Salon du Chocolat Dubai is debuting at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, Dubai Mall, from May 12-14, 2022. Dedicated to those who share a passion for chocolate and pastry, the much-loved show will bring together professional chocolate tasters, chocolatiers, chocolate aficionados, authors and pastry chefs. Visitors will be able to explore stands, sample and buy chocolate, and attend special workshops and masterclasses with renowned chefs from around the world. Indeed, the event is forecast to attract 50 exhibitors, 30 pastry chefs and thousands of chocolate lovers to Dubai’s iconic Galeries Lafayette over the course of three days.
Established in Paris in 1994, the exhibition has become a reference for chocolate enthusiasts, with events taking place in New York, Tokyo, London, Brussels, Cologne, Lyon, Moscow, Shanghai, Marseille, Zurich, Cannes, Bordeaux, Monaco, Milano, Hong Kong, Beirut and many other cities.
After the success of Salon du Chocolat Beirut, which was established in 2014 by Hospitality Services, Dubai is set to become the second city in the Middle East to host the event.
“We are delighted to be bringing this exceptional show to one of the region’s most dynamic cities,” said Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services.
Talking about the venue choice, Dammous-Salamé said: “Galeries Lafayette Gourmet is known for its superior quality and has a French signature, which is symbolic given the fact that Salon du Chocolat was founded in Paris almost 30 years ago. Dubai Mall is also the most beautiful mall in the region and the second largest mall in the world, so it was by far the most suitable location.”
Maha El Khoury, projects and sales director at Hospitality Services, explained the importance of festivals, particularly in the UAE, and why selecting Dubai as the second city in the Middle East to host the famous salon was a natural choice. “The market for chocolate and pastry in the UAE is huge, Dubai is considered a benchmark for the hospitality and foodservice industries. There are some immensely talented chefs working in the emirate, so we are really looking forward to their involvement.”
El Khoury added: “The three-day program features an array of chocolate-inspired events, including: the Fashion Show, in collaboration with ESMOD Dubai; the Pastry Show, where pastry chefs will host workshops; the Choco Démo, a space to mingle with influencers and food bloggers; an area for children to get creative with chocolate; and three chocolate competitions for amateurs. All the chocolate art and sculptures are being specially created for the show by Idriss B.”
In addition to Dubai, Salon du Chocolat will be debuting in Riyadh this year. Set to take place in November, more details will be announced soon.
