Trends
Love at first bite: Our highlights from ISM Cologne 2026
published on
11.02.2026When ISM
opens its doors in Cologne, there’s a certain kind of love in the air – at
least for everyone who shares our passion for innovative snack and
confectionery solutions. From February 1–4, we once again had the opportunity
to showcase our expertise in bespoke, extruded product solutions to more than 38,000 international trade visitors.
As the
world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks, ISM 2026 once again provided
the perfect stage to present product innovations, discuss trends, and build new
partnerships.
Our trade fair booth: Innovation you can taste (and fall in love with)
Our booth was
once again another a real “love-at-first-bite” experience this year.
Visitors had the chance to see – and taste – just how versatile tailored extruded ingredients can be, whether used in chocolate, bars, cereals, dragées or customized snack concepts.
Products
that captured the most attention:
- Pea protein (70%) texturate - a plant-based base for savory meat alternatives
- Organic pink hearts - a standout ingredient for breakfast cereals & muesli
- High-protein soy sticks (60% protein) - ideal for bars
- Vegan barley malt balls - perfect for dragées
- Salty corn balls - for creative chocolate applications
- Gluten-free lentil–sunflower protein (45%) snacks
The variety
of textures, colours and formulations demonstrated how flexibly our ingredients
can be developed to meet brand needs, trend themes and functional requirements.
Top industry trends at ISM 2026 – and what they mean for manufacturers
1.
Protein in the spotlight
High-protein remains a major growth driver – especially in bars, health-oriented snacks and functional cereals.
High-protein remains a major growth driver – especially in bars, health-oriented snacks and functional cereals.
2.
Sugar reduction without compromising taste
Demand for sugar-free and reduced-sugar products continues to rise. Taste and texture remain crucial to success at the shelf.
Demand for sugar-free and reduced-sugar products continues to rise. Taste and texture remain crucial to success at the shelf.
3.
Growth in gluten-free solutions
The trend is shifting from “free from” to “good for me,” creating opportunities for manufacturers to reach new consumer groups.
The trend is shifting from “free from” to “good for me,” creating opportunities for manufacturers to reach new consumer groups.
4.
Differentiation through shape & colour
Pink hearts, mini cinnamon rolls, savory star-shaped snacks – individuality remains a key USP for both brands and private labels.
Pink hearts, mini cinnamon rolls, savory star-shaped snacks – individuality remains a key USP for both brands and private labels.
5.
Global inspirations
From exotic flavor combinations to unique textures, international influences continue to spark fresh ideas in product development.
From exotic flavor combinations to unique textures, international influences continue to spark fresh ideas in product development.
From idea to market-ready product: How we support you
Whether
high-protein, gluten-free, sugar-free or creative crunch inclusions:
We develop and produce customized extruded ingredients tailored to your target group, your brand and your
product vision.
What we offer:
- Product consulting & collaborative development
- Flexible sample production
- Scalable contract manufacturing
Get in touch with us or try our product configurator – together, we’ll bring your product idea to life.
Because our hearts
beat for your product ideas!
