New dates from 30 January to 2 February 2022. Preparations for 2022 have already begun.
Koelnmesse, together with the leading associations of the confectionery and snack industry and the main representatives of the sector, was confident of being able to set up the 2021 edition of both ProSweets Cologne and ISM. However, the constant increase in infections, the consequent lockdown measures and limitations on international travel force Koelnmesse to cancel the hybrid edition scheduled from 31.01 to 03.02.2021 of ProSweets Cologne and ISM.
Koelnmesse reached this decision in consultation with the promoters of the two exhibitions. “Obviously this decision pains us a lot. We were well equipped and convinced that with ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2021 we could relaunch the confectionery and snack industry," said Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse. "However, due to the current imponderability, our exhibitors and visitors believe that the conditions do not exist to participate in the exhibition next January. In any case, we stay on the ball and dedicate ourselves with renewed energy to the organization of ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2022", continues Böse.
The digital format in the Matchmaking 365+ program will not be implemented either; an exclusively digital offer without the physical fair would not bring the desired benefits for exhibitors and visitors. However, both fairs are confirmed as an important platform for sector innovations and are planning a campaign to present the latest news, trends and developments in the sector in terms of confectionery and snack products.
"Sectoral fairs such as ISM and ProSweets Cologne live on the presence of numerous national and international experts, who form the qualitative core of the event. Due to the evolution of the pandemic and the consequent further cancellations by exhibitors, we are no longer able to guarantee this quality standard and the level of registrations recently communicated. Of course we are disappointed. However, it is now important to look forward with a positive attitude together with our customers. Here in Cologne we are ready to set up our trade fairs in compliance with strict hygiene and safety measures and we look forward to being able to propose a new edition of ISM and ProSweets Cologne", underlines Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.
"We are extremely sorry for the cancellation of ProSweets Cologne 2021. Never before in this period is information and professional exchange essential to help companies make safe food products. However, it is important to look to the future with optimism.
For the subcontracting sector of the confectionery and snack industry, ProSweets Cologne does not represent only a central meeting point, but provides ideas and innovations every year in terms of production, packaging and ingredients for the world of confectionery and snack products which are also essential for visitors to ISM”, explains Simone Schiller, director of DLG, the specialized center for food.
Preparations for the 2022 edition
Preparations for the 2022 edition have already started. Together with the promoters Koelnmesse will use the time available to develop the best format for ProSweets Cologne and ISM. Digital formats will also be proposed to supplement the physical fair. The next edition of ProSweets Cologne and ISM will be held from 30.01 to 02.02.2022.
Daniele Toni