16th edition of ISM Middle East: Record Participation
ISM Middle East, the international trade fair for sweets and snacks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, concluded another edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 7 to 9, 2023. With a turnout of more than 12.800 visitors, 352 exhibitors hailing from 45 countries, 28 national pavilions, and a thriving 3-day showcase, ISM Middle East 2023 reaffirmed its significance in the MENA region. As the region’s leading platform for sweets and snacks, ISM Middle East 2023 had a resounding impact, and set new goals for its future editions – “Bigger, Better, Bolder.”
This year’s event also celebrated the inaugural ISM Middle East Conference, offering valuable insights and knowledge to industry professionals and making it a comprehensive experience for attendees. The event included the premiere of the new ISM Middle East Knowledge Hub that addressed current trend topics, innovation and business with speakers from G.A.A.S.T, German Sweets, IFF, Jannis, Mirzam and Perfetti van Melle. Another part of the ISM Middle East Conference was a high-profile panel and presentations from official Knowledge Partners Innova Market and Euromonitor, adding to the overall event’s success.
This year, ISM Middle East expanded its exhibition space due to the increasing demand from exhibitors. The record result of 2016 with 5,197 square meters of space was exceeded.
This year’s ISM Middle East showcased a diverse range of products, including chocolate, confectionery, desserts, snack foods, ice cream, fine bakery, date products, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving sweets and snacks industry. The participants at the trade fair reaped significant benefits by establishing direct connections with a multitude of pertinent buyers and key figures hailing from the realms of retail, trade, and hospitality. They also engaged with distributors spanning the entire region. The caliber of the trade fair attendees garnered special recognition. Moreover, the volume of visitors surpassed the expectations of most of the trade fair participants.
The winners of the 9th ISM Middle East New Product Showcase Award
ISM Middle East 2023 celebrated again innovation and excellence with the ISM Middle East New Product Showcase Awards. This prestigious recognition showcased the most innovative and newly launched sweets and snacks products, marking the ninth edition of this highly anticipated event.
An impartial and specialized panel of judges meticulously evaluated the numerous submissions and handpicked the victors across four distinct categories. These deserving winners were celebrated at the trade fair, with all awarded products prominently displayed in the Trend Court during the event. The 2023 winners include:
Category: Best Chocolate Product
Exhibitor: Gia Siming (Zhuhai) Food Technology Co., Ltd. (China)
Product: Lyophilized chocolate
Category: Best Hard & Soft Candy Product
Exhibitor: Magical Flavors for Food Industry (Egypt)
Product: Marshzone Marshmallow Fries
Category: Best Bakery Product
Exhibitor: Me Gusto Sp. z.o.o. (Poland)
Product: Organic wafer with peanut butter and salt, without added sugar
Category: Best Snack Product
Exhibitor: Matis Bros SA (Greece)
Product: Full Energy Tahini Spread with Rice Crispies
ISM Middle East will be making a major shift in its schedule starting from 2024. The event will move from its traditional November date to September, allowing for better alignment with religious celebrations as well as the order timings of the industry. The new dates for the ISM Middle East 2024 edition are set from September 24 to 26, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This move aims to meet the ever-increasing demand in the region and further expand the exhibitor base.