ISM

ISM Middle East is the region's largest dedicated trade event for confectionery and snacks, where the global industry converges in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, to source, partner, launch and grow.

Held in Dubai, the world's most connected trade gateway, it brings 600+ producers and suppliers from 60+ countries face-to-face with the buyers, distributors and decision-makers who control what gets listed and consumed across the fastest-growing confectionery corridor in the world.

Spanning chocolate, confectionery, snack food, ice cream, desserts, biscuits, cakes and traditional sweets, ISM Middle East is where supply networks are built, multi-origin sourcing strategies are executed, distribution partnerships are formed and the commercial momentum that defines this year begins. Three Days. One City. The Entire Industry.

700+
GLOBAL EXHIBITORS
25,033
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
140
COUNTRIES IN ATTENDANCE
60+
EXHIBITING COUNTRIES
ISM Banner

 

 

sectors
CONFECTIONERY

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.

CHOCOLATE

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.

SNACK FOODS

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.

TRADITIONAL SWEETS

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 & CAKES

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.

ICE CREAM & DESSERTS

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.

CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE INTO ISM MIDDLE EAST 2026

Three days to access the buyers, distributors and decision-makers who control what gets listed and consumed across some of the world's fastest-growing markets. New distribution agreements. New market entries. Category-defining launches. These are not aspirational outcomes, they are what this show is built to deliver.

ISM Middle East is the most productive sourcing event on the calendar for confectionery and snacks. The world's leading brands are concentrated into a single event, a single week, a single city giving you the access, validation and visibility to make faster, smarter, better-informed decisions.

ISMExpertStage

POWERFUL CONVERSATIONS. GAME-CHANGING STRATEGIES.

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.

 
 

FESTIVE

Festive logo

Your Exclusive Access to the Next Big Trend in Festive Gifting

ISM Middle East Festive Showcase brings brands together to present their newest and most enticing offerings for all cultural and celebratory occasions.

This inviting space highlights the latest festive product lines and provides targeted networking opportunities, connecting world-renowned confectionery and snacks brands with influential buyers looking to source the next big trend in festive gifting. 

 ISMAwards

The ISM Middle East Awards honour the most groundbreaking ideas and revolutionary products shaping the sweets and snacks industry.

As the ultimate platform for industry recognition, the awards celebrate stand-out brands that are advancing the sector with new-to-market novelties, nostalgic favourites, and new consumer-driven creations.

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JUST NETWORK


Strategic Networking. Powerful Connections.

Unlock global opportunities and find your perfect business match with ISM Middle East's exclusive networking programme.

Designed to connect exhibitors with key buyers, this initiative ensures meaningful engagements that drive real business growth. Gain access to personalised introductions, VIP concierge support and curated participant lists, making every connection count.

LEADERS GIVE ISM MIDDLE EAST THE INDUSTRY SEAL OF APPROVAL

I found many confectionery suppliers at ISM Middle East, including the one I was looking for from China. Every year, the show showcases trendy products, which is one of the main reasons I attend to understand and learn what’s next in confectionery trends.

WALID NASER
PRIVATE LABEL CATEGORY MANAGER |  GMG
ISM Middle East remains an essential platform for us to stay ahead of category evolution. It offers a first-hand look at global innovations, allows us to connect with emerging challenger brands, and helps us identify white space opportunities within our portfolio. Participating in ISM also facilitates networking with peers and suppliers, making it invaluable for strategic sourcing and long-term planning.
RAKESH JHA
GENERAL MANAGER |  AL MAYA GROUP
For any brand looking to break into the region, ISM Middle East is the place to be. As a new brand aiming to expand across the Gulf and into the Levant, Feli’s Fruit has participated in shows worldwide and this has been the most effective by far. 
FEDA SAIMUA
MANAGING DIRECTOR |  EMIRATES SNACK FOODS LLC
We manufacture our product in Egypt and export to 21 countries including Middle East, North Africa, Africa, Europe and Asia. ISM Middle East is the best place for us to access these trade corridors and meet our customers.
MOHAMED EL GAMMAL
EXPORT MANAGER |  HMTO SWEETS

ISM_Unwrapped

The Region's Sweetest Insights --- Served Fresh Every Month

 

EDITOR'S BITE

TREND BITES - LATEST NEWS AND INSIGHTS

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