Ahmed bin Saeed Opens ISM & Private Label ME 2025

Dubai, UAE – 15 September 2025:

In a landmark moment for the region’s trade and retail industries, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, officially inaugurated ISM Middle East 2025 and Private Label Middle East 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Both events, which opened their grandest editions to date, have drawn record-breaking participation from global brands eager to tap into the thriving markets of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

As the confectionery and snack sector across the APMEA region surges towards a projected value of USD 389.8 billion by year-end, and the worldwide private label market accelerates towards USD 2.27 trillion by 2033, Dubai has once again positioned itself at the crossroads of innovation, trade, and opportunity.

Record-Breaking International Participation

ISM Middle East 2025 opened its doors to an impressive 86% international participation rate, welcoming more than 700 exhibitors from 66 nations. Visitors experienced a dazzling showcase of over 60,000 products — from gourmet chocolates and indulgent sweets to health-conscious and sustainable snack alternatives. Renowned exhibitors included The Fini Group, Katrina Sweets, Walker’s Nonsuch Toffees, Maison Du Chocolat Café, Sucralliance, The Belgian Chocolate Group, Terravita, and many others, each unveiling bold flavors, festive collections, and cutting-edge innovations.

Private Label Middle East 2025 mirrored this momentum, with global exhibitors accounting for 81.77% of total participants. As the only dedicated private label event in the region, it became a pivotal hub for buyers and retailers to explore sourcing opportunities and future product development strategies. Key international players included Scrub Daddy, Epson Middle East, Hotpack, Rahmani Group, Intercare, Saudi Coffee, Akbar Brothers, Delmonte, Koopman Amsterdam International, and NAQUA-National Aquaculture.

A Stage for Bold Launches

Both events served as high-impact stages for global product debuts.

• At ISM Middle East, Lestello introduced a wellness-focused indulgent line, while Kayow Nutrition revealed sugar-free protein nut butter and cookies, bridging the gap between taste and health.

• At Private Label Middle East, Kesar Expert unveiled a saffron extract and powder, produced with state-of-the-art technology and crafted from premium saffron filaments.

Knowledge-Shaping Dialogues

Adding further weight to the exhibitions was the Expert Stage Conference, where thought leaders and executives from Big Basket, Mars, Talabat, Dubai Holding, Domino’s, and Choithrams engaged audiences with transformative insights.

Visionary food futurologist Dr. Morgaine Gaye opened the sessions with a powerful keynote:
“Snacks are culturally relevant. Broad cultural and geopolitical disruptors are what will change the face of the world — and the food industry does not exist in a vacuum. We think of food as entertainment, but food is a cultural conversation about the bigger picture.”

A Global Hub of Trade and Innovation

The simultaneous hosting of ISM Middle East and Private Label Middle East has further solidified Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for trade, innovation, and strategic procurement. With leading corporations such as Mars, Carrefour, IKEA, Emirates Airlines, GMG, Noon, and Tim Hortons leveraging the platforms for sourcing and market expansion, the events underscore Dubai’s role as a gateway to high-growth markets.

As thousands of buyers, distributors, and manufacturers converge at DWTC for three days of business, innovation, and collaboration, the 2025 editions stand as a testament to the city’s vision of shaping the future of global commerce.

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