Emirates recently took note of the chocolate consumption per flight and reported that passengers consumed about 45 million pieces of luxury chocolate in all classes in 2023 along with an array of delectable desserts.
Emirates serves artisan chocolate as part of the signature meal service in all classes, to 140 destinations around the world. Over the last year, Economy Class customers have consumed 36.3 million chocolates, while customers in the newly launched Premium Economy Class have enjoyed 322,000 chocolates. In Business Class, customers have indulged in 8.2 million chocolates – while First Class customers, who have access to unlimited chocolates and are invited to take away some of their favourite flavours, have relished 122,000 large gourmet chocolate boxes.
Emirates collaborates closely with connoisseur chocolatiers from around the globe and rotates the chocolate onboard every 3 months to delight frequent flyers. Currently onboard is elite French chocolatier – Valrhona.
Recognized worldwide as the choice of prestigious chefs and chocolate gourmands, Valrhona was established in France in 1922 by pastry maker and confectioner, Albéric Guironnet. 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, holding a B Corp certification that recognizes the world’s most committed companies.
Emirates partnered with Valrhona to create a bespoke luxury chocolate box for first-class customers, which is offered after meals onboard.
Zeyneb Larabi, Global Travel Retail Director of Valrhona remarked: ‘Partnering with Emirates underscores our shared values of excellence, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. 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.
Chocolate Desserts Onboard Emirates
Across all classes, Emirates customers craving a chocolate fix can also enjoy chocolate desserts and hot chocolate from the menu. In First Class, delicious desserts for customers include chocolate mousse with passionfruit, delicate white chocolate tart, a velvety chocolate fondant with mascarpone cream, or a vegan chocolate pecan cake with whipped ganache.
In Business Class and Premium Economy, customers can indulge in a vegan onyx avocado chocolate tart a creamy banana mango and milk chocolate dome, or a chocolate mocha marquise wedge, drizzled in salted caramel. In Economy Class, customers can finish their meal with a zesty chocolate and orange mousse, or a milk chocolate caramel cake, with a dollop of tangy raspberry coulis.
On longer routes, chocolate candy bars are served in a snack tray, and chocolate lollipops are offered to children during festive celebrations. First Class customers can savour 85% dark chocolate from Lindt in their goodie basket. At Emirates’ A380 Onboard lounge, customers can also help themselves with vegan and non-vegan sweet treats of M&Ms, chocolate cake, and chocolate mini treats.
