Attention to ethics and health

Sourcing is no longer a consideration just for suppliers, as consumers increasingly look for transparency from companies. Felchlin’s Schuler explains: “Chocolate consumers all over the world are getting more sensitive when it comes to fair trade, organic or healthy food in general, therefore transparency is key.

“Storytelling is no longer just presenting nice and impressive stories or products. Focusing on the chocolate world, being true to your customers and being able to prove what you are telling [them] is crucial.”

The average consumer is also more knowledgeable about the relationship between food and health, leading to a new crop of products.

“There are more options of healthier version of chocolates [today], from the usual sugar free, no added sugar, organic, to new innovations, such as non-dairy and vegan chocolates. Previously the taste of these kind of chocolates was compromised but with recent innovations, you won’t even notice the difference,” Saraswati says.

Feghali reveals: “The impact we notice is represented by a growing demand for organic chocolates and dark chocolates with higher cocoa percentage. In the past, the GCC was a region with a high consumption of milk chocolates, which is slowing shifting to dark chocolates, due to the [potential] health benefits that moderate chocolate consumption [can] bring.”

Products like sugar-free chocolates also address consumers’ health concerns, Mirtova notes. And while Karim feels that people know that “most things consumed within good limits are healthy”, Fraboulet concludes that even if consumers don’t stick to the ‘everything in moderation’ approach, health concerns are unlikely to yield real impact on demand for chocolates.

“People don’t give up easily on something so indulgent as chocolate,” he remarks.

News

UAE chocolate market to grow 8% annually up to 2021

The chocolate market in the UAE is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% between 2016 and 2021, a new report by TechSci Research has found. A previous forecast by the company had predicted that the market would register a CAGR of 6.09% between 2014 and 2019. The new report attributed increased growth to rising per capita expenditure, a growing youth population, escalating seasonal demand and entry of new domestic and international players.

“The UAE’s chocolate market is becoming an attractive destination for international players, especially those who are offering high-end products,” said research director with TechSci Research Karan Chechi.

Alison Nelson Chocolate Bar launches 11th UAE outlet

Alison Nelson Chocolate Bar has opened a new branch on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai — bringing the total number of outlets up to 11 in the UAE.

“We have had a remarkable journey so far for Chocolate Bar in the UAE. We have been growing tremendously in the country, and we are committed to creating a memorable culinary experience for all our guests,” founder Alison Nelson said.

The concept is under Crème De La Crème, a member of Saif Belhasa holding. “We are extremely happy to welcome this new addition to our F&B family. Our aim is to only multiply our happy customers by providing them the best dining experience,” commented Saif Belhasa, chairman of Saif Belhasa Holding.

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