ISM 2007: The meeting place for the international confectionery industry

Confectionery: Hot summer and excessively warm autumn negatively affect domestic turnover in Germany Production up while turnover stagnates

Because of excessively warm weather, the German confectionery industry, which has more than 260 manufacturers, did not benefit from last year’s economic rebound. Turnover therefore remained unchanged from 2005. That was one of the key points contained in an announcement made by the Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) in the run-up to one of the sector’s key events, the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair (ISM) in Cologne. However, according to the BDSI, developments in the individual segments of the confectionery sector were quite varied. Whereas ice cream and snack items registered an increase in turnover, the turnover for chocolate products, sugar confectionery and biscuits was lower than in 2005.

According to BDSI estimates, the output of confectionery in Germany rose by 3.6% to 3.5 million tonnes, thanks to good export business. For the sector as a whole, turnover (production value at producer prices) was up by 0.4% to €11.5 billion. Exports of confectionery rose by more than 100,000 tonnes (7.9%) to 1.34 million tonnes of goods worth €3.7 billion. Over 38% of the confectionery produced was exported. Significant export increases (in terms of both volume and value) were posted in particular for semi-finished cocoa and chocolate products, chocolate products and food products containing cocoa.

The sector has recently been faced with substantial cost increases. Not only have the costs of energy, logistics and packaging material risen significantly; dramatic price jumps have also been recorded for important raw ingredients used in the sector such as grain, glucose, potatoes and, to a smaller extent, sugar. These cost increases will eventually lead to higher prices for some products as well.

A total of 1,609 suppliers from 72 countries will be taking part in the 37th ISM in Cologne (28th to 31st January 2007). The fair will occupy 115,000 m² of gross exhibition space in Halls 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11 at the Cologne exhibition centre. Only specialist buyers from the wholesale and retail trades are admitted to ISM. The organisers of ISM are Koelnmesse and the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair Working Group (AISM), which is the conceptual sponsor.

Following its successful premiere in 2006, ProSweets Cologne, the international supplier fair for the confectionery industry, will be held this year for the second time. This event (29th January to 1st February 2007) will overlap with ISM on three days.