and an integrated fair app. A common networking platform is also planned, allowing participants to schedule meetings across the three formats without switching systems.
The consolidated identity is expected to improve orientation for exhibitors and visitors alike. By presenting a clear visual brand, the group hopes to boost international visibility and make it easier for newcomers to find relevant sessions.
The next edition of the umbrella event will take place in Cologne from 31 January – 3 February 2027. Koelnmesse’s vice‑president of Food and Food Technology, Bastian Mingers, said the move reflects a “holistic approach to innovation” in the snack and sweets sector.
He added that the unified brand “strengthens collaboration and opens up new, more intensive opportunities for business, exchange, and innovation.”
For more information, visit www.ism-cologne.com.
