Premium chocolatier, Goldberg Chocolate is set to launch in Dubai with a soft launch at The Speciality Food Festival, which is taking place from 27-29 October 2015 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Started as a family business under the name Elbrus-K in 1947, Goldberg Worldwide Chocolate boasts more than 250 various chocolates and other confectionery. The company is now one of the biggest confectionary producers in the North Caucasus region of Russia and is rapidly expanding across the Middle East and Asia.
Made from all-natural ingredients, the gourmet chocolate is free from artificial colourings and preservatives and has a long shelf life of up to 90 days.
“All of the ingredients are natural,” explains Suranga De Silva, Director, Goldberg Worldwide.
“The fruit, nuts and milk are all sourced from the Caucasus region of Russian. The dates are from Iran, the raisins are from Afghanistan and the cocoa is from Ghana, a country which is renowned for the distinctive taste of its chocolate.
“Eating chocolate is a unique sensory experience that few other foods can match, thanks to its indulgent taste, mood lifting effects and numerous health benefits. Goldberg Worldwide is a brand built on quality, taste, purity and indulgence.
“Our luxury chocolate is a completely affordable indulgence and one that will give the discerning chocolate lovers of Dubai something to smile about.”
A recent report by Euromonitor revealed that the UAE’s annual spend on chocolate is one of the highest in the region with spends of $38 per capita, outstripping the $4 spend average across the Middle East and Africa. According to KPMG, regional demand continues to grow with confectionary sales across the GCC forecast to increase 20 per cent this year.
In addition, a UAE Chocolate Market Opportunities and Forecast 2019 report by TechSci Research found that consumption habits and spending power on luxury goods in the UAE continue to provide international chocolate and confectionery producers with vast regional investment opportunities.
“The Middle East is a very important market for us,” explains De Silva.
“Chocolate is often given as a gift, especially on romantic occasions, and there are numerous days throughout the year when chocolate makes the perfect present. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar is Ramadan when families typically given chocolates and sweets as gifts.
“We chose Dubai in particular because it is key gateway that opens up a lot of other opportunities to other Middle East and Asian markets. Dubai is known for its buoyant economy and appetite for luxury. People here expect the best and that is exactly what we are giving them.”
With aspirations to become known as a high quality chocolate brand across the MENA region and Asia, Goldberg Worldwide is set to open a factory in Dubai next year that is capable of producing more than 35 tonnes of chocolate and other confectionery a day. Furthermore, the company has plans to open up a range of high-end coffee shops serving organic tea and coffee to complement its chocolates.
Goldberg Worldwide will be launching its brand in the Middle East market during the Speciality Food Festival. Presented by the Organisers of Gulfood, the largest food and beverage event in the Middle East, the Speciality Food Festival is a dedicated gourmet event providing a specialist platform for producers, suppliers, importers and exporters of gourmet, halal and organic products.