Introduction – United Arab Emirates’s Candies Market in Statistical Focus
When it comes to sweet exports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a region that’s punching well above its weight. Despite its desert geography, the UAE has emerged as a key player in the global candies supply chain. With its strategic location, world-class logistics, and a growing manufacturing base, the UAE has become a regional hub for food production and re-export — and candies are no exception.
In recent years, the UAE’s candies export market has seen a noticeable uptick. Businesses around the world are turning to the Emirates not just for oil, gold, and luxury, but for sugar-laced delights that cater to both everyday consumption and festive markets. But in a competitive marketplace, how do you pick the right supplier?
That’s where data-driven decision-making comes into play. Platforms like Freshdi help global buyers access verified supplier data, RFQ (Request for Quotation) trends, and real-time market insights that make the selection process smarter and faster.
Let’s dive into the numbers and the names shaping the UAE’s candy export scene in Q3 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
The UAE’s candy sector has been steadily growing, both in production and export volumes. While exact figures vary year-to-year, industry insiders estimate that the country exported over 40,000 metric tons of candies and confectionery products in the last year alone. That’s not just sugar-coated success—it’s a booming market response to global demand.
Key export destinations include:
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- African nations like Kenya and Nigeria
- And even parts of Europe and Southeast Asia
A growing proportion of these exports are private-label products and bulk candies targeting wholesalers and retailers.
Data from Freshdi shows a substantial spike in RFQs for UAE-based candy suppliers during Q3, especially from buyers in the GCC and North Africa. These RFQs point to increasing international trust in UAE’s food safety standards, packaging quality, and supply chain reliability.
Top 6 Verified Candies Suppliers in United Arab Emirates – Leading Exporters by Volume
Based on export volume, international presence, certifications, and user feedback on Freshdi, here are the Top 6 Candies Suppliers in the United Arab Emirates in Quarter 3 of 2025:
1. Aws Distribution Llc
Aws Distribution is a powerhouse in the sweets segment. Known for its wide variety of hard candies, jellies, and lollipops, this supplier has solidified its reputation across the Middle East and Africa. They cater to wholesalers, private-label brands, and large-scale food distributors.
Key Strengths:
– ISO-certified production
– Strong regional logistics
– Flexible MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities)
2. Shirin Asal Middle East General Trading
A subsidiary of the renowned Iranian brand Shirin Asal, this UAE-based trading arm specializes in high-quality toffees, chocolates, and gummies. Their export volume has seen a 20% increase in Q3 2025 thanks to new markets in Central Asia.
Key Strengths:
– Premium product lines
– Strong brand recall
– Consistent export performance
3. Sayed Metal
Though the name might suggest otherwise, Sayed Metal has diversified into food and confectionery distribution. Their candy division has grown rapidly, targeting niche markets with sugar-free and novelty candies.
Key Strengths:
– Diversified product portfolio
– Competitive pricing
– Fast turnaround on bulk orders
4. Growell Group Fz Llc
Growell Group is a leading B2B exporter known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Their candies are sold across supermarkets in the GCC, and they offer private-label services for global brands.
Key Strengths:
– In-house R&D for new flavors
– HACCP and Halal certifications
– Strong customer service
5. Hamwi Nuts & Candy
This supplier combines the best of both worlds—candies and nuts. Their chocolate-coated nuts and nougat-based sweets are a hit in the Levant and North African markets.
Key Strengths:
– Traditional Middle Eastern flavors
– Seasonal product lines
– Robust export logistics
6. Poodak Group
Poodak Group has carved a niche for itself with modern, colorful, and playful candy packaging and product design. They’re a favorite among retailers looking to attract the youth segment.
Key Strengths:
– Eye-catching branding
– Consistent inventory availability
– Strong presence on Freshdi’s RFQ dashboard
Dynamic Ranking Note
While these six suppliers top the charts for Q3 2025, platforms like Freshdi offer real-time supplier rankings based on recent performance. “Suppliers of the Month” and “Top Exporters of the Quarter” features help buyers stay updated on who’s hot and who’s not.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Let’s break down how pricing and demand trends are shaping up in the UAE’s candy export landscape.
Demand Trends: What’s Hot?
Using RFQ trends from Freshdi, the following candy types are showing high demand:
- Hard candies (especially fruit-flavored)
- Sugar-free and diabetic-friendly options
- Lollipops and novelty items for kids
- Chocolate-covered fillings
- Gummies with added vitamins (functional candies)
Pricing Dynamics: When to Buy?
Historically, candy prices in the UAE tend to dip slightly in the hot summer months (June–August) due to reduced domestic demand. However, export demand usually peaks ahead of global festivals:
- August–October: High demand ahead of Halloween and Diwali
- November–December: Pre-Christmas and New Year stocking
- March–April: Ramadan and Eid prep
Smart buyers use this data to time their purchases and negotiate better deals. Platforms like Freshdi provide historical pricing charts and supplier availability calendars to guide procurement decisions.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
The UAE has proven itself as more than just a trading hub—it’s a dynamic manufacturing and export center for candies and confectionery products. With verified suppliers offering everything from traditional sweets to modern, functional candies, the market is ripe for smart buyers.
If you’re in the candy business, it pays to choose your supplier based on data-backed performance, not just catalogs. Look for:
- Export volume trends
- Certifications and compliance
- Verified buyer reviews
- RFQ responsiveness
Freshdi plays a crucial role in this ecosystem. It’s not just a directory—it’s a live pulse of global B2B trade. From supplier verification to real-time demand insights, Freshdi empowers businesses to make smarter, faster, and safer sourcing decisions.
✅ Buyer’s Checklist: Choosing a UAE Candy Supplier
- ✅ Is the supplier verified by a trusted platform like Freshdi?
- ✅ Do they have export-ready certifications (ISO, Halal, HACCP)?
- ✅ Can they handle your required volume and customize packaging?
- ✅ What are previous buyers saying about them?
- ✅ Are they responsive to RFQs and able to offer samples promptly?
🔮 Future Outlook: Sweet Times Ahead
Looking ahead to Q4 and beyond, the UAE’s candy sector is expected to grow further with:
- Increased private-label production
- Expansion into new African and Asian markets
- Rising demand for health-conscious and sugar-free options
- Advancements in sustainable packaging
B2B buyers that leverage tools like Freshdi will have the upper hand in navigating this dynamic landscape.
FAQs
1. Why is the UAE becoming a major candy exporter?
The UAE offers world-class logistics, strategic location, and high food safety standards, making it a favored export hub in the MENA region.
2. How can I verify a candy supplier in the UAE?
Use platforms like Freshdi which offer supplier profiles, export data, buyer reviews, and RFQ interaction history.
3. What types of candies are most exported from the UAE?
Hard candies, gummies, lollipops, and chocolate-coated treats are among the top exported items.
4. When is the best time to source candies from UAE suppliers?
August to October and March to April are peak seasons due to global festivals. Pricing may be more favorable in June–August.
5. Can UAE suppliers handle bulk orders for international supermarkets?
Yes, many verified suppliers on Freshdi specialize in B2B exports and offer private-label services for global retailers.
