Several organisers of major food trade fairs in Germany, including ISM and Biofach, have stated that they are confident that the next editions will take place in early 2021.

As of 27 August, Germany's federal government extended a ban on large events to December 2020, however the organisers of ISM, Koelnmesse, said that this mainly refers to events such as festivals, concerts and sporting fixtures.

It added that trade fairs such as ISM, which takes place from 31 January to 3 February next year, are permitted to take place, 'as long as suitable protection and hygiene concepts are adhered to'.

Koelnmesse said that around 80% of the exhibition space is already booked at ISM, and that the food industry is eager to 'carry on' despite the COVID-19 crisis.