The ISM Cologne trade fair is the world’s leading event for confectionery and snacks, bringing together industry professionals to showcase innovations, discuss trends, and shape the future of the market. This year, our team at Treat Kitchen had the opportunity to explore emerging trends and gain valuable insights into what’s next for retailers and stockists.
From the rise of pistachio-flavoured treats to the increasing importance of sustainability and plant-based confectionery, here are our key takeaways from ISM Cologne 2025.
Pistachio Everywhere – The Power of Social Media Trends
One of the biggest surprises at ISM this year? Pistachio was everywhere! From chocolates to pastries and even soft candies, this flavour dominated the show floor.
We believe this surge is directly linked to the viral Dubai pistachio chocolate trend that took over TikTok. The rapid rise in popularity of pistachio-based products proves just how influential social media can be in shaping confectionery trends. Staying ahead means keeping an eye on viral food trends and leveraging them for product development and marketing strategies. You may even see something pistachio-themed coming to Treat Kitchen soon—so keep your eyes peeled! If a flavour or format is gaining traction online, consumers will expect to see it in stores before long.
Innovation in Sustainable Packaging
Sustainability was another major theme at ISM Cologne, with more brands than ever moving away from plastic packaging in favour of recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable alternatives.
Sustainability is becoming a bigger priority for both brands and retailers. Those that can offer eco-friendly packaging while maintaining strong shelf appeal will stand out in a crowded market. At Treat Kitchen, sustainability has always been a priority, and it’s exciting to see the industry moving in the same direction. Even our parcel packaging has had an upgrade- Our packing peanuts have been replaced with a new, impressive shredder system, meaning all our boxes can now be fully recycled for packaging!
The Expansion of Vegan and Plant-Based Confectionery
Another major shift was the significant increase in vegan product lines from leading confectionery brands. A few years ago, plant-based sweets were considered niche, but ISM 2025 proved that’s no longer the case. Mainstream brands are now embracing vegan options, recognising the growing consumer demand for dairy-free and gelatine-free treats.
For retailers, stocking a strong plant-based range is no longer optional—it’s essential. We were thrilled to see this becoming the norm. At Treat Kitchen, our vegan range has been a hit with customers, and we’re taking the next step by integrating vegan products into our core range—still plant-based but now featuring fun, sweet messages rather than standalone "vegan" branding. As the category continues to grow, we believe this shift will help make plant-based confectionery more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
What This Means for Retailers & Stockists
For businesses looking to stay ahead in the confectionery industry, spotting and acting on trends early is crucial. The rise of pistachio, the shift toward sustainable packaging, and the surge in plant-based confectionery all indicate a rapidly evolving market—but don’t worry, we’re keeping up!
At Treat Kitchen, we’re passionate about helping retailers offer exciting, trend-led confectionery that customers will love. Our latest AW25 catalogue is packed with seasonal bestsellers, innovative gifting solutions, and products designed with sustainability in mind.
📖 Check out our latest catalogue here: CLICK
📩 Interested in stocking our products? Contact Scott at scott@ttkconfectionery.co.uk for more details.
