ISM 2013 gives international trade a long-term boost

FOR four days, Cologne was the capital city of the international confectionery industry. From 27th to 30th January 2013, sweets and snack items were the focus of attention for over 35,000 buyers from around 150 countries who came to the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair (ISM).

“Only ISM brings together all of the relevant global market participants from industry and the retail trade on such a large scale,” said Katharina C. Hamma, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse. “In this way, ISM underlines its position as the most important business and innovation platform for the confectionery industry. Within a mere four days, the top decision makers from around the globe were able to meet each other in Cologne.”

Bastian Fassin, chairman of the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Working Group (AISM) and Executive Committee member of the Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI), adds, “ISM is indispensable to the confectionery industry. It brings new momentum to national and international trade activities — for market leaders and medium-sized companies alike.”
The suppliers all reported that they had engaged in intensive discussions with well-informed and influential trade visitors. “I’m always impressed by the international scope of the trade fair and the high level of decision-making authority of its visitors,” said a manufacturer of fine baked goods. In addition to the presence of high-ranking decision-makers from the German trade, which was fully represented at ISM, top buyers, importers and distributors of confectionery products from abroad also travelled to Cologne. That’s why expectations are optimistic for both domestic and international business following the trade fair. “The discussions and negotiations that we conducted with qualified buyers during ISM were very promising,” said a chocolate supplier.
High visitor turnout
This year, ISM was once again characterized by the high percentage of visitors from abroad. At around 67%, this was a slight increase compared to the previous year. Correspondingly there was also an increase in the number of visitors’ countries of origin to around 150. The highest visitor numbers were recorded for Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, North America, Japan and the Middle East. With 1,402 exhibitors from 67 countries, the number of suppliers at ISM remained at a high level.
A new initiative introduced at ISM 2013 addressed young companies in the confectionery industry. Ten such companies — including some with only small budgets and limited staff — took advantage of the opportunity to exhibit in the “Newcomer Area” of the most important international trade fair for confectionery and snack items.
Innovations and new developments not only generated media interest but also emphasized the vitality and achievements of the sector. Once again the “New Product Showcase” reflected these developments. In 2013, 84 companies from around the world presented 120 products in this area. AlmoMercurial X Proximo