Koelnmesse Cancels ISM And ProSweets Cologne 2021

Koelnmesse has called off the hybrid editions of ISM and ProSweets Cologne, scheduled from 31 January 2021 to 3 February 2021, due to the growing number of coronavirus infections, related lockdowns, and international travel restrictions.

The next editions of ISM and ProSweets Cologne will be staged from 30 January 2022 to 3 February 2022.

Two weeks ago, Koelnmesse, the top associations in the German sweets and snacks industry, and key industry representatives were still confident that they would stage both events.

Koelnmesse has taken this decision in close collaboration with the industry sponsors of both trade fairs.

Gerald Böse, president and CEO of Koelnmesse, said, "We deeply regret this, of course. However, due to the current uncertainties, our exhibitors and visitors don't see any dramatic improvement that would make a trade fair participation possible in January.

"We will nevertheless remain on the ball and will immediately set about organising ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2022 with new energy."

The International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Task Force (AISM), the industry sponsor of ISM, also regretted the decision.

Bastian Fassin, chairman of the AISM, explained, "The sweets and snacks industry was optimistic that it would be able to really take off again with the aid of ISM 2021.

"However, due to the ongoing high numbers of infections and further lockdowns in many European countries, this decision was unfortunately unavoidable."

The planned digital format, Matchmaking365+, has also been cancelled because a purely digital offer without a physical trade fair would not bring about the desired benefit for the exhibitors and visitors.

As important innovation platforms for the industry, the two trade fairs are instead planning a campaign to present significant industry developments, new products and trends from the sweets and snacks sectors.

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