ISM Cologne 2026 – Cologne, Germany

Overview

ISM Cologne 2026, the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, takes place from February 1 to 4 at Koelnmesse, bringing together over 1,600 exhibitors from 70+ countries showcasing more than 1,800 brands in a 100,000+ sqm space. As the ultimate B2B platform for the confectionery and snack sectors, it highlights innovations from timeless classics to value-added products like sustainable packaging and plant-based alternatives, attracting 37,500+ professionals including retailers, distributors, and manufacturers for trend insights and global networking.

Co-located with ProSweets Cologne for suppliers and introducing ISM Ingredients—a new segment in Hall 10.1 for raw materials and semi-finished goods—the event fosters synergies across the value chain. From flavor fusions to smart snacks, ISM sets the agenda for future-proofing product ranges, with dedicated zones like the New Product Showcase spotlighting breakthroughs amid rising demands for health-conscious and eco-friendly indulgences.

Event Highlights

• Main attractions: Over 1,600 exhibitors present sweets, snacks, and novelties in themed halls, including Hall 10.1 for ISM Ingredients (raw materials) and the Lab5 New Product Showcase for exclusive launches like seaweed-infused treats and AI-optimized confections.
• Main activities or performances: Trend forums by Innova Market Insights on global flavors; live tastings and demos; networking sessions connecting producers with buyers from 140+ countries.
• Special traditions or features: The ISM Award honors industry excellence (e.g., 2025 winner Ulrich Zuenelli); co-location with ProSweets for machinery and packaging, now enhanced by ISM Ingredients for full-chain integration.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Buyer matchmaking via the ISM App; guided tours of innovation zones; sustainability spotlights on ethical sourcing, drawing 5.5% more exhibitors than 2025.

Why Attend

ISM Cologne 2026 is a must for sweets and snacks professionals aiming to capitalize on a €200 billion+ global market, providing unmatched access to 1,600+ exhibitors unveiling trends like functional snacks and zero-waste packaging that drive 15–20% annual growth. In Cologne’s central hub, forge connections with 37,500+ decision-makers from retail giants to niche importers, translating demos and forums into immediate deals and expanded portfolios amid consumer shifts toward indulgent yet healthy options.

The event’s expanded format, including ISM Ingredients, amplifies value by bridging suppliers and producers, with 98% of past attendees reporting new partnerships. Whether sourcing novelties or exploring ESG innovations, ISM delivers ROI through targeted networking and foresight, empowering you to innovate confidently in a competitive, flavor-forward landscape.

Date & Duration

Dates: February 1 – 4, 2026

Duration: 4 days

Venue / Location

Main venue: Koelnmesse Cologne, Halls 1–11 (with Hall 10.1 for ISM Ingredients) City: Cologne, Germany Notable areas: Trade fair boulevard connecting themed zones; New Product Showcase in Lab5; entrances via Süd, West, and North for easy access to sweets/snacks pavilions.

Google Maps address: Messeplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Online via the ISM Ticket Shop; pre-registration for digital badges and app access.
• Whether admission is free or paid: Paid admission for verified trade professionals.
• Ticket pricing in USD: Approximately $98 for a day ticket (based on €89).
• Any special seating or VIP options: No VIP seating; Buyers Club offers priority matchmaking for qualified attendees.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $98 (day ticket) to maximum $121 (season ticket, based on €110).
• Group rates available; includes VAT; no refunds, trade verification required.

Booking with Euro Travelo

Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe.

Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: ism@visitor.koelnmesse.de (visitor inquiries); info@ism-cologne.com (general).
• Phone: +49 221 821-0 (main line); +49 221 821-2323 (visitor services).
• Website: https://www.ism-cologne.com/
• Social Media: @ISMCologne (Instagram, Facebook); ISM Cologne (LinkedIn, Twitter).
• Key Staff: Not specified; exhibitor support via application team.
• Press/Volunteers: Press via presse@koelnmesse.de; volunteer info TBD via email.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English/German support available.

Getting There

• Nearest airport: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), 15 km away (~20 min by taxi at €30–40/~$33–44 USD; SB60 bus every 30 min to Koelnmesse for €3.10/~$3.40 USD).
• Public transport: From Cologne Hauptbahnhof (4 km), KVB tram 18 or regional train RE5/RB24 (10 min, €3.10); KölnTicket day pass €9.90/~$11 USD for unlimited regional travel.
• Parking: 18,000 spaces in P1–P18 lots (~€15/day/~$16 USD); disabled bays with shuttles; pre-book via koelnmesse.com to avoid peaks.
• By car: A3/A4 motorways, exit “Koeln-Deutz”; GPS 50.9414° N, 6.9753° E; follow fair signage to West entrance.
• Other: Taxis via Taxi-Eu (~€25 from center); bike rentals via Nextbike (€1/unlock + €0.10/min); accessible shuttles for PRM.

Accommodation Options

• Official partner: ExpoBeds/Koelnmesse for discounted rates; book via ism-cologne.com for proximity.
• Nearby hotels: Hyatt Regency Cologne (~$200–300/night, 5-min walk to Deutz, Rhine views); Excelsior Hotel Ernst (~$250–350/night, central, luxury).
• Budget options: Ibis Köln Messe (~$90–130/night, tram access); A&O Köln Dom (~$70–110/night, near Hauptbahnhof).
• Luxury/business: Hilton Cologne (~$180–280/night, conference facilities); Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt (~$150–220/night, EV charging).
• Other: 8,000+ rooms within 5 km; packages include transport; Airbnb in Deutz for value.

Reviews

• Overflowing with sweet innovations that nailed our holiday lineup—nabbed exclusive flavor collabs and walked away with contacts for year-round supply.
• The Ingredients expansion was a game-changer; connected suppliers to our production needs, cutting costs while boosting sustainable options.
• Pure indulgence overload—trends forums sparked our next campaign, and the global vibe turned browsers into loyal partners.