Bilal Ballout Discusses Trends and Challenges in the Chocolate Industry
HN recently spoke with Bilal Ballout to highlight the latest trends and challenges in the chocolate industry.
What are the major challenges you face, and how are you overcoming them?
Today’s challenges come in various waves. Previously, we could differentiate between cost-conscious clients and those focused on quality. However, chefs today seek a balance between customized recipes that meet high standards and low price points. Achieving this requires sourcing commodities from multiple suppliers because factors like weather and political climates can affect supply and prices. At Benoit, we source recipes from reliable suppliers worldwide to ensure stability. The key aspect of what we offer is flexibility; clients can customize chocolate recipes, fillings, or cake decorations in small quantities. This approach is essential in today’s economy.
What are the current top trends in chocolate?
One of our recent innovations is personalized chocolate decorations for cakes and pralines. With the technology implemented in one of our plants, we can efficiently engrave customized logos on chocolate—this has never been done before. Since customization is what every business seeks today, we anticipate this will be a significant hit in the region. Additionally, we’ve developed innovative chocolate fillings like ‘Riz b Haleeb’ and ‘Mistika,’ which have been well-received in the market. This range evolves continuously while maintaining traditional flavor and familiarity.
What are your future diversification plans?
Benoit is already present through partners in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait, Spain, and Canada. Our primary growth strategy focuses on regional expansion, as we are considering entering Middle Eastern countries that present interesting opportunities in the coming year.
What do you consider your key strengths?
Our strengths lie in the range and quality of our products. When seeking distribution partners, we offer a diverse portfolio, including chocolates, fillings, cake mixes, and jams. This variety opens up numerous creative possibilities.
What is currently in season and what trends are in vogue?
The chocolate industry is constantly evolving, making it challenging to identify the next big trend. Many trends emerge suddenly and fade away just as quickly, such as speculoos and red velvet. It’s crucial to stay attuned to global market trends and respond swiftly when new opportunities arise.
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