ISM Middle East 2026 will take place from 15–17 September 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the region’s leading B2B trade exhibition for sweets, confectionery, and snacks, the event serves as a powerful commercial platform connecting global manufacturers, regional producers, distributors, and key buyers from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
ISM Middle East is part of the globally recognized ISM network and represents the most influential industry gathering for companies looking to expand or strengthen their presence in fast-growing consumer markets. The exhibition is strictly trade-focused and is designed to drive sourcing, partnerships, and market entry opportunities across the entire sweets and snacks value chain.
The event reflects evolving consumer preferences, product innovation, and retail trends, making it a strategic destination for discovering new products, brands, and business ideas tailored to both regional and international markets.
Exhibition Scope
The exhibition showcases a comprehensive range of product categories, including:
- Chocolate and chocolate-coated products
- Sugar confectionery, gummies, and candies
- Biscuits, cookies, and baked snacks Savory snacks and chips
- Dates, date-based sweets, and regional specialties Ice cream, frozen desserts, and novelty treats
- Health-oriented, sugar-reduced, vegan, and functional confectionery
In addition to finished products, ISM Middle East also highlights packaging solutions, ingredients, and private-label offerings that support innovation and scalability.
Who Should Exhibit
The event attracts a diverse mix of exhibitors, such as:
- International and regional confectionery manufacturers
- Snack food producers and brand owners
- Exporters and national pavilions
- Emerging startups with innovative or niche offerings
- Ingredient, flavor, and packaging solution providers
For exhibitors, ISM Middle East offers direct access to decision-makers actively seeking new products, suppliers, and exclusive distribution agreements.
Visitor Profile
ISM Middle East welcomes a highly qualified audience, including:
- Retail buyers and category managers
- Importers, exporters, and distributors
- Wholesalers and trading companies
- Foodservice and hospitality procurement professionals
- Brand developers, product managers, and market analysts
The focused trade-only environment ensures meaningful business discussions and high-value networking.
Key Features and Highlights
- Trend & Insight Sessions: Industry experts and market leaders share insights on consumer trends, product innovation, sustainability, and market expansion strategies relevant to the MENA and APMEA regions.
- Festive & Seasonal Showcase: A dedicated area highlights festive, gifting, and seasonal confectionery concepts, reflecting cultural celebrations and high-demand periods across regional markets.
- Awards & Innovation Recognition: The event celebrates excellence through awards recognizing outstanding product innovation, creative packaging, and market adaptability.
- Business Matchmaking: Curated networking and matchmaking initiatives help exhibitors and buyers connect efficiently, accelerating partnerships and commercial outcomes.
Why ISM Middle East 2026 Matters
- Gateway to high-growth markets: Dubai’s strategic location connects exhibitors with buyers from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
- Strong buying intent: Visitors attend with clear sourcing objectives, ensuring high-quality leads and commercial relevance.
- Trend-driven platform: The exhibition reflects the future of sweets and snacks, from premium and artisanal products to health-conscious and sustainable solutions.
- Global credibility: Backed by the ISM brand, the event carries strong international recognition and trust.
Conclusion
ISM Middle East 2026 is a must-attend trade exhibition for professionals involved in the sweets, confectionery, and snacks industry. By combining product discovery, trend intelligence, and targeted networking in one dynamic marketplace, the event plays a vital role in shaping the future of the industry across the Middle East and beyond.
