Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne-based trade show organisers announced ProSweets Cologne and ISM 2021 has been cancelled.
The news came just 2 weeks after the organisers stated were confident both ProSweets Cologne and ISM 2021 was able to go ahead.
However, due to the ongoing concerns over the global Covid pandemic leading to further lockdowns and international travel restrictions, Koelnmesse is now forced to cancel the hybrid editions of ProSweets Cologne and ISM planned for 31 January to 3 February 2021.
This decision was made in close consultation with the conceptual sponsors of both trade fairs.
The conceptual sponsors of ProSweets Cologne includes, the Sweets Global Network (SG), the Association of the German Sweets Industry (BDSI), the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and the Central College of the Confectionery Industry (ZDS).
Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse said,
We very much regret having to take this step. We were well-positioned and certain that we would be able to kick-start the sweets and snack industry again with ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2021.
current uncertainty, however, our exhibitors and visitors do not foresee a dramatic change that would make trade fair participation possible in January. We will nevertheless keep pushing forward and start right away with preparations for ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2022.
The planned digital format Matchmaking 365+ will also not take place because the organisers believe a purely digital platform without a physical trade fair does not achieve the desired benefits for exhibitors and visitors.
Instead, the two trade fairs are planning a campaign for the presentation of significant industry developments, new products and trends from the sweets and snacks sectors.
Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse adds,
Trade fairs like ISM and ProSweets Cologne depend on the large number of national and international industry experts who are responsible for the quality of the event.
We can no longer ensure this quality due to the very dynamic infection situation and further cancellations by exhibitors as a result, which made it impossible to maintain the number of registrations that were quite solid.
Naturally, we are disappointed. Nevertheless, now is the time to look ahead positively together with our customers. We here in Cologne continue to be ready to hold our trade fairs with maximum safety and hygiene measures and are already looking forward to a new edition of ISM and ProSweets Cologne.
The next ProSweets Cologne and ISM will take place from 30 January to 2 February 2022. Planning for the events is already underway.
