ISM/ProSweets 2022

Organisers confident of a successful ISM/ProSweets 2022, as international companies commit

08-Nov-2021 - Last updated on 08-Nov-2021 at 12:17 GMT

Back on track: Organisers remain confident of a successful ProSweets/ISM event next year in Cologne. Pic: Koelnmesse

Applications from 65 countries - and extensive safety and hygiene concepts mean one of the world's largest confectionery expos looks set to go ahead early next year.

Koelnmesse, organisers of the ISM/ProSweets trade fair, said it is optimistic about next year’s event in Cologne after it reported that approximately 1,300 exhibitors and 80% of exhibition space has already being booked.

Three months before the opening of the trade fair, it said 24% of the exhibition space has been booked by German companies and 76% from overseas.

ISM/ProSweets is one of the leading global trade fair for sweets and snacks and covers seven halls at the Koelnmess exhibition centre. In total, 27 country pavilions from 22 countries and regions have already registered, with exhibitors from 65 countries, including North Africa, South America and Asia. Country participation with the highest number of exhibitors come from Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, France, the Netherlands and the USA, organisers said.

"We are delighted with this positive result. It shows how important ISM is for the industry as a central business meeting point. With our trusted safety and hygiene concept, #B-SAFe4business, we ensure comprehensive safety as we have already demonstrated in the course of trade fairs like Anuga," said Sabine Schommer, Director ISM.

The requirement for all attendees to be fully vaccinated, or have recovered from an infection within the last six months (but at least 28 days ago), or test negative for Covid, applies throughout the trade fair grounds.

Admission to Koelnmesse will be by digital admission tickets using the ISM app. This ticket must be presented together with recognised digital proof of full vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery – a measure that will eliminate waiting times and ensure the safety of all trade fair participants.

Organisers said attendees must also continue to wear a medical mask and maintain social distancing of 1.50 metres, and while some restrictions are mandatory, at the time of writing, Germany has relaxed some if its laws and it is no longer necessary to take contact tracing details at the stands or in the catering areas or to keep count of visitors in the stand areas.

“The blanket restriction on the number of people at trade fair stands has also been relaxed, although social distancing must still be observed. The mask requirement has been removed at fixed seating and standing areas. Masks can also be removed when tasting food or beverages. Sneeze guards are no longer required at fixed seating and standing areas. In addition, exhibits and info counters can now be placed at the edges of stand areas again and exhibitors can also hold ‘get-togethers at their stand,” said Koelnmesse.