ISM Japan 2027 – Tokyo, Japan

• April 13, 2027
  Event date:
• April 15, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

ISM Japan 2027 – Tokyo, Japan is East Asia’s leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks, organized by Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., and modeled after the world’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks – ISM Cologne. Launched in 2022 as the first specialized trade fair for the confectionery and snack industry in East Asia, ISM Japan has quickly established itself as the No. 1 platform to present your products and innovations to influence the Who-is-Who in Japan and the East Asia region.

What to expect is a dedicated B2B showcase for sweets and snacks that serves as a significant marketplace for innovations and business developments in this sector. The fair brings together national and international exhibitors from the confectionery, snack, bakery, and related segments, alongside buyers, importers, retailers, wholesalers, and food service professionals from Japan, China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

The event is held annually at Tokyo Big Sight, the largest exhibition and convention center in Tokyo, renowned for its distinctive architecture and central location. As a trade-only event, it is organized with the professional standards of Koelnmesse, guaranteeing smooth operation and quality. Co-located with anuga Select Japan, formerly Wine & Gourmet Japan, the fair creates synergies across the wider food and beverage industry, allowing visitors to explore complementary sectors in one trip.

Event dates

Trade Fair Name: ISM Japan 2027 – The dedicated showcase for Sweets & Snacks in Japan

Conceptual Sponsor: ISM, Cologne – World’s leading trade fair for sweets and snacks

Organizer: Koelnmesse Co., Ltd.

Project Management Contact: Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., 11F 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo – Email ismjapan@koelnmesse.jp – Tel +81 3 5357 1280

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan – East Hall

Official Website: https://www.ismjapan.com/

Event Period: April 13–15, 2027

Opening Times:

April 13, 2027: Tuesday, first exhibition day, opening of East Hall, start of business meetings and product presentations

April 14, 2027: Wednesday, second exhibition day, full programme of conference sessions, tastings, and networking

April 15, 2027: Thursday, third and final exhibition day, closing in afternoon with final business appointments

Daily Hours: Typically 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last day entry before 2:00 pm as per previous editions

All main exhibition activities are held within this three-day period at Tokyo Big Sight.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Venue Name: Tokyo Big Sight – Tokyo International Exhibition Center

Address: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan – East Hall

Venue Profile: Tokyo Big Sight is the largest exhibition and convention center in Tokyo, renowned for its distinctive inverted pyramid architecture and waterfront location in Ariake. The venue offers vast, column-free exhibition halls, modern conference facilities, and excellent transport links, making it the preferred location for international trade fairs.

Exhibition Site Layout: ISM Japan occupies East Hall, which provides spacious, well-lit exhibition space suitable for food industry displays requiring temperature control, tasting areas, and live demonstration kitchens. The hall is divided into product segments for easy navigation.

Facilities: The site includes exhibitor service centers, business matching lounges, seminar stages, tasting zones, and catering facilities. Koelnmesse’s organizational model ensures smooth operation, with support for exhibitors including stand construction, logistics, and translation services.

Location Context: The central location of Tokyo Big Sight facilitates access for international visitors, with direct connections to Haneda and Narita airports, major hotels, and Tokyo’s business districts. The venue is part of a larger complex that hosts concurrent food events, enhancing visitor flow.

Full event programme

The full event programme is designed to maximize business opportunities, product discovery, and industry knowledge in the sweets and snacks sector.

Exhibition Programme: The core programme is the exhibition itself, where national and international exhibitors present confectionery, chocolate, biscuits, snacks, bakery products, ice cream, and functional sweets. Exhibitors showcase innovations, new flavors, sustainable packaging, and private label solutions.

Conference Stage Programme: Dedicated stages host trend presentations, market analysis for Japan and East Asia, and expert talks on consumer behavior, health-conscious confectionery, and sustainability.

Tasting and Product Demonstration Programme: Live tasting sessions, chef demonstrations, and product launches allow visitors to experience new products firsthand.

Business Matching Programme: Organized business matching service connects exhibitors with pre-qualified buyers, importers, and retailers based on product interests.

Co-location Synergy Programme: As a co-event with anuga Select Japan, visitors can attend both fairs with one ticket, exploring synergies between sweets and snacks and wider gourmet food and beverage sectors.

Networking Programme: Evening networking receptions and business lounge meetings facilitate relationship building with key decision makers.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

Key speakers and keynote speakers at ISM Japan are industry leaders and market experts providing insights into the sweets and snacks industry.

Market Analyst Speakers: Representatives from leading market research firms such as Euromonitor, Mintel, and Innova Market Insights present trends in confectionery consumption, snacking habits, and innovation drivers in Japan and East Asia.

Industry Leaders: CEOs and senior executives from major confectionery manufacturers, both Japanese and international, share strategies for product innovation and market expansion.

Retail and Buyer Speakers: Senior buyers from Japanese department stores, convenience store chains, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms discuss sourcing criteria and consumer preferences.

Innovation Experts: Experts in food technology, packaging sustainability, and functional ingredients address health trends, clean label demands, and regulatory developments.

Koelnmesse Network Speakers: Speakers from ISM Cologne provide global perspective on sweets and snacks trends, connecting East Asian market developments with worldwide innovations.

Engagement Format: Keynotes, panel discussions, and trend presentations on dedicated stages within East Hall, with simultaneous translation for international participants.

Conference sessions & tracks

Conference sessions and tracks at ISM Japan focus on actionable insights for the confectionery and snacks industry.

Track – Market Trends and Consumer Insights: Analysis of snacking culture in Japan, premiumization, health and wellness trends, and Gen Z and Millennial preferences.

Track – Product Innovation and Development: New product development, flavor innovation, functional confectionery, plant-based sweets, and alternative ingredients.

Track – Packaging and Sustainability: Sustainable packaging solutions, plastic reduction, recyclable materials, and eco-friendly branding for sweets and snacks.

Track – Retail and Distribution: Strategies for entering Japanese retail channels, convenience store trends, e-commerce growth, and cross-border trade in East Asia.

Track – Manufacturing and Technology: Production technology, automation, quality control, and food safety standards for confectionery.

Track – Global Sweets Outlook: Insights from ISM Cologne on worldwide trends, with focus on how East Asian innovations influence global markets.

Each track includes presentations by exhibitors, market experts, and retail buyers.

Session times & schedule

Session times and schedule are organized to optimize visitor flow and business efficiency.

Morning Sessions: Morning hours are reserved for exhibition opening, first business appointments, and early trend presentations on main stage.

Midday Sessions: Late morning to early afternoon includes peak exhibition hours, product tastings, and panel discussions, with lunch networking in business lounges.

Afternoon Sessions: Afternoon periods continue exhibition activities, business matching meetings, and live demonstrations.

Evening Networking: Late afternoon features networking receptions and informal business meetings before hall closing.

Daily Schedule Structure: Exhibition halls open mid-morning and close late afternoon, with conference stage sessions scheduled throughout the day to avoid conflict with key business hours. Detailed session schedule is provided in official event guide and mobile app.

Co-event Timing: anuga Select Japan runs concurrently, allowing visitors to move between halls during same operating hours.

Ticket types & registration

Ticket types and registration for ISM Japan are designed for trade visitors, with previous edition pricing converted to USD. ISM Japan is a trade-only event, not open to general public.

Trade Visitor Ticket – Pre-registered:

Early Pre-registration: 0 USD – Free for qualified trade visitors who pre-register online via official website before deadline. Includes 3-day entry to ISM Japan and co-located anuga Select Japan.

Standard Pre-registration: 0 USD – Free pre-registration typically remains available, encouraging early sign-up.

On-site Registration:

On-site Ticket: 45 USD – Equivalent to approximately 5,000 JPY for visitors registering at Tokyo Big Sight without pre-registration. Includes 3-day e-ticket valid for both fairs. Entry on last day before 2:00 pm.

Exhibitor Passes: Exhibitor badges included in exhibitor package, with additional exhibitor staff badges available at 30 USD per extra badge.

Business Matching Service: Included in trade visitor registration, with optional premium business matching at 100 USD for guaranteed pre-arranged meetings with key buyers.

Important Notes: All ticket times use exhibition’s local time. E-ticket delivery – No physical tickets needed, check My Tickets after payment to access e-ticket. Trade proof such as business card may be required at entrance to verify trade status.

Pricing Basis: Based on 2026 edition where 3-day ticket for ISM Japan at Tokyo Big Sight was offered as e-ticket with similar free pre-registration policy for trade visitors, with on-site fee applicable.

Registration deadlines

Registration deadlines are enforced to ensure smooth entry and business matching.

Pre-registration Deadline: Online pre-registration for free trade visitor ticket typically closes a few days before exhibition opening. Early pre-registration recommended to secure free entry and access to business matching platform.

Exhibitor Registration Deadline: Exhibitor applications must be submitted several months before event, with stand allocation on first-come, first-served basis.

Business Matching Registration Deadline: Registration for organized business matching service closes approximately two weeks before event to allow for meeting scheduling.

On-site Registration: On-site registration available at Tokyo Big Sight East Hall entrance during exhibition hours, with on-site fee applicable. Last day entry before 2:00 pm.

Visa Support Deadline: For international visitors requiring invitation letters for visa application, request must be submitted at least one month before event via organizer at ismjapan@koelnmesse.jp.

Badge Collection: Pre-registered visitors can collect badges at pre-registration counters or use e-ticket QR code for direct entry.

Exhibitor list & major companies

Exhibitor list and major companies at ISM Japan reflect the diversity and quality of the sweets and snacks industry in East Asia.

Exhibitor Categories: Exhibitors include manufacturers of chocolate and chocolate products, sugar confectionery, biscuits, savory snacks, nuts, bakery products, ice cream, and functional confectionery, alongside ingredients, packaging, and production technology providers.

National and International Exhibitors: National exhibitors from Japan’s leading confectionery companies, alongside international exhibitors from Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, USA, and other countries with strong sweets industries, many supported by ISM Cologne network.

Previous Edition Scale: In previous edition held in April 2024, ISM Japan hosted approximately 932 exhibitors from various countries, attracting 55,214 visitors, demonstrating its scale as a major trade fair.

Major Company Profile: Exhibitors include well-known Japanese confectionery brands, European chocolate makers, snack manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers, alongside emerging startups presenting innovative healthy snacks and sustainable products.

Newcomers and Startups: Dedicated zones for new exhibitors and startups showcase innovative products, allowing buyers to discover emerging brands.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

Exhibition halls and floor plan for ISM Japan are designed for efficient business navigation.

East Hall Layout: Tokyo Big Sight East Hall is divided into clearly marked zones based on product categories – chocolate, sugar confectionery, biscuits and bakery, savory snacks, ingredients, and packaging. This segmentation allows buyers to quickly locate relevant suppliers.

Floor Plan Features: Wide aisles for easy movement, dedicated tasting areas, seminar stages located centrally for high visibility, and business matching lounges near entrance for convenience.

Co-location Layout: anuga Select Japan is located in adjacent halls, with connecting corridors allowing seamless movement between sweets and snacks and wider gourmet food sectors.

Visitor Services: Information counters at hall entrances provide floor plans, exhibitor lists, and event guides. Digital floor plan available via official website and mobile app.

Logistics: Loading docks for exhibitors, storage areas, and exhibitor service centers located at rear of East Hall for smooth operation.

Networking & business meetings

Networking and business meetings are core to ISM Japan value proposition as a B2B trade fair.

Business Matching Platform: Official online platform allows exhibitors and visitors to pre-arrange meetings based on product interests, with meeting tables provided in business lounge areas.

Buyer Programs: Hosted buyer programs invite key buyers from major retail chains, importers, and distributors in Japan and East Asia, with pre-scheduled meetings with exhibitors.

Networking Lounges: Dedicated business lounges provide quiet areas for meetings, with complimentary refreshments and meeting support services.

Evening Receptions: Networking receptions hosted by Koelnmesse and sponsors provide informal environment for relationship building after exhibition hours.

Co-event Networking: Co-location with anuga Select Japan expands networking opportunities, allowing sweets and snacks professionals to connect with wider food and beverage industry.

Industry sectors & highlights

Industry sectors and highlights at ISM Japan reflect current trends in confectionery and snacks.

Confectionery Sector: Chocolate, sugar confectionery, gums and jellies, seasonal confectionery, and premium artisanal sweets.

Snack Sector: Potato chips, extruded snacks, nuts and seeds, rice-based snacks, and healthy snack alternatives.

Bakery Sector: Biscuits, cookies, wafers, and pastry products.

Ingredients Sector: Cocoa, sugar, flavorings, functional ingredients, and natural sweeteners.

Packaging Sector: Sustainable packaging, innovative pack designs, and private label packaging solutions.

Highlights: Focus on health and wellness, including low-sugar, high-protein, and functional confectionery; sustainability with eco-friendly packaging; premiumization with artisanal and single-origin products; and technology with smart manufacturing and e-commerce ready packaging.

Event rules & visitor information

Trade-Only Policy: ISM Japan is exclusively for trade visitors. General public, including children under 18, not admitted. Proof of trade status such as business card or company registration may be required.

Badge Policy: Visitor badges must be worn visibly at all times within exhibition halls. Badges are non-transferable and must be presented at entrance. Lost badges require re-registration at on-site rate.

Photography Policy: Photography may be restricted in certain exhibitor booths at exhibitor’s discretion. General photography for personal business use allowed, but commercial photography requires permission.

Sampling Rules: Product sampling allowed within exhibitor booths following food safety regulations. Visitors should dispose of waste in designated areas.

Safety and Conduct: Professional conduct expected. Organizer reserves right to remove visitors violating event rules. Emergency exits and procedures clearly marked.

Payment and Currency: On-site purchases of tickets or services payable in Japanese Yen. Credit cards accepted for on-site registration. All pricing displayed in USD for international reference, but payment processed in JPY equivalent.

E-ticket Policy: No physical tickets needed. E-ticket QR code accessible via My Tickets after payment, to be scanned at entrance turnstiles.

How to get there

By Train: Tokyo Big Sight is accessible via Yurikamome Line to Tokyo Big Sight Station or Rinkai Line to Kokusai-Tenjijo Station, both within short walking distance of East Hall. From Tokyo Station, take JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi, then Yurikamome Line to Tokyo Big Sight Station, travel time approximately 30 minutes, cost around 4 USD to 6 USD.

From Airports: From Haneda Airport, take Tokyo Monorail to Tennozu Isle, then transfer to Rinkai Line to Kokusai-Tenjijo Station, travel time approximately 30 minutes, cost around 5 USD to 7 USD. From Narita Airport, take Narita Express or Access Express to Shimbashi, then Yurikamome Line, travel time approximately 90 minutes, cost around 15 USD to 25 USD, or take limousine bus to Tokyo Big Sight area hotels.

By Taxi: Taxi from central Tokyo to Tokyo Big Sight takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately 30 USD to 70 USD. From Haneda Airport, approximately 40 USD to 60 USD.

Walking: Within Tokyo Big Sight complex, internal walkways connect East, West, and South halls. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to move between halls.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport: Tokyo’s public transport is extensive. Yurikamome Line provides direct access to Tokyo Big Sight Station, while Rinkai Line serves Kokusai-Tenjijo Station. Both lines connect to major hubs such as Shimbashi, Toyosu, and Osaki, with frequent service.

IC Cards: Suica, Pasmo, and other IC cards accepted on Yurikamome, Rinkai Line, JR, and metro lines, allowing seamless travel.

Parking: Tokyo Big Sight has on-site parking facilities but spaces are limited during large events and rates are relatively high, typically 2 USD to 4 USD per hour with daily caps of 15 USD to 20 USD. Public transport is strongly recommended due to expected large attendance of over 50,000 visitors.

Bus Services: Shuttle buses may operate between major hotels and Tokyo Big Sight during exhibition period, with airport limousine buses serving nearby hotels.

Accessibility: Tokyo Big Sight is fully barrier-free with elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms. Yurikamome and Rinkai Line stations have elevators and tactile guidance.

Accommodation areas

Ariake and Odaiba Area: Closest to venue, hotels ranging from 120 USD to 300 USD per night, including Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel, Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside, and Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba. Highly convenient for early access to exhibition.

Shimbashi and Ginza Area: Central Tokyo business district, hotels from 100 USD to 250 USD, including The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, Park Hotel Tokyo, and numerous business hotels. Direct Yurikamome access to venue.

Tokyo Station and Marunouchi Area: Major hotel hub, hotels from 150 USD to 400 USD, including Palace Hotel Tokyo and Tokyo Station Hotel, ideal for international travelers.

Shinjuku and Shibuya Area: Entertainment and business districts, hotels from 80 USD to 200 USD, with vibrant dining and nightlife, accessible via JR and metro to Shimbashi then Yurikamome.

Booking Advice: Tokyo hotels during spring exhibition season are in high demand, early booking at least three months in advance recommended. Many hotels offer shuttle services to Tokyo Big Sight during major fairs.

Previous year’s highlights

Previous year’s highlights demonstrate ISM Japan’s rapid growth as East Asia’s leading sweets and snacks trade fair.

In the edition held in April 2024, ISM Japan hosted approximately 932 exhibitors and 55,214 visitors at Tokyo Big Sight, showcasing its scale and importance. The fair featured a wide range of products from traditional Japanese confectionery to innovative international snacks, with strong focus on health, sustainability, and premiumization.

Highlights included dedicated trend zones showcasing new product developments, live tasting sessions, and business matching that facilitated numerous deals between Japanese retailers and international suppliers. The co-location with anuga Select Japan created synergies, allowing visitors to explore complementary gourmet food sectors.

The event received positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors for its professional organization, quality of attendees, and effectiveness as a marketplace for innovations. Koelnmesse’s global competence in food and food technology fairs ensured high standards, with support from ISM Cologne network bringing international expertise.

Official registration & tickets

Official Website: https://www.ismjapan.com/

Organizer Contact: Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., 11F 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo – Email ismjapan@koelnmesse.jp – Tel +81 3 5357 1280

Trade Visitor Registration: Online pre-registration via official website for free trade visitor ticket. On-site registration available at Tokyo Big Sight East Hall entrance during exhibition hours, with on-site fee applicable.

Exhibitor Registration: Exhibitor applications via Koelnmesse website, with stand booking, logistics, and support services provided by organizer.

E-ticket System: No physical tickets needed. E-ticket delivery via My Tickets after payment, QR code to be scanned at entrance. Important notes – All ticket times use exhibition’s local time, on last day enter before 2:00 pm.

Co-event Access: One ticket provides access to both ISM Japan and co-located anuga Select Japan, offering expanded business opportunities.

All official information, including exhibitor list, floor plan, and conference programme, should be obtained from official website to ensure accuracy.

Location

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