ISM 2018: The Biggest Product Winners, a Perfect Example of the Top Trends in the Sweet and Snacks Industry.
The most significant and influential trade event for the sweets and snacks industry took place last week in Cologne, Germany. The 2018 edition of ISM was filled with everything we expected along with some solid trends for the year to come.
The yearly event attracted over 37,000 trade visitors from over 144 countries at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. The exhibition is a must for the industry and brought together over 1600 suppliers from 73 countries. Europe was by far the most represented region, but a strong showing from North America, Latin America, and Asia truly make this a global event.
The Big Winners at the Show
This year we were treated to a large new product section showcasing products submitted for the coveted New Product Awards. The products ranged from the run of the mill everyday items to genuine innovations which is what makes this event so popular.
New Product Showcase at ISM 2018
Visitors voted for the top products, and those chosen were an explicit representation of the way progressive companies are headed in the sweets and snacks sector.
In total four products won awards. The top three innovations at the show, and one product for best packaging. The packaging award is an excellent way of promoting the ProSweets section of the show, which focuses on production and packaging.
3rd Place Winner
Organic vegan chocolate
Little Love Vegan Organic Raw Chocolate, from Lovechock, takes the “bronze” medal. The vegan product comes in three varieties including Dark Baobab, which is comprised of 85% dark chocolate and baobab bits; Creamy Lacuma, which is described as vegan and creamy, where you won’t miss the dairy at all; and Dark Cherry and Almond which features 85% dark chocolate along with almonds, cherries, and raisins.
The product highlights the growth of vegan options at the show. While vegan options aren’t new to ISM, the focus at this year’s show was taste and texture. With the increase in popularity of vegan and reduced diets, ingredient providers have said they are investing more in plant-based alternatives to dairy.
2nd Place Winner
The “silver” medal goes to Brasileiro from German company GOT7 Nutrition GmbH. At first glance, this little cocoa cream filled wafer looks like a simple choice for a top award. If you take a closer look at the product, it packs quite a little punch. Each small wafer is gluten-free, packed with 20% protein (via whey protein isolate), and sugar-free. In fact, the product is targeted to both the average consumer and the fitness crowd.
Brasiliero protein chocolate.
1st Place Winner
Tropicks Fruit Balls
The top prize goes to Swiss company HPW, with their Tropicks Fruit Balls. The product is an excellent example of some sound product development. Although simple, the story behind the product, attractive packaging and format, and on-trend flavour combination makes this product stand out.
With its five flavours Mango, Mango-Pineapple-Lime, Pineapple-Banana-Lime, Pineapple-Passionfruit, and Mango-Passionfruit there’s something to satisfy the growing exotic flavoured trend.
Also, the gluten-free product has all the right claims, it’s vegan, free of added sugar, and is BRC certified (globally recognised quality standard). The fruit is grown in Ghana which the company claims provides superior quality produce.
ISM Packaging Award Winner
Veggie chips
German company MyChipsBox takes the price for the best new packaging at the show. The product features a fully bio-degradable bag that does not use plastic. The packaging is an excellent fit for the product concept. It’s an organic mix of potato crisps and air-dried carrots. It’s also gluten-free and vegan.
ISM is a yearly event that takes place in the winter. It’s the largest global show dedicated to the sweets and snacks industry. The 49th edition of ISM is scheduled for the 27th to the 30th of January at the Koelnmesse. We can’t wait!
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