ISM and ProSweets cancellation a significant loss for the sector
Without doubt, news that both ISM and ProSweets have been cancelled for 2021 is a significant blow to the global confectionery market and its associated equipment and manufacturing systems.
The annual trade fairs traditionally held each January in Cologne, Germany, have proved hugely influential in setting the pace for market trends for the year ahead, and have been an enjoyable series of engaging and insightful events that Confectionery Production has played its part in covering.
But with the coronavirus pandemic still very much with us, international travel restrictions seemingly placed too strong a barrier in the way of these events proceeding.
Such is the significance of these high revenue showcases, the German government had indicated that it was willing to grant travel exemptions for overseas visitors for the shows, but unfortunately it is not meant to be for 2021’s events. There have been initial indications that there may be some digital presentations relating to the proposed content, which may offer some consolation for a market eager to restart next year.
However, as far as ISM is concerned at least, the strength of the fair, which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year for the 2020 show, has been very much focused on the fact market buyers are able to taste and experience a vast array of new confectionery – that simply is not possible online.
However, the prospects for ProSweets exhibitors potentially demonstrating equipment via web-based presentations appear perhaps more easily achievable, though for many, this is never quite the same as seeing something ‘in real life,’ as organisers of Interpack are still remaining hopeful will be possible in February.
Despite these setbacks, the teams behind ISM and ProSweets are confident it will bounce back again in January 2022, hopefully when covid will have consigned to a particularly challenging and unwelcome chapter in the history books for the sector, and indeed the whole world.
- Neill Barston, Confectionery Production editor.
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