CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SWEET SUCCESS IN 2027
ISM Middle East 2026 has successfully concluded, marking another record-breaking edition of high-impact sourcing, category breakthroughs, and strategic deal-making at Dubai World Trade Centre. Bringing together leading global manufacturers and decision-makers from top retail, wholesale, and distribution powerhouses, the event confirmed its standing as the region's ultimate commercial engine for FMCG retail.
Building on this unprecedented momentum, we are proud to announce our landmark 20th Edition, taking place from 14-16 September 2027. Spanning six halls, the milestone 2027 show will connect international brands with high-growth markets ahead of the critical Q4 retail period.
Together, we empower brands, distributors, and retailers to source smarter, launch faster, and scale across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
THE WORLD'S LEADING SWEETS & SNACKS BRANDS UNITED
FOUR EXHIBITIONS. ONE CONNECTED FOOD VALUE CHAIN.
THE MOST IN-DEMAND PRODUCT SECTORS IN THE INDUSTRY
Sugar confectionery, gummies, hard candy, jellies, marshmallows, lollipops, mints, lozenges, novelty formats.
The category where APMEA growth is most visible. Sugar-free gummies, vegan jellies, freeze-dried novelty formats and functional infusions are reshaping the candy aisle and ISM Middle East showcases the brands defining this evolution alongside the heritage producers still leading shelf in every market.
Pralines, tablets, bars, truffles, filled chocolates, single-origin, bean-to-bar, plant-based, festive and gifting formats.
Chocolate continues to lead retail growth and festive gifting across the region. From plant-based formats and bean-to-bar storytelling to functional infusions and clean-label sourcing, the category is evolving beyond indulgence into health, ethics and experience and ISM Middle East brings together the chocolatiers, producers and exporters writing its next chapter.
Salty snacks, baked snacks, extruded formats, popcorn, nuts, seeds, savoury crackers, protein bars, healthy snacks.
Snacking has shifted from a moment to a lifestyle and APMEA is leading the growth. From protein-rich bites and baked chips to ancient-grain formats and hybrid textures, ISM Middle East curates the global innovations brands are using to launch convenience-led, health-focused and culturally adapted snacking solutions into the region.
Turkish delight, halva, baklava, mithai, nougats, regional confectionery, heritage brands.
Heritage is being rediscovered and reinvented. From Turkish delight and halva to mithai and European nougats, traditional sweets are being modernised through premium packaging, ingredient upgrades and cross-cultural positioning. ISM Middle East brings together the producers giving retailers rich storytelling and cultural appeal in every bite.
Biscuits, cookies, wafers, layered cakes, ambient bakery, breakfast bars, gluten-free, fortified and artisanal formats.
The category driving the region's biggest seasonal volume spikes. Date-filled formats, ambient-stable layered cakes, premium gifting tins and fortified innovations are reshaping the aisle and ISM Middle East unites the producers behind retail, travel retail, foodservice and Ramadan gifting growth across APMEA.
Premium gelato, sorbets, frozen novelties, dairy-free, low-sugar desserts, frozen mochi, single-serve and family formats.
Frozen is no longer a summer category. Premium gelatos, vegan sorbets, low-sugar desserts and innovative formats like frozen mochi and mix-and-pour creations are turning the freezer aisle into a year-round growth engine and ISM Middle East showcases the brands meeting MENA's accelerating appetite for indulgence without compromise.

THE INTELLIGENCE BEHIND WHAT GETS FORMULATED, MANUFACTURED, PACKAGED AND LISTED NEXT.
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.
GLOBAL LEADERS PAVING THE PATH FOR WHAT'S NEXT IN CONFECTIONERY AND SNACKS
H.E Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri
GLOBAL LEADERS PAVING THE PATH FOR WHAT'S NEXT IN CONFECTIONERY AND SNACKS
H.E Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri
CELEBRATING THE PIONEERS DRIVING THE SECTOR FORWARD
As the ultimate platform for industry recognition, The ISM Middle East Awards celebrate stand-out brands that are advancing the sector with new-to-market novelties, nostalgic favourites, and new consumer-driven creations.
THE ENTIRE FOOD ECOSYSTEM IN ONE DESTINATION

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The Region's Sweetest Insights - Served Fresh Every Month
EDITOR'S BITE
Is Snackification Replacing Meals For Good?
TREND BITES - LATEST NEWS AND INSIGHTS
Why Better-for-You Alone Isn’t Enough for Snacks
How Innovation is Revamping the Confectionery Market
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