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 industry is forecast to increase by $32.2 billion at a CAGR of 34.5% between 2024 and 2029. The AI and machine learning (ML) market in the F&B sector is in a phase of remarkable growth due to the growing adoption of these two technologies to improve supply chain management, predict consumer behaviour and optimise transportation.

AI and ML are making a tangible impact across many facets of the industry – from recipe development and product tracing to supply chain efficiency and labour management. Predictive analytics is a key application of AI in the industry, enabling companies to anticipate demand patterns and optimise inventory levels. Social media channels are also leveraged to analyse consumer preferences and trends, informing product development and marketing strategies.

In terms of strategic applications in the sweets and snacks sector, AI-derived concepts are increasingly used in research and development pipelines to overcome innovation fatigue. They’re also used for consumer testing with flavours being A/B sampled in digital test kitchens or pop-up activations for real-time data gathering and feedback. With the subject of AI garnering so much media attention, AI-generated products and flavours (particularly the more outrageous creations) are conceptualised more for media engagement and brand differentiation, than actual mass production.

Maher el-Tabchy, Founder of TabChilli (UAE), told Fast Company: “AI-driven flavour innovation can drastically reduce the time and cost associated with product development. Instead of relying solely on trial and error, companies can use AI to predict successful flavour combinations, accelerating the path from concept to market.”

For B2B buyers, especially those focusing on innovation, differentiation and category expansion, AI-generated flavours should balance novelty with commercial viability. How do we make the most of AI in the regional sweets and snacks sector?

• Cultural Relevance: AI leverages regional ingredient datasets to align with local tastes while pushing boundaries.
• Premiumisation: Novelty anchored in luxury or wellness cues aligns with consumer trading-up behaviour.
• Differentiation: B2B buyers can use these to drive exclusivity in private label, limited editions or foodservice menus.
• Storytelling-Ready: Every flavour has a built-in narrative around fusion, AI innovation or ingredient heritage.

The ISM Middle East team curated a list of unusual yet strategically relevant AI-conceptualised sweet and snack flavours tailored for trend-driven product developers, retailers and foodservice buyers:

• Saffron Pistachio Cotton Candy Strategic Angle: Luxury and novelty, aligns with premium Middle Eastern palates Potential Application: Gourmet confectionery, gifting, hotel amenities

• Rose Harissa Caramel Popcorn Strategic Angle: Sweet-heat profile with regional familiarity and global trendiness Potential Application: Boutique snacks, cinema concessions, café retail
• Cardamom-Coconut White Chocolate Bark Strategic Angle: Functional, fragrant, wellness-adjacent Potential Application: Health-forward chocolate SKUs, seasonal limited-time offers
• Salted Labneh & Fig Energy Bites Strategic Angle: Fusion of savoury dairy and sweet fruit, protein-rich Potential Application: Functional snacking, airline catering, vending

• Smoked Date & Chili Brownie Strategic Angle: Bold, spicy-sweet profile, positioned for foodservice innovation Potential Application: Frozen desserts, QSR desserts, café counters
• Pineapple Sumac Gummies Strategic Angle: Sweet-acidic balance, AI-flagged as dopamine-stimulating Potential Application: Better-for-you confectionery, kids’ novelty lines
• Sidr Honey & Miso Caramel Truffle Strategic Angle: Cross-cultural umami-sweet experience, rare ingredient halo Potential Application: Premium boxed chocolates, gifting ranges

• Zaatar Sesame Brittle Strategic Angle: Snackable, high familiarity but uniquely sweetened Potential Application: Cross-merchandising with tea/coffee, gift packs
• Black Lime & Honey Nougat Strategic Angle: Combines regional dried citrus trend with indulgence Potential Application: Artisan sweets, travel retail, chef collaboration lines
• Turmeric-Saffron Gelato Strategic Angle: Functional luxury, wellness-aligned, Instagrammable Potential Application: Hotel F&B, dessert lounges, upscale catering

For more innovation and insights, and to know more about the event, Visit the ISM Middle East website — taking place from 15–17 September 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre.