ISM stands for global market success

It’s the largest and most important sweets and biscuits fair in the world: ISM in Cologne. Every year the international sector meets to introduce, discover and discuss the latest trends, the newest products and the most up-to-dates perspectives.

The entire global market is reflected in ISM’s range of products, which is broader than that of any other comparable trade fair. All of the relevant target groups in the world of confectionery are brought together here. Small, medium-sized and market-leading suppliers make direct contact with the global trade to fulfill the needs of tomorrow’s customers with innovative ideas, creations and concepts. And that ensures a profitable future for suppliers and customers alike.

Approximately 1,600 companies from some 70 countries will be exhibiting at ISM in Cologne, including the market leaders as well as small and medium-sized companies. More than 80 per cent of the exhibitors will be coming from abroad. The largest foreign contingents are from Italy, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, France and the UK.

The ISM will occupy 110,000 m² of gross exhibition space in Halls 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11 at Koelnmesse. The event can be accessed for the first time from the Entrance South as well as the Entrances East and West.

Swiss confectionery in demand at home and abroad

Sweet ideas for modern tastes

Switzerland's quality products are in strong demand worldwide. This is especially true of the confectionery produced there, which includes tempting baked goods and sugar confectionery in addition to the country's highly renowned chocolate products. At the upcoming ISM (Cologne), Swiss companies will be demonstrating the depth of their product ranges. Of the 34 Swiss suppliers coming to ISM, 16 will be exhibiting at the SWISS Pavilion in Hall 4.2, organised by Osec Business Network Switzerland. On show here will be famous specialities and many innovations - all in the top quality typical of Swiss products. Osec's alliance partners at this sweets and biscuits fair are the industry associations Chocosuisse and Biscosuisse.

Now as in the past, confectionery is associated with pleasure and the finer things in life. Swiss products, above all, embody this enjoyment. The most important trends that will shape the sweets and biscuits sector over the years to come include issues such as health, wellness, quality, superiority, wholesomeness and convenience. These are issues which Swiss confectionery manufacturers have already been addressing for several years.

Swiss confectionery in demand at home and abroad

Swiss chocolate, in particular, epitomizes high quality, fine ingredients and exquisite flavor. What's more, the Swiss have for many years been the leading nation when it comes to chocolate consumption - which stood at 11.6 kg per person in 2005. Swiss chocolate also has a strong fan base around the world, however. According to the industry association Chocosuisse, some 160,300 tonnes of chocolate were produced in 2005. Bars and small-format products make up the great majority of this output. More than half of the chocolate produced in Switzerland, i.e. 91,300 tonnes, was exported - a rise of 16.6%. Meanwhile "Swiss Chocolate" is a registered trademark that can only be used to describe products made from ready-conched chocolate or chocolate solids made entirely in Switzerland from cocoa beans, cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar and, in some cases, milk. In addition to the Swiss chocolate that is in such demand abroad, Swiss export hits also include biscuits and sweets. In 2005 46,000 tonnes of biscuits and long-life baked goods were produced by 23 Swiss manufacturers, with standard products and specialties accounting for the lion's share. Consumers in Germany and France, in particular, enjoy fine biscuits from Switzerland, and these countries are two of the main export markets. Small, innovative and very successful is how the Swiss sweets sector might be described. Of the 26,000-plus tonnes of sweets manufactured in 2005, 18,000 tonnes were exported. The figures are further evidence that Swiss sweets have come to be enjoyed around the globe. What's more, approximately 50% of the sweets made in Switzerland are sugar-free.

New ideas for connoisseurs

On show at ISM will be the full spectrum of confectionery, from mouthwatering yet functional (e.g. vitamin-enriched) sweets to fine baked goods and high-end chocolate products. For example, one exhibitor from the sweets sector will be showing top-quality sugar-free herbal sweets, dental hygiene products for adults and children, chewy pastilles in an attractive tin and sweets made with real Swiss fruit concentrate. Another exhibitor will be offering a range of chewing gum products, from the classic through to the functional. Swiss chocolate specialty manufacturers will also turn out in force - as usual - at ISM. Fine cream truffles and pralines, made with rum, Baileys and kirsch or other liqueurs and fruit pieces will offer a feast for the eyes and palates of male and female connoisseurs alike. The same exhibitor will also be proving that there is no reason a lolly shouldn't be made of chocolate. Featuring typically Swiss themes on their packaging, the lollies are the perfect token for children large and small. Easily confused with the original, and yet completely harmless, is the Swiss Army Knife with a fine praline filling, now available in a souvenir tin. And for something new at the dining table, with your coffee or on top of your pudding, why not try the Swiss-Choco Roulett - a sweet idea borrowed from the cheese world and based on the curls produced from the familiar wheel of Tête-de-Moine.

Grand Cru in many guises

Authentic specialties made to traditional recipes, liqueur chocolates and light and delicate mousses in bar form or as bite-sized pralines are on show from another well-known international exhibitor. In the premium chocolate segment, it is mainly dark chocolate that is charting the path of growth. Here, too, Swiss manufacturers are expanding the range of products they offer. Grand Cru pralines and chocolates, spiced truffles, wafer thin filled chocolate squares and colored pralines are further highlights awaiting visitors to the fair. Another exhibitor proves that not even diabetics have to do without their fine Swiss chocolate. A large number of attractively-packaged seasonal products appeal to the eye as well as the palate. What's more, several companies offer certified organic chocolate products. Long-life baked goods are also represented, and visitors can look forward to new baked goods lines in the premium segment in the future. In addition, a specialist will be putting forward its wide range of cereal and fruit bars, with special recipes for different target groups. Low-calorie, low-fat bars are just one of the new products on offer.

«SWISS Pavilion» | Hall 4 | Booth no. K009 / L009-L039 / M010-M038

For more information about Swiss market please contact
ROBERT ASTOR Zurich, www.robertastor.ch

The organisers of ISM are Koelnmesse and the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Working Group (AISM)