Monday January 30, 2012

ISM 2012 Kicks Off

Cologne, Germany — The ISM confectionery show opened yesterday with more than 1,400 exhibitors from 65 countries.

Among the trends this year, show organizer Koelnmesse identified pairings of chocolate with licorice, aloe vera and turnips and carrots, as well as an increased focus on the origins of ingredients such as cocoa, and pure products with no additives. Also showing up at the expo is lactose-free confectionery and baked snacks and an increasing emphasis on ethical concerns such as fair trade and sustainability.

On the snack side, Kolnmesse reports offerings of fruit and nut mixes including exotic fruits are growing, as are nut mixes featuring flavors such as curry sausage and hamburger.

Suppliers on the show floor said they expect to expand their business in 2012. “Our purpose is to meet with our customers, learn more about market situations and gain feedback on the products,” said A. Wibowo Bachtiar, export senior manager for Lotte.

Geert van Moock, managing director of Sula, says: “We're strong in Europe, but we want to expand into other parts of the world, especially America. We are looking for a U.S. distributing partner.”

On the USA Pavilion, companies displayed their products for the international and domestic wholesalers and retailers attending the trade show.

Stratton Sigler, Russell Stover Candies account manager, says: “ISM helps us reengage with existing customers and gives us the opportunity to meet with new customers for export.”

Jelly Belly Candy Co., Inc.’s Sharon Duncan, head of international business, says: “ISM is the one time we can get all our distributors in one place, so before the show opens we have our annual sales meeting and awards. We also get to see a lot of our international retailers.”

The dedicated space on the show floor for U.S. exhibitors has been successful, sources agree.

“This is our first time exhibiting in the USA Pavilion; last year we registered last minute and ended up in Hall 11 with the German exhibitors, so this has been a big improvement,” says Jeanie Morgan, president, Tung Toos.