ISM MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2026: HONOURING EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION IN SWEETS AND SNACKS

Every year, ISM Middle East becomes the centre of innovation in the sweets and snacks world where trends are born, bold ideas take flight, and products that shape the future are unveiled. In 2026, we once again shine the spotlight on the most imaginative, impactful and market-ready innovations across the industry.

Whether it’s a reinvented classic, an unexpected flavour combination, or a product with a story that stands out, we will bring together the industry’s most exciting products under one platform.

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For Exhibitors: Set the Benchmark

If you are a exhibitor at ISM Middle East 2026 and your product represents innovation, quality, and market relevance, the ISM Middle East Awards offer a unique opportunity for recognition.

Only confirmed exhibitors are eligible to enter the awards.
Submissions will open soon. Detailed entry criteria, timelines, and evaluation criteria will be shared shortly.

SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN (opens in a new tab)
 

 

For Visitors: Explore What’s Next

Uncover the region’s most groundbreaking product innovations across confectionery and snacks. From premium chocolates and artisanal hard and soft candies to cutting-edge health and functional products, the ISM Middle East Awards showcase the top award-winning creations and game-changing packaging design across every major category.

Winners will be revealed live at ISM Middle East 2026.

CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY

  • Entry to the ISM Middle East Awards is completely free of charge for all eligible exhibitors.
     
  • Participation is exclusively open to confirmed exhibitors of ISM Middle East 2026. Only companies with a confirmed exhibition stand at the event are entitled to submit entries.
     
  • Exhibitors are welcome to enter across multiple categories and submit more than one product. The following conditions apply:
    • Each category entry requires a separate online submission form.
    • Each individual product or innovation entered also requires a separate online submission form.
       
  • Product ownership & intellectual property: All submitted products must be the exhibitor's own creation. Entries must not infringe upon any intellectual property rights, trademarks, patents, or other rights belonging to third parties. Exhibitors are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with this requirement
     
  • EEntries may be submitted for any of the following:
    • A brand-new product, innovation, or initiative being introduced to the market.
    • The relaunch of an established product with significant updates or improvements.
    • The launch of an innovative initiative within the confectionery or snack category.
       
  • Eligible products must have been launched or relaunched between October 2025 and December 2026. Products introduced outside of this window will not qualify for consideration.
     
  • All entries must be submitted online through the official ISM Middle East Exhibitor Portal. Submissions sent via email, post, or any other channel will not be accepted or considered.
     
  • Participants are responsible for uploading all required product information, images, and videos as part of their submission. By entering, participants consent to this content being used for the adjudication process and for ISM Middle East marketing and promotional purposes. All submitted data will be permanently deleted once the award winners have been announced.
     
  • Winners will be announced on the second day of ISM Middle East 2026, 4 November 2026. In addition, all ISM Middle East Award winners will be celebrated and featured at ISM Cologne 2027, giving winners global visibility on the world's leading sweets and snacks stage.

IMPORTANT: AWARDS TIMELINE

Submission Deadline: 10 October 2026 & Participation is free.

Shortlist Announcement: The shortlist will be announced on the last week of October.