Ahead of World Chocolate Day 2024 which will be marked on July 7, 2024, Emirates has provided some cocoa-flavored enlightenment as to how important chocolate is in its passengers’ overall experience and some insight into just how many chocolates are served across its global network on an annual basis.
In a press release issued by Emirates on July 3, 2024, The Dubai-based carrier said it saw over 45 million individual pieces of luxury chocolate consumed onboard its flights in 2023 by customers across all classes, in addition to an array of chocolate-based desserts as part of its inflight catering options.
The Middle Eastern airline serves artisan chocolate as part of its signature meal service in all classes, to 140 global destinations. In the last year alone, Emirates economy class customers have consumed 36.3 million individual chocolates, while customers in the carrier’s relatively new premium economy cabin have enjoyed 322,000 chocolates.
Up front, in business class, Emirates customers have made their way through 8.2 million chocolates, while those fortunate to experience the airline’s first class offering have access to unlimited chocolates and have gobbled their way through a staggering 122,000 large gourmet chocolate boxes. Indeed, first class customers are even invited to take away some of their favorite chocolates from these boxes as a parting gift from the carrier at the end of their flight.
According to the airline, it collaborates closely with connoisseur chocolatiers from around the globe and rotates the chocolate offering onboard every three months to make sure its frequent flyers do not tire of the chocolate range being offered.
For example, the airline is currently partnering with elite French chocolatier, Valrhona. Recognized worldwide as the chocolatier of choice by prestigious chefs and chocolate gourmands, Valrhona was established in France in 1922. Valrhona is “renowned for its dedication to excellence and innovation in the art of chocolate making, as well as its commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility,” states the airline.
Emirates partnered with Valrhona to create a bespoke luxury chocolate box for its first class customers, who are offered the chocolates after their onboard meals.
‘Partnering with Emirates underscores our shared values of excellence, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences,” said Zeyneb Larabi, Global Travel Retail Director of Valrhona. “This collaboration goes beyond offering a delightful product, it creates lasting memories for customers enjoying the Emirates experience.’
As part of the regular rotation for Emirates customers, chocolates are selected from the most renowned producers globally including Bateel, Coco Jalila and Forrey & Galland from the UAE, Butlers from Ireland, Godiva, Canonica and Neuhaus from Belgium, Pacari from Ecuador, and Hotel Chocolat from the UK. The chocolate brands are selected for a multitude of reasons including their content, whether dark, milk or white chocolate, bonbons, pralines, or truffles.
Chocolate is always present in the dessert offerings served onboard to all Emirates customers regardless of class of travel. Additionally, on the carrier’s longer routes, chocolate candy bars are served in a snack tray, and chocolate lollipops are offered to children during festive celebrations. In the onboard lounges of its Airbus A380 fleet, Emirates customers can also indulge in vegan and non-vegan chocolate-based treats to ensure that all tastes are catered for.