Latest news with #FIXDessertChocolatier
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Lindt has released a Dubai chocolate bar: Here's where to buy it
The original Dubai chocolate bar is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A six-pack of the bars cost $120. The internet-famous Dubai chocolate bar is making its way to major retailers, as Lindt has released its own version of the viral dessert. Lindt launched a limited-run of its Dubai Style Chocolate Bar in Walmart, Target, Kroger, and other retailers on Monday, July 7. The milk chocolate bar is filled with pistachio paste, kadayif (shredded phyllo dough), sugar-coated pistachios and hazelnuts. Lindt first launched its Dubai Style Chocolate Bars in December 2024 and then again in June. The bars quickly sold out, an indicator that a more widespread launch of the bars would be successful, a news release states. Interested in getting your hands on one of the chocolate bars? Here's what to know. More Dubai chocolate: Trader Joe's sells viral Dubai chocolate bars for 5 times less than original price Where are the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars available? The Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar is available at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Albertson's, Meijer, Publix, Stop & Shop, Hannaford and Hy-Vee, a news release states. The chocolate bar is also available on the Lindt website. When are the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars available? Lindt launched the specialty chocolate bar on Monday, July 7. The bars are available for a limited time, while supplies last. According to the Kroger website, the bars won't be available at the chain until July 14. How much do the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars cost? The Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar is $15, according to Lindt. Kroger also lists the bar at the $15 price point. Prices have not been listed yet for any other retailer. What is the viral Dubai chocolate bar? The original Dubai chocolate bar is called "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" and is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A six-pack of bars costs $120 on the FIX Dessert Chocolatier website, making one bar $20. The chocolate bar was released in 2022 when FIX Dessert Chocolatier Founder Sarah Hamouda wished to satisfy her pregnancy cravings for knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert made with pastry dough, sweet cheese and syrup) and pistachio, as reported by BBC. "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" first went viral in 2023, when content creator Maria Vehera posted a TikTok video of her trying the luxury chocolate bar. As of July 10, the video had more than 131 million views. Countless brands have made their own versions, or "dupes" of the viral chocolate bar, including Florida-based Bolci ($19 for one bar) and New York City-based The Nuts Factory ($50 for two bars) and countless homemade recipes on Etsy. Some brands have even released their own Dubai chocolate-inspired products, like Shake Shack's Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake, which is made with pistachio frozen custard, toasted kataifi and a dark chocolate shell. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Metro
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Move over Dubai chocolate — there's a new craze hitting the shops
For months social media feeds have been flooded with photos and videos of the Dubai Chocolate bar. The filled chocolate treat features pistachio cream and Kadayif pastry and sparked a frenzy after influencer Maria Vehera shared a clip of her trying one from FIX Dessert Chocolatier. A few months later, just about every confectionery brand out there had created its own version of the sweet treat, including Lindt and Lidl. Demand for the product was so high that limits had to be set for the amount of bars you could buy at one time and the chocolate bar was even blamed for a worldwide pistachio shortage in April. Those who roll their eyes every time they see another Dubai chocolate review cropping up on their TikTok FYP might want to brace themselves though, as there's a brand new chocolate craze that's about to be absolutely everywhere, known as Angel Hair chocolate. One Angel Hair chocolate bar has already hit the mainstream, with Noesis Angel Hair (70g) being sold in Tesco for £5, or £4.50 with a Clubcard. It's made with ruby and white chocolate, and like the Dubai bar features a pistachio cream filling. However, instead of Kadayif pastry, it's filled with 'cotton candy'. Food futurologist, Dr Morgaine Gaye, told Metro that this cotton candy is actually what's known as Pashmak, and it's this ingredient specifically that's set to be the next big thing. 'There's going to be a rise in Pashmak – it's being touted as a challenger for the pistachio trend,' she said. 'Pashmak is an Iranian pulled sugar that's reminiscent of candy floss, it's like hair fibres, it's very straight. 'It's similar to candy floss, but it's not the same thing.' So far, those who've tried it have had mixed reactions to the sugary filling, with some saying it's 'beautiful', but a few weren't keen on the unique texture. Helena Smith was a fan, posting on the Food Finds UK Official Facebook group: 'I must say I thought it tasted really nice. I don't normally give in to the hype, but so glad I did with this one.' And Dee Aldrich also liked it, sharing she found it to be 'well worth the money'. However, Gary Hodgson, wrote of the Noesis chocolate: 'It's very expensive when you see the bar is actually tiny. It tastes nice but I found the texture of the candy floss strange in a chocolate bar, like eating loft insulation.' Beverly Waldron agreed, replying: 'I got one from Home Bargains, I'm not going to lie, it was beautiful chocolate, but tasted like I was licking a carpet.' 'Very strange texture,' commented Jacqueline Reid, as Eden Lewis claimed it was 'wayyyy too sweet'. Others admitted they 'weren't sure' about it, or were 'intrigued' but hadn't tried it yet. But whether or not you're tempted by Angel Hair, one thing's certain – you can expect to see more of it over the coming months, according to Morgaine. More Trending The expert believes you'll see it popping up inside of chocolate and cakes, as well as being used on other treats like doughnuts as a 'decorative' topping. She adds that trends like this one and the pistachio one can go on and on and don't tend to die down until they are 'absolutely everywhere'. 'It often seems like something is everywhere because it's all over social media, but that doesn't mean it has actually fully infiltrated the mainstream. View More » 'Until every large brand is selling chocolate or cakes with this filling, and people who aren't on social media or aren't in London are aware of it and are being inundated by it, then it's not really everywhere.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Aldi has introduced a one-per-customer limit on 'world's best' £15 item MORE: Billionaire's wife gets £230,000,000 after he said she'd have to work at Tesco MORE: McDonald's fans fuming as fast food chain quietly puts menu prices up Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Hi Dubai
08-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
World Chocolate Day: The Business Behind Dubai's Artisanal Dessert Boom
Every July 7, the world pauses to celebrate chocolate, a treat that transcends cultures and ignites joy. World Chocolate Day is more than a nod to cocoa's universal appeal; it's a moment to savor indulgence and creativity. From sleek boutiques in Dubai Mall to artisanal workshops tucked away in Al Quoz, the city's dessert scene has transformed into a global hotspot for premium confections. Dubai's obsession with premium desserts reflects its identity as a melting pot of cultures and a hub for innovation. The city's residents, a mix of locals and expats, demand excellence, and its visitors expect experiences that match Dubai's reputation for opulence. Artisanal chocolate has emerged as a perfect fit, blending craftsmanship with the city's love for the extraordinary. Behind the glossy packaging and viral Instagram posts lies a dynamic industry driven by consumer trends, cultural fusion, and entrepreneurial grit. Dive deep into the business behind Dubai's artisanal dessert boom, exploring how chocolatiers are carving out a niche in a competitive market and why their creations are more than just a sweet escape. The Rise of Artisanal Chocolate in Dubai Dubai's chocolate scene wasn't always about small-batch, handcrafted bars. A decade ago, the market leaned heavily on mass-produced chocolates from global giants like Mars, Nestlé, and Ferrero. These brands still dominate supermarket shelves, but consumer tastes have shifted dramatically. Today, Dubai's residents and visitors crave authenticity, quality, and unique flavors. This evolution mirrors global trends, with the chocolate market projected to reach $255.58 billion by 2034, driven by demand for premium and artisanal products. In the UAE, the chocolate market is expected to hit $704.11 million by 2030, with Dubai leading the charge. The city's diverse population, with over 200 nationalities, has fueled this shift. Expats bring their culinary traditions, while food tourism, amplified by events like the Salon du Chocolat, has introduced visitors to Dubai's growing reputation as a confectionery capital. Social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram, has been a game-changer. Viral videos, like Maria Vehera's 2023 post about FIX Dessert Chocolatier's 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It' bar, have turned local creations into global sensations, driving demand and inspiring new chocolatiers. Brands like FIX Dessert Chocolatier, Mirzam, VOCCA, Forrey & Galland, and Ganache Chocolate have led the artisanal movement. Mirzam, founded by Kathy Johnston, was among the first to bring bean-to-bar chocolate to Dubai, focusing on quality and storytelling. FIX, with its pistachio-filled, knafeh-crunch bars, captured global attention through social media. VOCCA and Forrey & Galland cater to the luxury market, while Ganache emphasizes accessibility without compromising craftsmanship. These brands have tapped into Dubai's appetite for exclusivity and quality, setting the stage for a vibrant artisanal scene. The Business of Bean-to-Bar Bean-to-bar is more than a buzzword; it's a philosophy that defines artisanal chocolate. Unlike mass production, where manufacturers buy pre-processed cocoa, bean-to-bar chocolatiers control every step, from sourcing raw cocoa beans to crafting the final bar. This hands-on approach ensures quality and allows makers to highlight the unique flavors of cocoa from specific regions, like Madagascar or Venezuela. In Dubai, brands like Mirzam and VOCCA have embraced this method, turning chocolate into a narrative of origin and craft. Sourcing sustainably is central to the bean-to-bar ethos. Mirzam, for example, works with farmers along the ancient Spice Route, ensuring fair trade practices and transparency. This resonates with Dubai's conscious consumers, who value ethical production. The process is costly, sourcing high-quality beans and investing in small-scale equipment drives up production expenses. Yet, consumers are willing to pay premiums, often AED40-AED80 per bar, for the story, quality, and exclusivity. The global demand for bean-to-bar and single-origin chocolates is growing, with consumers prioritizing flavor authenticity over mass-market uniformity. The value lies in the experience. A Mirzam bar isn't just chocolate; it's a journey through the cocoa's origin, paired with flavors like cardamom or date. This storytelling sets artisanal products apart, justifying higher price points in a city where luxury is a lifestyle. However, scaling bean-to-bar production is challenging due to limited cocoa supply and high operational costs, pushing chocolatiers to innovate in sourcing and marketing to stay competitive. Chocolate and Culture: Global Flavours, Local Touch Dubai's artisanal chocolate scene thrives on its ability to blend global techniques with local flavors. Chocolatiers draw inspiration from the city's culinary heritage, incorporating ingredients like saffron, dates, rosewater, and za'atar into their creations. Mirzam's date and fennel bar, for instance, pays homage to Emirati traditions, while Forrey & Galland's saffron pralines fuse French techniques with Middle Eastern flair. This fusion creates a unique identity that sets Dubai's chocolates apart on the global stage. French chocolatier training is a common thread among Dubai's artisans. Brands like Ganache and Forrey & Galland use classic techniques like tempering and ganache-making, honed in European kitchens. Yet, they adapt these methods to local tastes, creating confections that feel both familiar and novel. Al Nassma, another local favorite, uses camel milk to craft chocolates that resonate with Emirati culture, offering a 'taste of the Emirates' that appeals to tourists and locals alike. Cultural events like Ramadan and Eid drive innovation. During these holidays, chocolate becomes a centerpiece of gifting, with brands releasing limited-edition boxes featuring regional flavors. The UAE's gifting culture, rooted in hospitality and celebration, has spurred demand for premium chocolates, especially during festive seasons. This demand peaks in December and January, as well as during Valentine's Day and National Day, making these periods critical for sales. Made for Instagram: Aesthetic, Packaging & Brand Identity Image Source: FIX Dessert Chocolatier In Dubai, presentation is everything. Artisanal chocolates are as much about visual appeal as taste, designed to dazzle on social media. A FIX chocolate bar, with its vibrant toppings and oozy pistachio filling, is crafted for Instagram and TikTok, where ASMR videos of snapping bars rack up millions of views. This visual allure has fueled the Dubai chocolate craze, with brands like FIX selling out within minutes on delivery apps like Deliveroo. Luxury packaging is a cornerstone of brand identity. Forrey & Galland's elegant boxes and Ganache's sleek designs elevate chocolates into gift-worthy art. Limited editions, like FIX's 'Mind Your Own Biscoff' or Mirzam's seasonal spice bars, create a sense of exclusivity, driving consumer frenzy. Packaging isn't just aesthetic; it's functional, with brands investing in sustainable materials to align with global trends. Recyclable pouches and eco-friendly boxes, like those used by Nestlé's Sustainably Sourced range, appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Influencer marketing amplifies this visual strategy. TikTok and Instagram influencers, from local foodies to global stars, showcase Dubai's chocolates, turning small brands into international names. Dessert experiences has also surged, with visitors flocking to Mirzam's Al Quoz workshop or Al Nassma's boutique for hands-on experiences. These moments, shared online, create a feedback loop of hype and demand, cementing Dubai's status as a confectionery destination. Challenges and Growth Potential Building an artisanal chocolate business in Dubai isn't easy. High startup costs like imported equipment, premium ingredients, and prime retail space create significant barriers. Competition is fierce, with global brands like Godiva and Patchi vying for market share alongside local artisans. The niche nature of artisanal chocolate limits the customer base to affluent consumers and tourists, requiring brands to balance exclusivity with accessibility. Despite these challenges, growth opportunities abound. Collaborations with luxury hotels, cafes, and airlines have helped brands like Mirzam and VOCCA expand their reach. E-commerce has been a game-changer, with platforms like Noon and making premium chocolates accessible beyond Dubai. Export markets are also opening up, with Dubai-based chocolatiers shipping to Europe, Asia, and North America, capitalizing on the global appetite for luxury confections. Emerging trends are shaping the future. Vegan and sugar-free chocolates are gaining traction, with brands like Nestlé launching plant-based options like KitKat V to meet demand. Sustainable packaging is another focus, as consumers prioritize eco-friendly brands. The UAE's chocolate market is projected to grow at a 5.56% CAGR through 2030, driven by tourism and retail expansion. However, maintaining quality while scaling remains a delicate balance for artisanal makers. Will this sweet success last? The signs are promising. As long as Dubai continues to embrace innovation, whether through new flavors, sustainable practices, or digital marketing, the artisanal dessert scene will thrive. Challenges like high costs and competition persist, but the city's unique position as a cultural and commercial hub ensures its chocolatiers have room to grow. For now, every bite of a Dubai chocolate bar tells a story of craftsmanship, ambition, and a city that never settles for ordinary. Here's to savoring the sweetness and the business behind it. Also Read: Where to Find the Viral Dubai Chocolate! The Dubai Chocolate is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern sweets with a globally-loved treat. Snap & Savor: The Most Instagrammable Desserts in Dubai! Dubai has some of the most Instagram-worthy and delicious desserts that will leave you craving for more. Check them out! 10 Unique Desserts in Dubai to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth! Here are 10 places that serve desserts that are fun and extravagant and are sure to make you go back for a second, third, and even fourth bite! The Best Bakeries in Dubai to Satisfy your Sugar Cravings Specially curated for the sweet lovers, our list reveals the best bakeries across Dubai specialising in everything from cakes to pastries, to Arabic sweets.
Arabian Business
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Viral Dubai chocolate maker FIX makes international debut in Maldives
Dubai-based FIX Dessert Chocolatier has partnered with JOALI Maldives to bring its chocolate creation to the Indian Ocean resort. From July 2, 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will be able to purchase FIX, The Original Dubai Chocolate. Dubai's FIX expands to JOALI Maldives The partnership marks the first time FIX's chocolate has been available outside the UAE. JOALI Maldives operates as the Indian Ocean's first art-immersive resort. FIX has developed a new chocolate bar called Time To Mango for the collaboration. The product contains tropical fruit flavours and popping candy. 'For us, it has always been about more than flavour. Seeing our creation at JOALI Maldives, where beauty and storytelling are part of the everyday feels serendipitous. It's about sparking wonder, stirring nostalgia, and delivering something delightfully unexpected,' Sarah Hamouda of FIX Dessert Chocolatier said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FIX Dessert Chocolatier (@fixdessertchocolatier) The chocolate will be available at multiple locations across the resort, including the airport lounge, ice cream shop, in-villa amenities, and during turn-down service. Each piece is manufactured in Dubai and transported to the Maldives. JOALI Maldives focuses on art, design, and storytelling as part of its guest experience. The resort features sculpture, architecture, and culinary offerings. 'At JOALI, we celebrate art in all its forms – from sculpture and architecture to culinary mastery. Teaming up with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend this philosophy into the world of artisanal sweets. Their viral chocolate is not only exquisite in flavour, but also in spirit – it's an experience our guests will treasure, one bite at a time,' Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI added. FIX Dessert Chocolatier has gained recognition for its chocolate products and presentation methods. The company operates from Dubai and has developed a following for its creations. The partnership represents the first international expansion for FIX's chocolate products, making JOALI Maldives the sole location outside the UAE where the chocolate can be purchased.
Time Out Dubai
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
OG Dubai chocolate brand FIX launches new flavour and pop-up
FIX Dessert Chocolatier (also known as the OG Dubai chocolate) has launched its newest flavour. Known for taking the world by storm with its pistachio and kunafa filled bars, the dessert brand also has a range of additional flavours, from chocolate brownie to pecan. And now, the OG Dubai chocolate brand has added a new fruity bar to its range. 'Time to Mango' is a white chocolate bar with a bright, summery filling of mango, passionfruit and popping candy. If you like this: Can't get knafeh of it? Where to find the original Dubai chocolate (and great dupes) Thousands of people attended a pop-up celebrating the launch at Mall of the Emirates between Friday June 13 and Sunday June 15. After the pop-up, the bar will be available exclusively on Deliveroo from Monday June 16 and be priced at Dhs72.25. #dubaichocolate #popup ♬ original sound – Hans – 𝟑𝟎𝟑 Hans @timeoutdubai People are queuing up to try Fix Dessert Chocolatier's new flavour. You could be one of the first to try the new bar: Time To Mango. It's a mango and passionfruit white chocolate bar with popping candy, and you can try it at its pop-up in Mall of the Emirates or on Deliveroo. The pop-up is available from Friday June 13 to Sunday June 15, from 10am to 12am. Will you be visiting? #dubai If you're heading along to the pop-up, expect a free cotton candy machine, games with chances to win freebies and all the Fix flavours available to purchase and more. Sarah Hamouda, Co-Founder of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, described why the brand chose its latest flavour. She said: 'When we're developing a new recipe, we think of each bar as having its own unique sensory experience. 'How does it look? How does it taste? How does it feel? More importantly, how does this progress with each bite?' The new Time to Mango Dubai chocolate flavour (Credit: FIX Dessert Chocolatier) 'The best thing about 'Time to Mango' is that each moment is different – from breaking into the perfectly tempered chocolate, to finding the vibrant fruity filling, then ending with the bursts of popping candy. It's a feeling of indulgence and nostalgia that never gets old.' The brand also reopened its stand inside Dubai International Airport in May, which will be serving passengers throughout the summer. Jun 13-15, 10am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha. In other Dubai news 6 surprising ways the new dirham symbol will affect you Including where it'll appear on your keyboard When is the next UAE public holiday? Your guide to every day off in 2025 Another public holiday is fast approaching 22 rare photos that show Dubai's epic transformation since the 1950s Get ready for a wild journey
