ProSweets Cologne and ISM 2025 reaffirmed their status as the leading global trade fairs, blending innovation, business, and networking to shape the future of the sweets and snacks industry. Kiran Grewal reports.
ProSweets Cologne and ISM 2025 once again cemented their status as the leading global trade fairs for the sweets and snacks industry, delivering a vibrant platform for business, innovation, and networking. From February 2 to 5, Cologne became the epicenter of industry advancements, with an atmosphere of optimism and a forward-thinking spirit driving both events. ProSweets Cologne, the key supplier fair, impressed with a refined hall layout, new content formats, and over 250 exhibitors from 32 countries, fostering dynamic exchanges and hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge production solutions. Meanwhile, ISM Cologne reinforced its reputation as the world’s leading sweets and snacks trade fair, experiencing a 5.5% rise in exhibitors and attracting 32,000 visitors from 135 countries.
New initiatives such as Creator Day and the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage showcased the industry’s adaptability and commitment to innovation. As esteemed media partners, Kennedy’s Confection noted many advancements in new technology and a focus on efficiency and sustainability, with many exhibitors boasting quality conversations and a buzz in the halls. Beyond this, the networking was raised to a new level because the event promoted the exchange and the collaboration between international suppliers, sweets manufacturers and innovative start-ups.
Exhibitor comments
Attending ProSweets Cologne 2025, it was evident that the event continues to solidify its role as a key global hub for the confectionery supply industry. Exhibitors were notably impressed by the quality of trade visitors, leveraging the fair as an essential platform for business negotiations, networking, and industry knowledge exchange. Beyond discussions, the fair was a showcase of innovation in action, many exhibitors opted for hands-on demonstrations of advanced machinery and production solutions, allowing visitors to engage with cutting-edge technology firsthand.
At ProSweets, Winkler und Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen (WDS) made waves with the debut of its MogulPRO, a groundbreaking advancement in mogul technology for gum and jelly production. The new system features a revolutionary chainless pusher mechanism, setting a new benchmark in efficiency and precision for confectionery manufacturing.
Beyond this technological leap, WDS also showcased its comprehensive range of confectionery production systems, catering to various output capacities, alongside innovative service and digitalisation solutions. A key highlight was the growing SweetConnect partner network, reinforcing the industry’s shift towards interconnected and intelligent manufacturing.
The WDS stand attracted a highly engaged international audience, with visitors eager to explore the latest advancements. Carsten Butz, Technical Director at WDS, highlighted the significance of face-to-face industry events, stating: “Personal interaction and meeting at international trade fairs provide a unique opportunity to understand our customers’ needs and develop tailored solutions together.”
Speaking exclusively to Kennedy’s Confection, James Hosford, Regional Solution Specialist Europe, Snacks and Confectionery Processing at TNA Solutions, reflected on the company’s success at ProSweets Cologne 2025: “ProSweets 2025 was a highly productive event, fostering valuable connections with both existing and potential customers at our stand. Efficiency, across energy, resource, and operational performance, dominated discussions, highlighting the industry’s increasing demand for a single-source partner to optimise manufacturing processes.”
James highlighted TNA Solutions’ unique position as a truly global, end-to-end solutions provider for confectionery manufacturers. “We offer seamless support at every stage, from project management and installation to aftermarket service, ensuring our customers can reduce installation time, lower maintenance costs, and minimise downtime,” he explained.
“New initiatives such as Creator Day and the Sweet Week Talks & Tasting Stage showcased the industry’s adaptability and commitment to innovation”
By streamlining operations through a single point of contact, TNA Solutions aims to accelerate innovation, improve staff retention, and ultimately drive higher revenue for its partners.
The importance of turnkey solutions and integrated automation was echoed by multiple exhibitors who showcased their latest advancements in predictive maintenance and efficiency-boosting equipment. By leveraging data analytics and AI-driven monitoring systems, companies demonstrated how manufacturers could gain better control over their production processes while reducing costs. Syntegon, was one such exhibitor, who showcased its comprehensive range of confectionery solutions. With a strong emphasis on integrated line solutions, the company highlighted its extensive expertise in providing innovative and sustainable production systems. From initial processing through to finished packaging, Syntegon demonstrated how its solutions can streamline the entire confectionery production process, offering attendees a firsthand look at the latest advancements in efficiency and sustainability within the sector.
Innovation at the forefront
For the first time, ProSweets Cologne and ISM were co-located as part of “Sweet Week,” a strategic move designed to integrate the supply chain and enhance networking opportunities. This shift allowed ingredient suppliers, packaging innovators, and manufacturers to interact seamlessly, fostering collaboration across all aspects of confectionery production.
The Sweet Week Talks & Tasting stage emerged as a pivotal element of the event, offering a well-rounded programme of interactive lectures, start-up pitches, live tastings, workshops, and podcasts. These sessions not only explored the cutting-edge developments in the confectionery industry but also tackled the critical challenges surrounding cocoa, offering new insights into sustainability and innovation.
A major topic of discussion was the upcycling of cocoa and the technological advancements in cocoa processing. As the cocoa industry faces growing challenges, from fluctuating supply chains to environmental concerns, innovative solutions are beginning to change the trajectory of the cocoa crisis. Experts highlighted new techniques such as cocoa byproduct upcycling and advanced fermentation methods, which offer sustainable alternatives while providing unique and diverse tasting experiences for consumers. These innovations have the potential to transform the chocolate industry, creating richer and more sustainable products in the process.
One of the highlights of the event was the sensory workshop led by food expert and futurist Hanni Rützler. Attendees sharpened their palates, learning to identify the five primary tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—and deepened their understanding of aroma through a series of expertly guided tastings. In an environment where the push for flavour exploration is just as critical as environmental responsibility, this session explored how sensory refinement can be used to elevate chocolate tasting and product development.
The Expert Stage brought together leading industry minds to tackle pressing concerns like sustainable cocoa farming, sugar reduction strategies, and plant-based protein alternatives. The Ingredients Special Show – Functional and Climate-Conscious showcased pioneering products, including lab-grown salmon (Wildtype, USA), bean-free coffee (Prefer Coffee, Singapore), and sustainable chestnut flour crispbread (My Makery, Germany).
The Mercosur Trade Agreement Panel, featuring EU Chief Negotiator Rupert Schlegelmilch and other industry leaders, examined how the agreement could impact global supply chains.
Another key highlight at ProSweets Cologne 2025 was the relocation of Lab5 by ISM to Hall 10.1, a strategic move that made this innovation hub more accessible to both exhibitors and visitors alike. A hub of creativity and cooperation, connecting manufacturers and suppliers through sections like the New Product Showcase, Start-ups, Scale-ups, Trend Snacks, and Finest Creations. Positioned as a dynamic incubator for emerging brands and artisanal products, Lab5 was a way of showcasing the latest industry trends but also providing a dedicated space for in-depth discussions around market shifts and consumer demands.
The majority of the exhibitors came from Germany, Italy, China, Turkey, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Great Britain and Spain. In total over 16,000 trade visitors from 85 countries attended ProSweets Cologne 2025 – an over 23% increase compared to last year.
The updated hall concept improved the event experience by placing a stronger focus on critical areas such as packaging, ingredients, and production technologies. This shift allowed industry professionals to engage directly with solutions tailored to their specific operational needs, aiding the fair’s role as a comprehensive platform for addressing both immediate challenges and future opportunities within the confectionery industry.
Strengthened networking opportunities
The fairs were not only about trends and innovation but also about tangible business opportunities. Exhibitors utilised hands-on demonstrations to showcase machinery, production solutions, and packaging innovations. The networking atmosphere reached new heights, with events such as the ProSweets Cologne Party facilitating valuable exchanges between industry professionals, suppliers, and emerging start-ups.
The introduction of ISM Ingredients in 2026, focusing on raw materials and semi-finished products, was a key announcement, reinforcing ProSweets Cologne’s commitment to strengthening the supplier-manufacturer relationship. At the same time, ProSweets Cologne will enhance its focus on machinery, packaging solutions, and food safety.
Recognising excellence
Ulrich Zuenelli, managing partner of Loacker and a member of the third generation of the Loacker-Zuenelli family, was honoured with the prestigious ISM Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sweets industry. Zuenelli’s leadership and dedication to the growth and evolution of the Loacker brand earned him widespread acclaim, making him a fitting recipient of the industry’s highest distinction.
In addition to this esteemed recognition, the New Product Showcase Award was presented to Primus Wafer Paper BV from the Netherlands for their innovative Yummy Super Sour Candy Paper. The product, which has quickly captured the attention of both consumers and industry professionals, impressed judges with its originality and appeal.
Meanwhile, the ISM Consumer Award went to Treets for their Vegan Crunchy Corn, a product that reflects the increasing demand for plant-based and sustainable options in the confectionery sector. This award highlighted the growing trend towards healthier, more environmentally conscious choices among consumers, positioning Treets as a leader in this shift.
A global impact
Beyond Cologne, ISM’s international reach was evident through its satellite events, ISM Middle East and ISM Japan, which provided vital platforms for market expansion. In an increasingly globalised food world these trade fairs play a decisive role as central points of contact for the diversity of the sweets and snacks industry. They particularly offer small, regional companies a strong quality brand locally and make it easier for export-oriented companies to gain access to the respective country markets and thus support their international business.
The next editions will take place from February 1-4, 2026, promising even more innovation, networking, and business opportunities for the global sweets and snacks industry.
Editorial contact:
Editor: Kiran Grewal kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk
