Top trends
Caterer Middle East asked multiple people about top trends, and all agreed it’s the time of dark chocolate.
From ancient times, chocolate has been regarded as a luxury and healthy product, according to Qudsia Karim, chief chocolatier and owner of Cocosia Artisan Chocolate.
She says: “Nowadays the chocolate industry is seeing a trend that is moving towards chocolate with high cocoa percentage, found in dark chocolates. Awareness and changing tastes have forced manufacturers to look towards sourcing sustainable certified cocoa to make luxury chocolates.”
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Forrey & Galland managing director Isabelle Jaouen agrees and says that over the last few years, people are keen to know what goes into their food.
“This makes sense, as we see a sort of wellness wave take over the GCC; there has undoubtedly been a trend towards a healthier lifestyle. Our dark chocolate collection is an infusion of flavour, without adding any sugar. In line with this trend, we have also created our own sugar free-collection, and contains both our milk and dark chocolate ganache.”
Dominique Renault, export general manager, Monbana says: “The main trend in the chocolate industry today is tending to dark chocolate, with intense taste and less added sugar. Consumers are looking for authenticity and original tastes and are very sensitive to the origin of cocoa and its ethical aspects — organic, Fairtrade, no-added sugar, rainforest and so on.”
Java Jolt head chef Khomotšo Leluma adds: “The region is witnessing an increase in the number of diabetic and obese people, due to a sedentary lifestyle and irregular eating habits. Hence there is a rise in the demand for sugar-free chocolate. There is an increase in demand for dark chocolate as people are health conscious and more informed about its benefits.”
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