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As one of the world’s fastest-growing sweets and snacks markets continues to accelerate, ISM Middle East stands at the centre of where global trade, innovation and opportunity converge. It is the region’s largest and most influential confectionery and snacks trade event bringing together the world’s leading brands with the buyers, distributors and decision-makers shaping demand across APMEA.

Hosted in Dubai, the global gateway for trade, ISM Middle East connects established market leaders and emerging innovators to high-intent buyers actively sourcing, listing and expanding portfolios. From category-defining launches to strategic partnerships, this is where brands move beyond visibility to measurable commercial impact.

Returning to Dubai World Trade Centre from 15-17 September 2026, ISM Middle East is where the global sweets and snacks industry comes to do business, set direction and drive growth.

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EXHIBITORS
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VISITORS
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COUNTRIES IN ATTENDANCE

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CONFECTIONERY

At ISM Middle East, the confectionery sector takes centre stage with a showcase of global favourites and rising innovations. From sugar-free and vegan options to ethically sourced ingredients and bold flavour pairings, this sector reflects a fast-evolving industry rooted in indulgence and purpose. With a growing demand for better-for-you treats and experience-driven products, this is where brands connect with MENA’s high-growth markets through immersive flavour, form and function.

CHOCOLATE

The chocolate sector at ISM Middle East brings together the world’s finest chocolatiers, high-volume producers and premium exporters. With plant-based formats, bean-to-bar storytelling, functional infusions and clean-label innovations gaining momentum, the market is evolving beyond indulgence into health, ethics and experience. Whether it’s dark, filled, single-origin or sustainably packaged, chocolate continues to lead retail expansion and festive gifting trends in the region.

SNACK FOODS

Snacking is no longer a moment, it’s a lifestyle. ISM Middle East curates the most dynamic global innovations in salty, crunchy, and functional snacks, including protein-rich bites, baked chips, ancient grain-based formats and hybrid textures. With the MENA region seeing strong year-on-year growth in snack consumption, this sector is a go-to for brands seeking to launch convenience-led, health-focused or culturally adapted snacking solutions.

TRADITIONAL SWEETS

From Middle Eastern favourites like Turkish delights and halwa to Asian mithai and European nougats, ISM Middle East brings together the world’s most beloved traditional sweets under one roof. As consumers rediscover nostalgic tastes with modern packaging and ingredient upgrades, this sector blends authenticity with innovation providing retailers with rich storytelling and cultural appeal in every bite.

BISCUITS & CAKES

The biscuits and cakes segment continues to evolve, with demand surging for clean-label, gluten-free, and fortified formats. From buttery classics and artisanal bakes to impulse-driven miniatures and ambient-layered cakes, ISM Middle East offers a global spread of sweet baked goods ready to meet regional retail, travel and gifting needs. Innovation in packaging, shelf-life, and permissible indulgence is shaping what’s next in this heritage-meets-modern sector.

ICE CREAM & DESSERTS

As MENA’s appetite for frozen treats rises, ISM Middle East showcases premium gelatos, vegan sorbets, and low-sugar desserts alongside innovative formats like frozen mochi, single-serve pots and mix-and-pour creations. With seasonality, flavour fusion and health trends converging, this sector is a sensory playground for buyers exploring products that offer indulgence without compromise.

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TOP 2026 TRENDS SHAPING THE SWEETS & SNACKS INDUSTRY

Multi-Sensory & Layered Textures

Texture now rivals flavour in driving purchase decisions. Consumers are drawn to contrast and interaction, crunchy with creamy, soft with chewy, airy with crisp. Formats like freeze-dried candy, peelable gummies and hybrid clusters are elevating indulgence while supporting reformulation and premium positioning. 

Why it wins: Higher engagement, shareability and perceived value.

Functional Indulgence

The category has moved from “better-for-you” to indulgence with benefits. Protein, collagen, gut-health ingredients, adaptogens and nootropics are now embedded into everyday snacks and confectionery, creating permissible indulgence for health-conscious consumers.

Why it wins: Expands occasions, supports premium pricing, attracts new buyers.

Mindful Sweetening & Reduced Sugar

Reduced and no-added sugar is no longer optional. Natural sweeteners, fibre and fruit-forward formulations are enabling sweetness with transparency meeting clean-label expectations without sacrificing taste.

Why it wins: Stronger shelf acceptance and long-term consumer loyalty.

Bold Global Flavours & 'Swicy' Innovation

Adventurous flavours are going mainstream. Sweet-heat, spice-led profiles, umami crossovers and heritage-inspired tastes are resonating across diverse APMEA palates seeking both comfort and novelty.

Why it wins: Differentiation, cultural relevance and faster trial.

Sustainability & Transparency

Ethical indulgence is no longer a niche, it’s an expectation. Consumers demand sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and full transparency from farm to final bite. From fair-trade cocoa to zero-waste innovations, discover how the industry is leading a responsible revolution while delivering on flavour.

Personalisation, Gifting & Occasion Formats

Limited editions, customised packaging, QR storytelling and functional gifting are driving engagement. Single-serve and shareable formats cater to on-the-go and seasonal occasions, boosting margins and visibility.

Why it wins: Higher perceived value, repeat purchase and buzz

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ISMExpertStage

POWERFUL CONVERSATIONS. GAME-CHANGING STRATEGIES.

At ISM Middle East, expert voices come together to unpack the most important shifts impacting the industry from evolving consumer behaviour and product development to supply chains, reformulation and market expansion strategies.

Each day follows a clear content focus, guiding attendees through data-led insights, innovation pathways and commercial strategy, with both regional relevance and global perspective.

 
 

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Your Exclusive Access to the Next Big Trend in Festive Gifting

ISM Middle East Festive Showcase brings brands together to present their newest and most enticing offerings for all cultural and celebratory occasions.

This inviting space highlights the latest festive product lines and provides targeted networking opportunities, connecting world-renowned confectionery and snacks brands with influential buyers looking to source the next big trend in festive gifting. 

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 ISMAwards

The ISM Middle East Awards honour the most groundbreaking ideas and revolutionary products shaping the sweets and snacks industry.

As the ultimate platform for industry recognition, the awards celebrate stand-out brands that are advancing the sector with new-to-market novelties, nostalgic favourites, and new consumer-driven creations.

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Strategic Networking. Powerful Connections.

Unlock global opportunities and find your perfect business match with ISM Middle East's exclusive networking programme.

Designed to connect exhibitors with key buyers, this initiative ensures meaningful engagements that drive real business growth. Gain access to personalised introductions, VIP concierge support and curated participant lists, making every connection count.

JUST NETWORK

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The Region's Sweetest Insights --- Served Fresh Every Month

 

EDITOR'S BITE

TREND BITES - LATEST NEWS AND INSIGHTS

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Dubai’s FIX Dessert Chocolatier Opens Limited-Time Pop-Up at Changi Airport
FIX Dessert Chocolatier, one of Dubai’s fastest-rising artisanal chocolate brands, has opened a seas …
Festive Season Boosts Gluten-Free Confectionery Market
The holiday season is turning into a prime moment for the gluten-free market, which continues to exp …
Texture to Drive Bakery and Snack Trends in 2026
Ahead of 2026, how food feels in the mouth is emerging as a key factor in consumer enjoyment, rivali …
Ferrero Unveils First Global Sustainability Campaign at Nice Airport
Italian confectionery company Ferrero has rolled out its first worldwide campaign highlighting susta …
Raw and Minimally-Processed Chocolate Gains Traction in Premium Market
The global chocolate industry is evolving as consumers increasingly seek transparency, ethical sourc …
Halloween 2025 Expected to Hit a Record $13.1 Billion Despite Inflation and Tariff Woes
As we gear up for a record-breaking Halloween season, America alone is expected to spend a whopping  …
Ahmed bin Saeed opens ISM Middle East 2025 and Private Label Middle East 2025 at DWTC
- Showcasing two of Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa’s fastest growing trade sectors, prominent …
Nestlé Unveils Patented Technique to Maximise Cocoa Fruit Use
Nestlé has achieved a major milestone in its efforts to reduce cocoa waste, developing a patented te …
‘Lipstick Effect’ Fuels Surge in Premium Snacks for Younger Shoppers
What used to be a simple trip down the pantry aisle has become a cultural movement for younger consu …
Gluten-Free Goes Mainstream as Market Heads Toward $13.67 Billion
Once considered a niche dietary need, gluten-free products are now a driving force in food innovatio …
Nestlé Navigates a Challenging First Half as Pressures Mount Across Key Markets
Nestlé SA reported a 10.3% decline in first-half 2025 earnings, citing headwinds in several major ca …
Ferrero’s $3.1B Kellogg Deal Signals Bold Move Beyond Confectionery
Ferrero is making a play far beyond chocolate with a blockbuster $3.1 billion acquisition of WK Kell …
7 Rules for Confectionery Innovation in 2025
From AI-powered ideation to freeze-dried TikTok trends, innovation in sweets is speeding up — but st …
Why Texture Matters More Than You Think in Snack Development
While flavour often takes centre stage in snack innovation, texture is proving to be just as crucial …
New Sweetener Breakthrough: Monk Fruit Molecule Grown in Watermelons
Elo Life Systems has begun field trials for a first-of-its-kind innovation, watermelons engineered t …
Why Minimally Processed Snacks Are the Next Big Thing
Across Europe, snacking is getting a healthy makeover. A new wave of minimally processed snacks, mad …
Functional Confectionery Market Sees Robust Growth
The market for functional confectionery is expanding rapidly, fueled by consumers’ increasing focus …
Confectionery Exporters Hit Hard by New US Tariffs
Confectionery exporters hit hard by new US tariffs  by Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe Chocolate makers and …
Viral Chocolate Craze Drives Global Pistachio Shortage
A luxury pistachio-filled chocolate bar made by Dubai-based chocolatier Fix has gone viral on TikTok …