The sweet sensation of Dubai chocolate is captivating taste buds across Europe, particularly as social media amplifies its allure. Recently, the hype surrounding this exotic confection has transcended borders, reaching corners of Switzerland and Germany where enthusiasts are lining up to get their hands on it.
Maria De Salve, who manages the Avec kiosk located in Worb, reflected on this phenomenon with excitement. "I didn’t even know about this chocolate until we received our delivery. Since we didn’t have space on the shelves, I placed it beside the checkout. What happened next surprised me: people flocked to buy it. They don’t even check the price; they see it and grab it!" De Salve noted.
Interestingly, many young customers, particularly schoolchildren, are opting for this luxurious treat, which isn't cheap. With prices soaring above 8 francs, it's intriguing to witness how high demand for Dubai chocolate is influencing purchasing behavior among this demographic.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become hotbeds for promoting Dubai chocolate, showcasing its vibrant packaging and luxurious nature. Yet, not all customers are enamored. One shopper, who bought the chocolate, lamented the high price saying, "Honestly, it’s outrageous at 8.90. Taste-wise, it was disappointing. It tastes similar to KitKat but costs three times as much!" Nevertheless, De Salve insists, "Right now, it's all the rage!"
Dubai chocolate is not just a fleeting trend; Lindt Germany has recognized its potential and recently announced the nationwide release of the Lindt Dubai Chocolade. Slated for mid-December, this new offering will carry a price tag of 9.99 EUR for 145 grams. The updated recipe promises high quality with 45 percent pistachio content, alongside the crunchy textures of Kadayif—a fine, hair-like pastry also referred to as "angel hair," common in Levantine desserts.
While the chocolate's meteoric rise is intriguing, it has also affected the price of key ingredients. Elaine Reinhard, an expert at the agribusiness communication platform Mundus Agri, discussed the impact on the market for pistachios. "The demand for pistachios needed for Dubai chocolate has skyrocketed, and prices have soared accordingly. Reports indicate wholesale prices for Turkish pistachio kernels have spiked by over 40% this year. This is particularly surprising since Turkey has recorded its largest harvest to date at 415,500 million tons!"
On the other hand, cheaper pistachios imported from Iran are facing scrutiny. Reinhard explained the quality issues arising from stricter EU regulations, mentioning, "Multiple shipments have been rejected this year for exceeding aflatoxin limits, which is concerning considering how heavily the Iranian auto industry is now invested in pistachio trading for Financial gain." The nation has lost its status as the world's top exporter to the United States, highlighting the shifting dynamics of the global pistachio market.
Interestingly, prices have surged not only due to demand spikes from seasonal markets but also because of the increasing popularity of healthier snack alternatives. Almonds and pistachios are becoming increasingly appealing, particularly with rising interest from Indian consumers who are seeking to indulge.
With the holiday market approaching, the surge of interest surrounding Dubai chocolate underlines its potential for sustained demand. Brands and local suppliers are poised to benefit, but they must also navigate the challenges posed by market volatility, ingredient sourcing, and shifting consumer preferences. Yet, for now, it seems consumers are happy to indulge, making this the season of Dubai chocolate.
