Exclusive Article

Halloween Candy Craze: How the Spooky Season Became a Confectionery Powerhouse

The spooky season is here and it is no longer just for kids. Across the world and increasingly across the MENA region, Halloween has evolved into a multigenerational celebration of indulgence, nostalg …

ISM Middle East 2025 Set to Deliver Record-Breaking Edition as APMEA Sweets and Snacks Market on Track to Reach $389.8 Billion

Global leaders including Caffarel (Lindt & Sprüngli Group), Mars, Coca-Cola and Big Basket join ISM Middle East 2025, as APMEA becomes world’s fastest growing market in sweets and snacks sector. DUB …

Fit for Snacking: The Rise of Functional Ingredients in MENA Confectionery & Snacks Sector

As the first cool breezes of winter are set to sweep across the MENA region in the coming months, a fresh wave of consumer demand will also be visible across the confectionery and snack aisles. In 202 …

Ingredient Increases (Tariffs): Pressure on MENA’s Confectionery & Snack Supply Chains

Global confectionery and snack producers are grappling with historically unprecedented cost pressures on key ingredients. Cocoa prices surged by almost 300% in 2024 before plunging in the second half …

The Middle, Africa & Asia's Largest Confectionery and Snacks Trade Event Returns to Dubai This September

The region’s leading confectionery and snacks trade event is returning with record-breaking scale, global participation and a bold vision for the future of the industry. ISM Middle East is the region’ …

What’s New, What’s Hot and What’s Changing the Game for Global Buyers

As global trade routes evolve, Dubai stands firm as the international gateway for confectionery and snack sourcing. With over 880,000 tonnes of imports in 2024, the Middle East has become a vital conn …

The Science Behind Impulse Purchases: How Seasonal Flavours Fuel Summer Sales

Summer is the peak season for impulse buys. One minute, a shopper's grabbing sunscreen; the next, they’re walking out with a mango-flavoured chocolate bar they didn’t even know existed. In the world o …

The Sweet Trade: Mapping the Global Flow of Confectionery and Snacks

Visit any supermarket or duty-free shop and you’ll see the global snack economy in motion: Swiss chocolate, Turkish wafers, Indonesian crisps, all crossing borders at a massive scale. Behind every tre …

When AI Meets R&D: Flavour Hacking, Faster Launches and Futuristic Snacking

How AI-driven flavour innovation is accelerating product development and redefining the rules for trend-savvy buyers in MENA. The market size of artificial intelligence (AI) in the food and beverage i …

Reimagining Tradition: How Global Flavours Are Transforming Eid Confectionery

Eid in the MENA region has always been a celebration steeped in rich flavours and time-honoured treats. But a quiet transformation is happening across, retailers, manufacturers, boutique brands and mo …

Has Ozempic Changed Snacking for Good? It’s Time to Rethink Products & Portions

Scroll through your social feed and chances are you’ll land on another Ozempic weight-loss story. These viral weight-loss drugs, Ozempic, Wegovy and their GLP-1 cousins, started as treatments for type …

What’s Sweet in Africa? The Continent Behind the Industry’s Next Boom

Africa is one of the biggest sweet spots in global trade. With over 1.4 billion consumers, a youth population driving 70% of retail decisions and a fast-growing middle class, the continent is drawing …

“Stealth Functionality” is the Next Big Trend in Wellness-Focused Sweets

Stealth functionality involves incorporating unusual ingredients with nutritional benefits in a way that doesn't compromise the taste of the sweet, making the added health benefits a pleasant surprise …

Why The World Can't Stop Talking About Dubai Chocolate

Discover the Science of Social Media Food Crazes The rise of social media has transformed the way we discover and consume food. Viral sensations like Dubai chocolate, with its decadent creations from …

Cracking the Easter Code: Unwrapping the Sweetest Trends for 2025

Despite a complex global landscape for the chocolate sector, with rising cacao prices and scrutiny on ultra-processed foods, Easter remains a glittering jewel in the confectionery crown. For retailers …

Ramadan 2025: The Rise of Seasonal Flavours, Health-Conscious Treats and Cultural Offerings

Ramadan 2025 is here and brands are thoughtfully curating their product offerings to honour this special month. Sweet and snack companies are incorporating seasonal flavours and ingredients into their …

Sweet Innovation: How AI is Transforming the Confectionery Sector?

Did you know, that globally, 30% of confectionery manufacturers are leveraging AI to optimise their supply chain logistics? Read on to learn more.

Expanded ISM Middle East to provide global perspective and connections to sweets and snacks sector

500+ industry powerhouses participating, from 50+ countries Exhibition space doubles in size Inaugural ISM Expert Stage and Festive Showcase added to reformatted show DUBAI – September 16, 2024: ISM M …

Sweet Secrets: Three Key Factors Shaping Buyer Behaviour in the Confectionery Market

Imagine this: your ideal customer approaches a supermarket shelf, poised to make a purchase. Yet, before they add anything to their trolley, they turn away empty-handed. In the fiercely competitive co …

Sweet and Snack Industry Forecast: Consumer Preferences for 2024

Sweet and snack industry professionals, The MENA confectionary market is forecasted to experience a CAGR of 4.2% for the 2020-2025 period. If you’d like to stay ahead of the curve, understanding consu …

The Rise of Healthy Snacking & Shopping Habits in the Middle East & Asia

Explore the latest findings about healthy snacking and shopping habits in the MEA region from our official Knowledge Partner, Innova Market Insights. Consumer Perspectives and Purchasing Habits Consum …

Spotlight on Africa: Growth & Challenges in the Confectionery Sector

Delve into these interesting observations provided by our esteemed Knowledge Partner, Innova Market Insights about the Growth and Challenges in Africa’s Confectionery Sector. According to their resear …

Beyond Labels: Sustainability's Role in MENA's Sweet and Snack Evolution

From ethical sourcing to sustainable chocolate and vegan products, confectionary industry professionals have a lot to consider when selecting products for their shelves. The 2023 Global Confectionery …

The Global Snack and Sweet Trends to Look Out for at ISM Middle East in 2024

As the global snacks market continues to grow, consumers are demanding more from their favourite treats. Our latest article dives into trends like health-focused snacks, eco-friendly packaging, luxuri …

What’s Happening in the World of Healthy Snacks 2024

GCC consumers now have an increased appetite for a healthier lifestyle which has resulted in them actively seeking better-for-you snack alternatives. In a recently conducted survey by Mondelez Intl, 6 …