In the sweets and snacks industry innovations have always played a decisive role in the development of unique products. At ISM, the leading global trade fair for the sweets and snacks industry, tribute was now paid to new, pioneering industry products. The prize-winning companies rely on creative experimenting with new ingredients, textures and flavours to offer their customers exciting taste experiences. At the same time, they assert themselves for innovative manufacturing methods, environmentally-friendly and extraordinary packaging. This approach means they not only contribute towards ensuring that their products are attractive, but also healthier and more sustainable.
As was the case last year, the top innovations were selected by an independent jury of experts from the industry, trade and field of science. The award ceremony and the announcement of the top innovations took place during the exclusive ISM Dinner in Cologne on Sunday, 28 January 2024.
The top 3 innovations of ISM 2024:
1. Planet A Foods GmbH with its more sustainable cocoa alternative ‘ChoViva’ from Germany
2. Gudrun Commercial NV with ‘UPPA Cacaofruit Bites’ from Belgium
3. PEZ International GmbH with ‘PEZ MyHead’ from Austria
The company from Germany, Planet A Foods GmbH, came first with a novel chocolate experience that completely does without cocoa and which relies on a climate-friendly concept. Although ChoViva was originally offered as an independent chocolate bar brand, the company’s current and future focus lies on placing ChoViva in different products on the market as a so-called ingredient brand. The taste is comparable with conventional chocolate, but it has a much better CO2 footprint. ChoViva was voted the most innovative, new product at ISM 2024.
Second place went to UPPA Cacaofruit Bites by Gudrun Commercial NV from Belgium, which stood out above all because of their excellent quality and the fruit pulp used. ‘Upcycled’ Cacaofruit Bites, where the fruit pulp is recycled, ensure around a 30% saving in the material used compared to previously. This sustainable approach is part of an industry trend that involves companies developing environmentally-friendly products to offer farmers additional sources of income.
PEZ myHead from Austria claimed third place this year and the product particularly asserted itself from a marketing point of view because of its unique design. PEZ International GmbH is relying on the power of children’s memories – with the dispensers for small, sour sherbet sweets well-known from the 1950s. Additional buying incentive is stimulated by creating Pez dispensers with 3D printed heads that resemble real people. These personalised heads lend the dispensers an individual character and create a strong emotional connection to the purchaser.
