PROSWEETS PREVIEW
ProSweets Cologne 2026 returns with a comprehensive programme highlighting innovation, sustainability and collaboration across the entire sweets and snacks value chain.
PROSWEETS COLOGNE 2026 SETS THE AGENDA FOR THE FUTURE OF SWEETS AND SNACKS
P
roSweets Cologne 2026 is sharpening its focus on future- oriented solutions and industry-wide exchange. Taking place alongside ISM and the newly independent ISM Ingredients
format, the event will bring together the full spectrum of the value chain in Cologne, from ingredient suppliers and technology providers to manufacturers and trade representatives. ISM Ingredients will be launched as a standalone format for the first time in 2026 and is already almost fully booked, signalling strong demand from raw material and ingredient suppliers. Together, ProSweets Cologne, ISM and ISM Ingredients aim to offer visitors a comprehensive overview of developments shaping the global sweets and snacks industry. “The demands on the industry are changing rapidly,” said Guido Hentschke,
Director of ProSweets Cologne and ISM Ingredients. “From volatile markets to regulatory pressure and new consumer expectations, ProSweets Cologne 2026 is designed to provide guidance. Our event programme goes beyond trend reporting by explaining connections, sharing practical experience and actively promoting dialogue across all stages of the value chain.”
Expanded networking and new opening event A key new feature for 2026 is the ISM Opening Night, which will take place on 1 February at the Confex conference and exhibition centre on the Cologne fairgrounds. The event will serve as the official kick-off to the trade fair week and is open to participants from ProSweets Cologne, ISM and ISM Ingredients. Alongside informal networking, the evening will host the presentation of the ISM Award, recognising an outstanding personality for exceptional contributions to the industry. Networking opportunities will continue with the ProSweets Cologne
Party on 2 February in Hall 10.1, offering exhibitors and visitors a relaxed setting to exchange ideas after the second day of the fair.
Knowledge hubs and content-driven stages At the heart of the event programme is the Expert Stage, located on Central Boulevard at the entrance to Hall 10.1. Serving as the central knowledge platform for both ISM and ProSweets Cologne, the stage will host expert talks and panel discussions addressing key industry challenges. As industry sponsor, DLG will play a major role in shaping the programme, including formats such as the DLG Careers Day on 1 February 2026, which focuses on young professionals, education and qualifications. In collaboration with knowledge partners Innova Market Insights and
Euromonitor International, the Expert Stage will also explore topics ranging from sustainability and digitalisation to artificial intelligence and broader economic and structural conditions impacting the sector. The Talks & Tasting Stage will return to Hall 10.1 with an expanded and more interactive programme. Combining live product tastings, creator presentations and expert lectures, the stage is aimed particularly at marketing, brand and innovation professionals seeking inspiration and consumer-relevant insights.
32 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025/26
Spotlight on start-ups, functionality and ingredients One of the new programme highlights for 2026 is the ISM Start-up Pitches Award, which will be presented for the first time on 2 February. Selected start-ups will pitch their business models and product concepts to a high- profile jury. Hosted by food entrepreneur, investor and start-up mentor Robert Kronekker, the session will culminate in an on-stage award ceremony, with the winning start-up receiving prize money in addition to the certificate.
ONE OF THE NEW PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2026 IS THE ISM START-UP PITCHES AWARD, WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 2 FEBRUARY
The close alliance between ISM, ISM Ingredients and ProSweets Cologne
will also be reflected spatially in Hall 10.1, where visitors can trace the full production process from raw material sourcing through to processing and packaging. Located here is Lab5 by ISM, bringing together more than 30 start-ups and scale-ups from 16 countries, alongside trend snack providers and exhibitors of handcrafted specialities. New features include the “ISM Functional Sweets” theme section, highlighting the growing market for confectionery products with added health benefits. At ISM Ingredients, the curated “Special Show Ingredients – Functional and Climate-Conscious,” developed with future agency
Haute Innovation, will focus on vegan alternatives, sustainable and functional ingredients, and food tech approaches, spread across a dedicated trend zone of around 200 square metres.
Packaging, regulation and guided insights The event programme will be rounded off by free, practice-oriented packaging workshops hosted with partner pacoon and additional experts. Topics will include packaging innovations, the use of artificial intelligence and the implications of the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Guided Tours will further support visitors, offering structured access to key themes such as future ingredients and the global sweets value chain. With its expanded programme and cross-industry approach,
ProSweets Cologne 2026 aims to strengthen its role as a leading international content and business platform for the sweets and snacks industry.K-Tron – precision feeding and weighing
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