Nova at ISM Cologne 2026

Article

Nova at ISM Cologne 2026

Article

Nova at ISM Cologne 2026

Article

Nova at ISM Cologne 2026

Manny de Sousa, CEO, and Leah le Roux, Head of Central Operations, attended ISM Cologne 2026 on behalf of Nova Global Trade Solutions to connect with suppliers, understand category movement and support sourcing strategy for our clients across retail and private label.

Detail	Copy
Date	01–04 Feb 2026
Location	Cologne, Germany
Event description	The world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks
Nova purpose	Building better sourcing outcomes for our clients

Figures from the Previous Event

Metric	Value
Exhibitors	1,567
Gross exhibition space	100,000 m²
Visitors	32,000

Detail	Copy
Date	01–04 Feb 2026
Location	Cologne, Germany
Event description	The world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks
Nova purpose	Building better sourcing outcomes for our clients

Figures from the Previous Event

Metric	Value
Exhibitors	1,567
Gross exhibition space	100,000 m²
Visitors	32,000

The Nova View

1. Why We Attend ISM: We attend ISM to build strong partnerships, track category shifts, and identify innovative products that create value for our clients.

2. A Smaller, More Focused Show: The show felt more focused this year, with conversations that were highly relevant and directed to real business needs.

3. Europe Still Matters: Europe remains a key sourcing region with deep product range, quality, and food standards that help deliver reliable, innovative solutions.

4. Relationships Drive the Value: Meaningful supplier relationships and face-to-face meetings are essential to building trust and creating long-term value.

Where We Are Sourcing and Watching

Chocolate: Germany & Poland

Sugar confectionery: Brazil

Biscuits: India & Pakistan

Premium ranges: Italy, France & the UK

UK branded innovation: We use the UK to track and source new trending Cadbury and Nestlé items, along with other fast-moving confectionery launches.

What Stood Out at ISM 2026

Functional and better-for-you: Health-forward positioning led the way, with vegan, high-protein, fibre and no-sugar-added options.

Freeze-dried confectionery is expanding: A fast-growing category across gummies, lollies and treats with light, crunchy textures.

Flavour trends continue to move toward novelty: Matcha, spicy profiles and cinnamon-roll-inspired flavours were everywhere this year.

Beauty and wellness confectionery: Collagen and beauty blends in convenient formats remain in strong demand.

Performance-led confectionery: Creative and high-protein treats are gaining popularity among active consumers.

Consumers are seeking new experiences: Dubai chocolate still has traction, alongside bold textures and exciting new flavour combos.

What Stood Out at ISM 2026

Functional and better-for-you: Health-forward positioning led the way, with vegan, high-protein, fibre and no-sugar-added options.

Freeze-dried confectionery is expanding: A fast-growing category across gummies, lollies and treats with light, crunchy textures.

Flavour trends continue to move toward novelty: Matcha, spicy profiles and cinnamon-roll-inspired flavours were everywhere this year.

Beauty and wellness confectionery: Collagen and beauty blends in convenient formats remain in strong demand.

Performance-led confectionery: Creative and high-protein treats are gaining popularity among active consumers.

Consumers are seeking new experiences: Dubai chocolate still has traction, alongside bold textures and exciting new flavour combos.

“For me, it was important to attend my 10th ISM. The show has become smaller over time, but EU confectionery is only one of the many categories where we bring significant expertise and value to our partners. It was also great to see many friends and partners I’ve been working with for almost 15 years.”
Manny de Sousa
CEO, Nova Global Trade Solutions

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