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Gama spoke to Sabine Schommer, Director, ahead of the latest edition of ISM.
What are your expectations for ISM 2026?
We are looking forward to ISM 2026 with great optimism. Four months before the start, we have already exceeded the booking level of the previous event – a clear signal of the industry’s strength and confidence in the event. With exhibitors from over 70 countries and a new record number of pavilions, it is once again clear that ISM is and remains the world’s leading platform for confectionery and snacks. We expect intensive business negotiations, fresh impetus for international exchange and many innovations that will shape the market in the coming years.
Read this Tradeshow Look Ahead in the next issue of Gama News.
Are there any new trends or product categories making their debut at the show this year?
Yes, with the new ‘ISM Functional Sweets’ area in Lab5 by ISM in Hall 10.1, we are addressing one of the most dynamic trends in the industry. More and more consumers are seeking products that combine enjoyment with health and well-being. From sweets with added vitamins to fruit gums with probiotics or herbal products for stress reduction – the variety highlights how the market is evolving towards more conscious consumption.
What are some highlights from the event’s innovation platform or awards program?
A special highlight this year is the ISM Start-up Pitches Award, which will be presented for the first time in 2026. Eight selected start-ups will present their ideas and products live on the Talks & Tasting Stage in front of a panel of experts – providing valuable insight into the future of the confectionery and snack industry. The New Product Showcase, meanwhile, will select the three most exciting new products developed since the last ISM. The programme is rounded off by the prestigious ISM Award, which honours an outstanding personality for their lifetime achievement during the ISM Opening Night.
What are some highlights from the event’s innovation platform or awards program?
The new ISM Opening Night is a perfect example of this. It provides an inspiring start to the fair for all ISM participants on the first day of the fair at our new Confex. Exhibitors, visitors and partners can network, exchange ideas and kick off the fair together in a relaxed atmosphere. And we’ve also introduced two digital guided tours on the topics of ‘Reformulated Products’ and ‘Social and Environmental Approaches’, which take visitors straight to exhibitors offering particularly innovative solutions.
About ISM
Welcome to the ISM – the international meeting point for those who love sweets and snacks! Experience the industries in all their variety: from timeless classics to innovative products with real added value. Use the trade fair to make your product range future-proof, to connect with international manufacturers – and discover the trends that will shape the market tomorrow, today.
