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 consumer demands is essential.

Keep reading to discover what consumers in the sweet and snack industry are looking for, and learn about the exhibitors to watch out for at this year’s ISM Middle East event.

Increasing Diversity and Flavour Preferences

Adventurous consumers are calling for confectionary products with exotic and global flavours. This has increased the demand for authentic sweets and chocolates from other regions.

Exhibitor to visit: Butterfly Brand, which stocks snacks from Hong Kong, such as flavoured cashews, almonds and pistachios.

Plant-Based Confections

The MENA plant-based market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 18.9% from 2023 to 2030. Due to this, the demand for vegan and vegetarian confections is steadily increasing.

Exhibitor to Visit: Trolli, a German sweet brand with a prime selection of fruit gums, including vegan options like Sour Strawberries, Apple Orchard, Bizzl Mix and more.

Luxury offerings for special occasions

From gifting to higher-end preferences, consumers are reaching for more premium and artisanal confectionary products with high-quality packaging, and unique, top-quality ingredients.

Exhibitor to Visit: Leading Middle Eastern confectionery business, LEE Chocolate produces an exceptional range of luxury chocolates, featuring kunafa chocolate bars, sugar-free chocolates, plus an array of gift boxes.

Umami and savoury snacks: Savoury snacks are gaining popularity as consumers seek bold and unique flavours, with umami-packed options being especially in demand and available in a variety of choices.

Exhibitors to visit: Korona which produces popcorn, chips, potato pellets, nuts, seeds and more.

Keen to learn more? Join us from 24-26 September at ISM Middle East 2024 to explore a wide range of responsibly produced products and to connect with confectionary industry leaders.