Global innovators in the snack and confectionary industry were rewarded for their cutting-edge innovation at the yummex Middle East Innovation Awards, held yesterday (September 18) at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The awards recognised the international innovation of sweets, snacks and chocolates at the 11th edition of trade show yummex Middle East, organised by DWTC, in partnership with Köelnmesse GmbH. The awards attracted entries from snack and confectionary companies across the world.

This year’s awards were judged by an independent jury of renowned experts. The criteria were based on the most innovative products within the four categories; Chocolate, Hard & Soft Candy, Bakery Products and Snacks.

The yummex Middle East Innovation Awards 2017 crowned four winners, each receiving praise for shaking up the category through their unique innovations.

The winners:

•    Best Bakery Products: Y3K, LLC – for Y3K cosmic cookie mousse - an ice cream that doesn’t require freezing
•    Best Chocolate: Fitmeals GmbH – for Fitmeals protein chocolate - a sugar-free, vegan and high-protein chocolate
•    Best Hard & Soft Candy: Blooming Foods FZCO – for Nom Nom Sours - halal-certified marshmallows
•    Best Snacks: Agro Bio Seed – for caramoon - caramel fudge popcorn


Germany-based Fitmeals will be introducing its healthy snacking foods into the Mena market.

 Andreas Serwotka, Sales Manager at Fitmeals, said: “We are pleased to be recognised for our innovative protein chocolate through the yummex ME awards. Being sugar-free, vegan friendly and gluten-free, our protein chocolate gives a taste of sin, without any of the bad consequences. There is a growing health consciousness across the Mena region, and particularly in the UAE. Our products perfectly fit this demand, without compromising on great taste.”

Laurence Bolger, director of Sales & Marketing at UAE-based Blooming Foods, said: “It is such a fantastic achievement to win an international award for food innovation. Our Nom Nom Sours are cola flavoured marshmallows which are totally unique in the market, and sold at only one dirham a pack. We wanted to provide the Mena region with a tasty treat that they can guarantee is Halal certified.”

yummex Middle East is one of six co-located trade shows taking place until September 20, as part of Dubai International Hospitality Week. The winning products will be showcased throughout the entirety of the trade show, and can be found at the yummex ME “Innovation Gallery”.

As the leading international trade fair for the confectionery and snacks market in the Mena region, the show is now in its 11th edition, providing an important platform for global networking and knowledge sharing across the category. – TradeArabia News Service