ISM SWEETS
Cologne, Germany
The world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks
- Approx. 35,000 trade visitors from around 140 countries
- Opened by Federal Minister Friedrich- Positive mood and full diaries
- International business contacts and countless innovations
46th ISM in Cologne
ISM 2016 ends after four days pleased to announce an increase in the number of displays and exhibitors
Around 38,500 trade visitors (up 4%) from 146 countries
New product segments expand range of offers
Delivery fair ProSweets Cologne again successful
ISM – the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair – has ended after four days pleased to announce an increase in the number of visitors. Around 36,500 trade visitors came to experience and learn at the 46th gathering of the world's largest and most important trade fair for sweets and snacks. That is about six per cent more than in 2015. At 67 per cent, the proportion of foreign visitors remained stable. This means that a strong trade presence from Germany also contributed to the increase in numbers of visitors. "This year the ISM has once again made it clear how important the fair is for the confectionary trade both nationally and internationally," commented Katharina C Hamma, the managing director of Koelnmesse GmbH, referring to the positive results of the ISM 2015. This is because the fair was also able to record some modest growth in the number of exhibitors. Bastian Fassin, chairperson of the Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) noted that "the quality of the trade visitors was again impressive.
The producers are expecting strong and energetic business after the fair". The ISM was opened by German Minister for Food and Agriculture Christian Schmidt. After touring the fair he greeted participants at a conference held by the Forum for Sustainable Cocoa.
According to exhibitors, the quality of the trade guests at the ISM was consistently high. This is also confirmed by the visitor questionnaires as well as registration details. Top purchasers again came from abroad from large trading companies and importers. German trade was also strongly represented once again. As one supplier confirmed: "at ISM in Cologne we reach our important trading partners, whether from Germany or one of our many export markets". Another vendor noted: "we couldn't afford not being present this fair".
The visitors came from 141 countries. The increase in the number of visitors from abroad was spread almost evenly across all countries. The number of visits from Asia, particularly China and Korea, showed a modest increase. Eastern Europe saw a small decrease in its share of guest arrivals.
1,601 providers from 65 countries, 228 of them from Germany, participated in the ISM this year. As ever, there was demand for innovative products and marketing concepts, which the branch once again had on offer for its purchasers. The diverse range of offers at the ISM 2015 was underscored by, amongst other items, the special presentation "New Product Showcase", at which around 90 businesses participated. For the first time, all ISM visitors were called on to select the Top Three Innovations. The "SoundyCandy®" sweet from Turkish company Toller was voted first place. This product combines the properties of a candy with those of tingling granules. Second place was taken by Belgian chocolate manufacturer Fairy and its "Cho’Clair" creation. Swiss family company Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG was in third place for their "Secrets Dried Beetroots" – a combination of potato chips and red beetroot.
New product segments for the themes of snacking, breakfast and coffee were on display at the ISM for the first time. These segments were received very positively by both exhibitors and visitors alike. "The range of offers has expanded, providing new possibilities for presenting and purchasing," notes one exhibitor displaying in Cologne for the first time as part of the new product segments. "The response in trade was resounding," adds another supplier. "We are already planning our next appearance at the ISM."
COLOGNE TRADE FAIR HOTELS
There are plenty of reasons to join us FOR THE ISM COLOGNE Trade Fair .
You will meet knowledgeable industry leaders who will address a range of topics, link informative strategies for building your business, and learn how European demographics and psychographics differ from those in the U.S.
Put simply, if you want to tap into the vital European business market, you need to be at the ISM COLOGNE Trade Fair and Trade Show with TTI Travel, the Trade Fair Travel Specialists!
Visit a doctor.
Get a physical and update your vaccines. Depending on what country you are traveling to, you may need particular immunizations. Carry your medications with you on the plane so in the event your luggage is lost, you will have your daily meds on hand. Request a computerized medication list from your pharmacist in case of a medical emergency. And finally, check your insurance policy to confirm you are covered medically overseas, and if not buy travel health protection and medical evacuation insurance to be fully prepared.
Arrive at your destination country early.
Get the lay of the land by arriving a day or two before your meeting and hire a local guide to show you around. Contact the concierge at your hotel for recommendations on who to hire. Request the guide speak English so you can communicate and ask for helpful hints and tips that will be useful while you are visiting and doing business. Ask the concierge and your guide for suggestions of restaurants, coffee shops, and unique sites that are both safe and well regarded.
Give the U.S. State Department a heads up.
Notify the U.S. State Department and sign up to receive important information from the embassy about safety conditions, and be available via text or email should they need to contact you for travel alerts, natural disasters, or other emergencies. Utilize programs such as, "Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!" Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and refer to U.S. Passports and International Travel website for more information.
Contact your credit card company.
Nothing brings your trip to a screeching halt faster than frozen funds. Be sure to let your credit card company know when and where you'll be traveling so you can avoid the frantic call to unlock your card. Credit cards with magnetic strips are not always accepted by businesses, and some establishments do not accept credit cards at all, so make sure to carry a fair amount of local currency to avoid being caught off guard.
Make copies of important documents.
Make duplicates of the following: passport, driver's license, credit/debit cards, birth certificate, and insurance cards. Leave a set of copies at home or with someone you trust to retrieve the information. Pack another set carefully in your carry-on bag. Take a picture of your credit cards and security codes in case you need to access them immediately.
Anticipate technology challenges.
It may be difficult to find a place to charge your cell phone in the middle of the day while traveling. Consider bringing a backup solar powered battery charger. Depending on the country, you might need adaptors for your technology and electronics. Rather than bringing a suitcase full of hair tools and adaptors, invest in a less expensive hair straightener or curling iron when you arrive and use the hotel blow dryer. Even with an adaptor, some electronics can't handle the difference in voltage and will easily burn out.
Research your phone's travel capabilities.
Make a call to your cell phone company and discuss your options. I've found it worth the expense to purchase a travel calling plan when spending time abroad. Text messages and downloading any kind of data will quickly add up without a travel plan. Double check your phone settings and turn off "data fetch" for any programs on your phone that update on their own (i.e. Facebook). This will conserve your data until it's needed.
Brush up on the local language. You can test your skills using an app on your phone such as Duolingo or Google Translate. Don't underestimate a good old fashioned phrase book to get you through simple interactions. Familiarize yourself with the basics beforehand such as, "Hello," "Good-bye," "Excuse me," "My name is _____," "Nice to meet you," "Please," "Thank you," and "Where is the restroom?" to use as you go about your trip.
Photograph your luggage. Anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of losing their luggage can attest that trying to describe to an airport representative what your luggage looks like (i.e. black with wheels) can be vague. A baggage claim ticket is useful, but often lost during the flight and numerous layovers. Make an effort to attach something notable to your suitcases and take a picture of your baggage with your cell phone. Now you can easily identify your luggage in the sea of black bags.
Do your homework. Cultural customs differ from country to country, and it's always prudent to be prepared before you arrive. For example, some countries encourage tipping while others do not. Some regions are close communicators while others are more reserved. It's in your best interest to know something about the culture, etiquette, religion, business values, and particular communication styles before landing on foreign soil.
TTI Travel International Trade Fair Travel Tips
Taking care of details before you depart can make the difference between a smooth trip and a traveling nightmare. Here are a few first steps to get you started on the right foot:
