A dynamic global audience has engaged with this year’s ISM Middle East and Gulfood Manufacturing shows, as the combined events opened their doors today in Dubai, writes Neill Barston.

Confectionery Production is on hand at the city’s World Trade Centre for the events – which have returned in their combined format, which is delivering a full spectrum of the industry’s value chain, from equipment and systems, through to ingredients, and finished product ranges from around the globe.

As our title discovered from speaking to the two events’ organisers prior to the show, there has been a notable buzz surrounding the pairing of the events together once more, as well as the addition of the private label show, and food service elements to the event.

Having covered the shows a number of time in recent years, Confectionery Production has noted an increasing shift towards alternative healthier ingredients, and bold flavour pairings on the ISM side, while Gulfood remains especially focused on machinery ranges that respond to needs of greater production efficiencies, speed and integration with AI-led software and product development.

Notably, from walking the halls of this year’s events, footfall volumes appeared to be holding strong, despite of the challenges relating to wider geopolitical issues in the region.

Indeed, from encountering the event management at the show, ISM’s team noted that exhibitors had expressed clear encouragement at the level of engagement with the events.

Speaking to Confectionery Production, Peter Nielsen, of Denmark’s Palsgaard ingredients believed there had been a decidedly positive response to its latest cake gel innovation unveiled today at the show.

He said: “It’s been a very good first day for us, with a good atmosphere and a lot talks here on the booth. We have really high hopes for our powder gel, which was emphasised in the discussions that we had.

“It’s been it’s been really encouraging. I mean, yeah, as you as you said, we didn’t really quite know what to expect this year, but no, we’re really positively surprised on on the first day. The region is one of our priorities regions, and it has massive potential. So we have really enjoyed coming here,”

Ingredients strength
Another major player at this year’s event is the Cargill group, which is showcasing a broad spectrum of its core ingredients for the confectionery and chocolate market.

Significantly, as the company asserted, man Middle East and Africa markets are seeing an increased demand for health and wellness – with protein and clean-label series being in big demand.  

Among its offerings is Velich (Authentic Belgian Gourmet Chocolate, which has a strong production heritage, being delivered at one of Europe’s most technologically advanced chocolate facilities, combining traditional regional chocolate craftsmanship with global R&D.

The key offering has been formulated in close partnership with top pastry chefs, providing optimal fluidity curves, reliable tempering, and signature mouthfeel across moulding, enrobing, ganache, and fine desserts. Its white chocolate variants are recognised for rich milk notes and balanced flavor profiles.

As the company added, there is a strong focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability, which has been produced with 100% sustainably sourced, Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa beans, supporting farmer livelihoods and ethical production. The business will also provide a spotlight for its Gerkens cocoa powders which have targeted the high-end market. 

In addition, the business will also offer a showcase for its Vonova Premium Couverture Chocolate, drawing upon its historic strength in forging chocolate offerings dating back to the 1880s for the Turkish division of Cargill that is representing the group at the event. 

The business will also respond to a number of criteria that customers have demanded including better-for-you indulgence, which has centre on the notion that shoppers are seeking strong sensory appeal with luxury products, but also desiring additional options including enhanced nutrition, and reduced sugar in certain ranges. 

• For full updates of this year’s ISM Middle East, and Gulfood Manufacturing, follow Confectionery Production, as well as our next edition of the magazine.