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Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Dubai airports sells 2.5 million chocolate bars in 6 months, here are the top brands
Dubai Duty Free saw a surge in chocolate sales, with 2.5 million bars sold in the first half of 2025, driving Dh165 million in revenue/ Image Composite: Instagram Dubai's airports have become a chocolate lover's paradise, with a remarkable 2.5 million bars of locally made chocolates sold in just the first half of 2025. This surge in sales, which has generated an impressive Dh165 million in revenue, underscores the increasing demand for UAE-based chocolate brands. Speaking to local media outlet Dubai Eye, Ramesh Cidambi, CEO of Dubai Duty Free, highlighted that these sales have provided a significant boost to the local economy. Cidambi pointed out that, since these brands are homegrown, the majority of the revenue from these chocolate sales remains within the UAE, benefitting the country's economy as a whole. FIX : The Viral Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate FIX has become synonymous with "Dubai chocolates," particularly due to its world-famous pistachio kunafa chocolate. This unique fusion of traditional Middle Eastern dessert flavors with chocolate took the world by storm. Despite various attempts by other brands to replicate it, the authentic FIX taste remains an exclusive treat found only in the UAE. In an exclusive collaboration with Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, FIX crafted a one-of-a-kind chocolate flavor, tailored to his personal preferences, which included Halawt, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The brand has continued to innovate, recently launching a tropical flavor, "Time to Mango," which aims to capture the essence of Dubai's sunny climate. L'ocali: Luxury Meets Heritage The Dubai-born brand L'ocali blends two key pillars of the UAE, heritage and luxury. Its chocolates, which include dates wrapped in 24k edible gold, embody the opulence that Dubai is famous for. L'ocali's offerings also include chocolate-coated dates with various fillings such as pistachio, rose, and orange peel, as well as gourmet chocolates crafted from Belgian truffles and Swiss chocolate. The brand's focus is on capturing the essence of Dubai's luxury experience, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Bateel: The Pioneer of Date Chocolate Bateel is more than just a chocolate brand, it's a part of the UAE's culinary heritage. Established in 1992, the brand is deeply rooted in both the UAE and Saudi Arabian traditions, with its headquarters in Dubai. The word "Bateel" refers to the young offshoot of a date palm tree, symbolizing growth and new beginnings, which aligns with the brand's commitment to innovation in chocolate. Bateel revolutionized the chocolate industry when it "invented the date chocolate" in 2000, combining the rich flavors of dates with the decadence of high-quality chocolate. Beyond its signature date chocolates, Bateel also offers artisanal chocolates from regions like Brazil and the Dominican Republic, along with cookies inspired by Middle Eastern flavors like date dhibs and milk chocolate sesame praline. The brand's expansion into the broader food sector, with the opening of Cafe Bateel in 2007, cemented its position as a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike. In 2023, it launched Bateel El'an, a more compact, cafe-focused format. Al Nassma: The Camel Milk Chocolate Pioneer Founded in 2008 by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Nassma is the UAE's first camel milk chocolate brand, and it has become an iconic name in the Middle East. Camel milk has long been a staple in the region, particularly among Bedouins, and Al Nassma uses this unique ingredient to craft chocolates that reflect the traditions of the Arabian desert. The brand has made a mark with its "hollow figures," caravan boxes, pralines, and chocolate bars. Known for its luxurious offerings, Al Nassma has positioned itself as the "Godiva of the Middle East," combining high-quality chocolate with the distinct flavor of camel milk. Samha: Camel Milk with a Twist Launched in 2019 by Prime Chocolate, the parent company of Al Nassma, Samha brings another dimension to the world of camel milk chocolate. While Al Nassma offers a broad range of camel milk-based chocolates, Samha focuses specifically on camel milk-covered dates, which are a local favorite. Samha has also embraced the pistachio kunafa flavor, adding a camel milk twist that brings a unique local touch. The bite-sized treats are a popular choice for birthdays, gatherings, and celebrations, helping people from diverse nationalities in the UAE share a taste of local culture. I Love Dubai: A Fusion of Local Flavors If you thought pistachio kunafa chocolate was the most innovative combination, think again. "I Love Dubai" offers some of the most unique chocolates in the region, including pistachio baklava chocolate and gahwa crunch. The pistachio baklava is a nod to the UAE's rich history of layered desserts, while the gahwa crunch incorporates gahwa, the Emirati term for Arabic coffee, a symbol of the country's legendary hospitality. Another standout is halwa rahash, a Middle Eastern dessert made from sesame seed paste. It has a nutty, fudge-like texture, and when paired with chocolate, it creates a truly distinctive local flavor experience.
Arabian Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Duty Free Surpasses AED4.1bn in Half‑Year Sales
Dubai Duty Free posted its strongest first-half performance to date, recording turnover of AED 4.118 billion, a 5.34 per cent increase over the same period in 2024. This figure eclipses the previous H1 record by AED 208.95 million, signalling robust recovery and sustained growth since the pandemic. The surge was underpinned by heightened passenger engagement during the Eid holiday and early summer travel season, with April, May and early June emerging as particularly strong months. This rise was reflected in higher spend per passenger, a metric now exceeding June 2024 levels, according to managing director Ramesh Cidambi. Perfumes topped the sales chart at AED 744.24 million, followed by beverages at AED 513.37 million, and cigarettes and tobacco at AED 439.91 million— the latter marking a 12.24 per cent uplift. Gold sales contributed AED 416.90 million, while confectionery achieved the most dramatic rise—a 62.70 per cent increase totalling AED 412.52 million. Cosmetics also grew modestly to AED 201.51 million, up 3.36 per cent. ADVERTISEMENT Growth was consistently distributed across the airport's terminals. Terminal 3 led with a 6.37 per cent gain, while Terminal 1 rose by 5.25 per cent. All major source regions posted positive results: Europe saw an increase of 16.89 per cent, the Middle East was up 8.15 per cent, Russia climbed 4.41 per cent and the Indian sub‑continent recorded a 1.02 per cent rise. Cidambi emphasised that the strong performance reflects not just rising traffic, but also increased engagement per traveller: 'The spend per passenger is likely to be better than last year June… a testament to our team's hard work and the strength of Dubai as a global travel hub'. Looking forward, Dubai Duty Free is preparing for an intensified second half, traditionally buoyed by back-to-school demand, year-end travel, and festive shopping occasions. Execution of its long-term strategy has also advanced: three Arrivals Shops have been renovated and the retailer is gearing up to unveil luxury boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Cartier in Terminal 3's Concourse A. These upgrades aim to further enhance the high-end shopping experience and capitalise on the spending power of premium travellers. Founded in December 1983, Dubai Duty Free has evolved into one of the world's largest airport retailers, reaching a turnover of US $2.16 billion in 2023. Its top markets include India, Russia, China and the UK. The performance during the first half of 2025 demonstrates resilience and strategic diversification across categories, geographies and terminals. Luxury expansion and strategic product mix adjustments appear to be the cornerstone of the company's forward plan. By augmenting its high-end retail offerings and leveraging strong travel traffic, Dubai Duty Free is poised to maintain momentum through the remainder of the year. Cigarettes & tobacco, gold and perfumery remain core pillars, while confectionery's exceptional growth suggests broader category appeal among travellers. As passenger numbers climb and spending habits evolve, the retailer's ongoing investments in both infrastructure and branded boutiques seek to reinforce its leadership in travel retail. Economic analysts note that this escalate in passenger spend is not confined to Dubai—the broader travel retail sector across the Gulf region is experiencing parallel growth, aided by tourism rebounds and expanded flight connectivity. However, Dubai Duty Free's strategic emphasis on luxury positioning and global brand partnerships gives it a competitive edge within this landscape. While the company has not yet released final June passenger traffic figures, all indicators show an upward trend in both transit volume and per capita spend. With the expansion of Concourse A's luxury offerings and the completion of renovation works, expectations are that H2 will not only replicate H1 gains but potentially surpass them.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai Airport Duty-Free retailers hit record Dh4.1 billion sales in first half of 2025
Dubai Duty Free posts a record Dh4.118 billion ($1.12 billion) in H1 sales, buoyed by strong perfume, confectionery and luxury goods performance, with new boutiques planned for later this year. Dubai Duty Free reported a record-breaking revenue of Dh4.118 billion ($1.12 billion) for the first half of 2025, marking a 5.34% year-on-year increase. This performance surpasses the previous half-year record by nearly Dh209 million ($57 million), underlining strong travel demand through Dubai International Airport and the retailer's expanding luxury offering. Sales Boosted by Travel Season and Passenger Spending Sales momentum was especially strong in April, May, and early June, driven by Eid holiday travel and the early summer vacation season. 'We are very pleased with our record performance for the first half of 2025,' said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free in a public statement. 'The spend per passenger is likely to be better than last year. This performance is a testament to our team's hard work and the strength of Dubai as a global travel hub.' Top-Performing Product Categories in H1 2025 Dubai Duty Free's top five sales categories remained consistent, with notable growth across most segments: Perfumes: Dh744.24 million ($203 million; 18% of total revenue, up 5%) Beverages: Dh513.37 million ($140 million) Cigarettes & Tobacco: Dh439.91 million ($120 million; up 12.24%) Gold: Dh416.90 million ($114 million; 10.12% of total revenue, up 6.14%) Confectionery: Dh412.52 million ($112 million; up 62.70%, accounting for 10% of revenue) Other highlights: Cosmetics: Dh201.51 million ($55 million; up 3.36%, 4.89% of revenue) Terminal and Regional Sales Growth Sales across terminals saw significant gains: Terminal 3: +6.37% Terminal 1: +5.25% Positive growth was recorded across major passenger regions: Europe: +16.89% Middle East: +8.15% Russia: +4.41% Indian Subcontinent: +1.02% Looking Ahead: Expansion and Luxury Retail Focus Dubai Duty Free completed renovations at three Arrivals Shops in H1 and is preparing for a busy summer and final quarter. 'We are looking forward to an equally busy second half of the year,' Cidambi said. 'Plans are very much in place for the opening of three luxury boutiques in Terminal 3 Concourse A including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Cartier.' These additions support Dubai Duty Free's strategy to enhance its luxury retail presence, targeting both regional and international travellers.
Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai Duty Free posts record half-year revenue of Dh4.118 billion
2 July 2025 19:13 DUBAI (WAM)Dubai Duty Free on Wednesday announced record half-year sales performance posting a 5.34 percent year-on-year increase with turnover reaching Dh4.118 billion ($1.128 billion) for the first six months of 2025, exceeding last year's previous record turnover for the first half of the year by Dh208.95 million ($ 57.24 million).The airport retailer recorded robust growth in April, May, and the first half of June, with sales buoyed by a surge in travel over the Eid holiday and the early summer travel Duty Free Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi, said, 'We are very pleased with our record performance for the first half of 2025. Whilst we await the final passenger numbers for June 2025, the spend per passenger is likely to be better than last year's June. This performance is a testament to our team's hard work and the strength of Dubai as a global travel hub.'The company remains optimistic for the second half of the year, with preparations underway for a busy summer and a traditional busy last quarter.'We are looking forward to an equally busy second half of the year. Plans are very much in place for the opening of three luxury boutiques in Terminal 3 Concourse A, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier,' Cidambi Liquor, Cigarettes & Tobacco, Gold, and Confectionery retained the top five category positions. Perfume sales reached Dh744.24 million ($203.90 million), contributing 18 percent of total revenue and showing an increase of 5 percent over the same period last followed with sales of Dh513.37 million ($140.65 million), while Cigarettes & Tobacco saw a 12.24 percent increase year-on-year with sales of Dh439.91 million ($120.52 million).Gold sales amounted to Dh416.90 million ($114.22 million), contributing 10.12 percent of total revenue and an increase of 6.14 percent. Confectionery in particular continued to demonstrate strong growth, achieving Dh412.52 million ($113.02 million), marking a 62.70 percent increase over the same period last year and accounting for 10 percent of total notable increase was seen in Cosmetics, which rose by 3.36 percent to Dh201.51 million ($55.21 million), contributing 4.89 percent of total trends across terminals continued to increase, with duty-free sales in Terminal 3 increasing by 6.37 percent for the first half of the year, while Terminal 1 rose by 5.25 percent. All key passenger regions showed positive sales during the first half of the year, with Europe up 16.89 percent, the Russian region up 4.41 percent, the Indian-sub continent up 1.02 percent and the Middle East up 8.15 percent.
Arabian Business
01-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Duty Free sales pass $195m in April; top spenders and products revealed as viral Dubai chocolate sells AED1m a day
Dubai Duty Free has announced that sales in April reached AED713m ($195.4m), marking a new record for the month of April. It represents an 18 per cent increase over April 2024 and positions April 2025 as the fourth best month on record for the airport retailer since operations began. Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: 'November and December 2024 were record months, joined by January 2025, so it is great to see that April sales are in the top four monthly sales rankings now. Dubai Duty Free sales 'April was a busy month passenger-wise with Eid holidays, Easter and the Arabian Travel Market pushing up passenger numbers. However, as far as we know, sales outstripped passenger numbers, which is a very positive indicator for us'. In April, the top five product categories sold were perfumes, liquor, tobacco, gold and confectionery: Perfume sales reached AED128.72m ($35.26m) contributing 18 per cent of total revenue and showing an increase of 16 per cent over the same month last year Liquor followed closely with sales of AED92.5m ($25.34m) an increase of 13 per cent Tobacco saw a 25 per cent increase year-on-year with sales of AED73.95m ($20.26m) Gold sales amounted to AED71.57m ($19.61m), contributing 10 per cent of total revenue and an increase of 35 per cent Confectionery continued to demonstrate strong growth, achieving AED69.54m ($19.05m), marking an 84 per cent increase from the same month last year and accounting for 10 per cent of total revenue The Fashion boutiques in Terminal 3's Concourse A and B combined outperformed their sales from last April, recording a 12 per cent increase. This is notable, considering that these boutiques have been lagging in sales since the first quarter of 2024. The Preloved luxury segment, which is available in the airport retailer's Reklaim outlets, delivered impressive results of AED9m ($2.4m) since it was introduced in December 2024 of which AED3.52m ($970,000) was generated in April alone. Meanwhile, the viral Dubai chocolate continued its remarkable success story with sales hitting AED28.6m ($7.84m) in April, which is an average of AED1m ($274,000) sales per day. Other notable performers include ticket sales for the milestone Dubai Duty Free Millenniummaire Series 500, which was sold out within a record 7 days, underscoring strong demand for this popular promotion and adding to the total Millenniummaire sales for April of AED21m ($ 5.26m). Cidambi said: 'This robust performance can be seen across all categories both in-store and online, with online sales increasing by 3 per cent in April. We are also seeing an increase in the average passenger spend and that is also very encouraging'. Sales in Departures across the operation reached AED638.27m ($174.87m) representing 90 per cent of total monthly sales and an increase of 19 per cent compared to the same period last year. Arrivals sales reached AED51.22m ($14.04m), representing 7 per cent of total sales and an increase of 17 per cent over April last year. In terms of top source markets for Dubai Duty Free:
