Post by : Layla Badr
Dubai, UAE – September 16, 2025:
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 opened ISM Middle East 2025 and Private Label Middle East 2025 today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). These two events are among the most influential trade shows in the region and the largest editions held so far.
These events are crucial for the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) markets, which are seeing rapid growth in confectionery, snacks, and private label products. By the end of this year, confectionery and snack sales in the APMEA region are expected to reach $389.8 billion, while the global private label market is projected to grow to $2,271.07 billion by 2033.
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The shows serve as key platforms for industry leaders to launch new products, build partnerships, and gain a first-mover advantage in high-growth markets.
Record International Participation
ISM Middle East 2025 and Private Label Middle East 2025 have recorded impressive international participation.
ISM Middle East welcomed over 700 exhibitors from 66 countries, showcasing more than 60,000 innovative products. The event saw a record-breaking 86% international participation, highlighting the show’s global influence.
Private Label Middle East also attracted a strong international presence, with 81.77% of participants coming from global markets. The event featured leading exhibitors offering private label solutions for retailers and businesses.
Global brands attending the shows included Mars, Carrefour, IKEA, Emirates Airlines, GMG, Noon, Tim Hortons, Careem, Nestle, Nesto Group, Dunkin, Grandiose Supermarket, Yandex, Dubai Duty Free, and many more. These companies use the events as platforms for strategic sourcing and procurement, discovering new products, and expanding their operations across the region.
ISM Middle East: A Celebration of Sweets and Snacks
ISM Middle East is the region’s premier event for confectionery and snacks. It showcased a wide variety of products, including bold flavors, festive collections, health-conscious options, and sustainable offerings.
Some of the leading exhibitors at ISM Middle East included:
The Fini Group
Katrina Sweets
Terravita
Charbonnel & Walker
Caffarel (Lindt & Sprüngli Group)
Walker’s Nonsuch Toffees
Maison Du Chocolat Café
Sucralliance
The Belgian Chocolate Group
Yupi Indo Jelly Gum
These brands displayed their latest innovations, attracting buyers, distributors, and industry professionals from across the globe. The exhibition provided a platform for companies to launch new products, strengthen business relationships, and explore market opportunities in high-growth regions.
Private Label Middle East: Connecting Buyers and Manufacturers
Private Label Middle East is the only dedicated event for private label products in the region. It provides a unique opportunity for retailers and manufacturers to collaborate, explore new product development, and discover innovative solutions for their business needs.
Some of the top exhibitors included:
Scrub Daddy
Epson Middle East
Hotpack
Rahmani Group
Intercare
Saudi Coffee
Akbar Brothers
Delmonte
Koopman Amsterdam International
NAQUA-National Aquaculture
With over 81% international participation, the event has become a vital hub for global businesses looking to expand in the Middle East.
High-Exposure Platforms for Product Launches
Both ISM Middle East and Private Label Middle East provide high-visibility platforms for launching new products. Many global brands return year after year to unveil their latest innovations.
At ISM Middle East, notable product launches included:
Lestello: New products bridging the gap between wellness and indulgence.
Kayow Nutrition: Sugar-free protein nut butter and sugar-free protein cookies.
At Private Label Middle East, highlights included:
Kesar Expert: Launching saffron extract and saffron powder made from premium-quality saffron filaments using cutting-edge technology.
These launches reflect the growing demand for healthier, premium, and innovative products across the region.
Expert Stage Conference: Insights from Industry Leaders
The Expert Stage Conference brought together some of the biggest names in the industry to share market insights, innovations, and trends. Speakers included representatives from:
Big Basket
Mars
Talabat
Dubai Holding
Domino’s
Choithrams
They discussed topics such as consumer trends, product innovation, and the evolving food and retail landscape.
Visionary food futurologist Dr. Morgaine Gaye also spoke at the conference, emphasizing the cultural importance of food. She said, “Snacks are culturally relevant. Broad cultural and geopolitical disruptors will shape the future, and the food industry does not exist in a vacuum. We think of food as entertainment, but food is also a cultural conversation about the bigger picture.”
Dubai’s Growing Role in Global Trade
Dubai has solidified its position as a leading hub for trade, business, and innovation. By hosting major events like ISM Middle East and Private Label Middle East, the city attracts global brands and investors, reinforcing its status as a gateway to high-growth markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.
The success of these events highlights Dubai’s commitment to providing world-class platforms for business networking, product launches, and industry insights.
ISM Middle East 2025 and Private Label Middle East 2025 have shown that the region is a hotspot for innovation, trade, and growth. The combination of record-breaking participation, global brands, and cutting-edge product launches makes these events essential for anyone involved in the confectionery, snacks, and private label sectors.
As companies continue to seek new opportunities and partnerships, Dubai will remain a key destination for international business and trade events, offering unmatched exposure, networking, and market insights.
The 2025 editions of ISM Middle East and Private Label Middle East were not only the largest in history, but also the most globally connected. With participation from industry giants, innovative startups, and thousands of international products, these events have reinforced Dubai’s reputation as a world-class trade and innovation hub.
Businesses from across the globe now look forward to the next editions, confident that Dubai offers the perfect environment to explore new opportunities, showcase innovation, and connect with key industry players.
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