From February 2 to 5, The confectionery and snack industry gathered at ISM and ProSweets, two benchmark fairs that are held simultaneously in Cologne (Germany) and continue to consolidate as a place of exchange, as an export engine, and an innovation platform for the sector.

In both fairs, the exhibitors opted mainly for high quality products with peculiar components in terms of flavors, as well as natural ingredients. In ISM you could see vegan and vegetarian products, with reduced sugar and fat, as well as fair trade products. At ProSweets, the focus was on flexible facilities that respect natural resources, sustainable packaging, and natural raw materials.

In addition, CONNECT2030 – The Future Summit for Sweets and Snacks, had a great reception. A congress dedicated to the future in which prestigious experts talked about examples of practical application of artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning.

Focusing on participation figures, ISM had 1,774 exhibitors from 76 countries (87.5% from abroad) and 37,000 professional visitors from 148 countries, reaching 70% of foreign attendees. While ProSweets involved 260 exhibitors from 32 countries (67% abroad) and 18,000 professional visitors from more than 100 countries, representing a foreign participation of around 70%.