If you’ve ever dreamed about the boundless chocolate factory in “Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory,” you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a real-life version that can fly! We’re talking about Emirates, the airline that reportedly dishes out a staggering 40 million chocolates annually to its customers. So, for all the chocolate lovers out there, you know where to catch that sugar high!
Breaking Down the Chocolatey Indulgence
In celebration of World Chocolate Day on July 7, Emirates disclosed their hefty contribution to chocolate consumption. A majority of the chocolates find their way to passengers in the Economy class – about 35 million of them. The remaining 5 million are split between the Premium Economy, with 160,000, and Business & First Class, enjoying a whopping 4 million chocolates. The airline’s chocolate offerings vary depending on the class you’re seated in, ensuring a sweet experience for everyone.
International Flavors Aloft
Emirates released a statement revealing their collaboration with world-renowned chocolatiers to provide a diverse selection of chocolates on board. The carriers work with Bateel, Coco Jalila, and Forrey & Galland from the UAE, Godiva and Neuhaus from Belgium, Valrhona from France, Butlers from Ireland, Canonica from Switzerland, Pacari from Ecuador, and Hotel Chocolat from the UK.
The selection process for these chocolate brands involves multiple factors, including content, taste, texture, brand recognition, current trends, Instagram appeal, and whether the chocolate is sustainably sourced. Each selected brand features on board for a minimum of three months, keeping the variety fresh for frequent flyers.
Chocolate Delights for Every Palate
No matter the class, passengers with a sweet tooth can indulge in chocolate desserts and hot chocolate from the menu. Some of the most popular desserts include the decadent Molten Chocolate Cake in First Class and the smooth Milk Chocolate Mousse for kids. On long-haul flights, snack trays with chocolate candy bars and festive chocolate lollipops for children add to the sweetness.
The A380 Onboard lounge takes it up a notch, offering customers M&Ms, chocolate cake, and mini chocolate treats, both vegan and non-vegan.
An Ode to Chocolate in the Emirates Lounges
The love for chocolate extends to the Emirates Lounges, where chocolate features prominently in the offerings. Homemade Emirates chocolate ice cream from an old-fashioned ice cream cart, signature creamy hot chocolate from Costa Coffee, and a variety of creative chocolate desserts prepared by Emirates Master Chefs keep the passengers content. Among the desserts are white chocolate raspberry delight, decadent chocolate truffles, fruity white chocolate passionfruit cheesecake, and indulgent dark chocolate salted caramel tarts, among others.
Emirates First Class Lounges in Dubai even feature a special chocolate-focused dessert, using Valrhona Grand Cru Blends from around the world to create exquisite desserts.
So, for all chocolate lovers out there, including myself, you now know where to satiate your sweet cravings. Just remember to keep an eye on your sugar intake!
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!