United Arab Emirates Chocolate Market Size and Share

United Arab Emirates Chocolate Market (2025 - 2030)
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
View Global Report

United Arab Emirates Chocolate Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The chocolate market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was valued at USD 537.30 million in 2025 and is anticipated to grow to USD 704.10 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56% over the forecast period. This steady growth continues even as cocoa prices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, highlighting the sustained demand for premium and artisanal chocolate products, which appear to be less affected by fluctuations in raw material costs. Health-conscious expatriates are increasingly opting for dark, vegan, and sugar-free chocolate variants, aligning with global trends toward healthier consumption. Meanwhile, the rise of quick-commerce services, which significantly reduce delivery times, is fostering impulse purchases among consumers. Furthermore, the demand for luxury packaging, particularly for gifting during Ramadan and Eid, coupled with the influx of tourists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi malls, contributes to a balanced demand profile. This profile effectively combines everyday snacking preferences with high-margin seasonal sales peaks, showcasing the diverse consumer base and evolving market dynamics in the United Arab Emirates.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, milk and white chocolate held 56.64% of the United Arab Emirates chocolate market share in 2024, while dark chocolate is projected to grow at a 7.74% CAGR through 2030.
  • By form, tablets and bars led with 39.42% revenue share in 2024; pralines and truffles are advancing at a 6.94% CAGR to 2030.
  • By price form, the mass segment accounted for 77.73% of the United Arab Emirates chocolate market size in 2024, whereas premium products are forecast to expand at a 6.83% CAGR across the same horizon.
  • By ingredient type, dairy-based items represented 76.33% of the United Arab Emirates chocolate market size in 2024, yet plant-based chocolate is climbing at a 7.11% CAGR
  • By distribution channel, supermarkets and hypermarkets controlled 35.92% revenue in 2024, while online retail is set to accelerate at a 6.82% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Dark Chocolate Gains on Wellness Wave

Milk and white chocolate accounted for a 56.64% market share in 2024, primarily driven by the popularity of mass-market brands such as Galaxy, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Snickers. However, dark chocolate is emerging as a strong contender, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.74% through 2030, outpacing the segment's growth by 220 basis points. This growth reflects a shift in consumer preferences, particularly among health-conscious expatriates and affluent Emiratis in the United Arab Emirates, who are increasingly drawn to chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content. These products are often marketed for their antioxidant benefits and low-sugar formulations, catering to a growing demand for healthier indulgence options. Despite this positive trend, regulatory clarity under Federal Law No. 10/2015, which governs food safety and standards, remains limited, posing challenges for manufacturers and marketers in the region.

Mirzam, a premium chocolate brand, has capitalized on this trend by offering single-origin dark chocolate bars sourced from Vietnam, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea. These bars are priced between AED 34 and AED 634 (USD 9–173), reflecting their premium positioning in the market. Mirzam emphasizes a bean-to-bar production process and incorporates storytelling inspired by the historic Spice Route, which resonates with consumers seeking authenticity and quality. This approach has enabled the brand to justify price premiums of 5 to 10 times over mass-market chocolate brands, highlighting the growing willingness of consumers in the United Arab Emirates to pay for unique and high-quality chocolate experiences.

United Arab Emirates Chocolate Market: Market Share by Product Type
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By Form: Tablets and Bars Lead, but Pralines Capture Premiumization

Tablets and bars accounted for a 39.42% market share in 2024, underscoring their widespread appeal in impulse purchases, supermarket checkouts, and vending machines. These formats have become a staple for consumers seeking convenience and accessibility. Meanwhile, pralines and truffles are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.94% through 2030, reflecting a growing consumer preference for experiential products and gifting options that offer a sense of indulgence and personalization. This shift highlights the evolving dynamics of consumer behavior in the confectionery market.

The "Dubai chocolate" trend, featuring pistachio-filled and kunafa-infused bars, originated with local artisan FIX Dessert Chocolatier in the United Arab Emirates in 2021. This trend gained viral popularity in December 2023 and has since expanded globally, reaching renowned brands such as Lindt, Costco, Trader Joe's, and IHOP. Molded blocks, while occupying a niche position often associated with corporate gifting and hotel amenities, face growth challenges due to limited differentiation and competition from tablets. However, premium offerings in this segment, such as Bateel's date-filled chocolates and Patchi's personalized gift boxes, continue to cater to consumers seeking high-quality, luxurious options.

By Price Form: Mass Dominates, Premium Outpaces

In 2024, mass-market chocolate accounted for 77.73% of the market share. This dominance was primarily driven by the extensive product portfolios of major companies such as Mars, Ferrero, Mondelez International, and Nestlé. These brands leveraged widespread distribution channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores, to maintain their stronghold in the market. However, the premium chocolate segment is witnessing significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.83% projected through 2030. This growth is gradually narrowing the market share gap by 130 basis points annually, signaling a shift in consumer preferences toward higher-quality offerings.

The premium chocolate segment differentiates itself through its emphasis on provenance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Provenance highlights the origin of ingredients, such as single-origin cocoa or Aleppo pistachios, while craftsmanship focuses on meticulous production methods like bean-to-bar processing and hand-tempering. Limited availability further enhances the appeal of premium products, enabling price premiums of three to five times higher than mass-market alternatives. For example, in December 2024, Läderach launched a limited-edition "FrischSchoggi Dubai" bar, restricting purchases to one 100-gram slab per person per day across 23 global stores, including its outlet in Dubai Mall, United Arab Emirates. The product sold out within hours, showcasing the segment's ability to effectively monetize scarcity and cater to a growing demand for exclusive, high-quality chocolate products.

United Arab Emirates Chocolate Market: Market Share by Price Form
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By Ingredient Type: Dairy Leads, Plant-Based Surges

Dairy-based chocolate accounted for a 76.33% market share in 2024, highlighting its strong presence in popular categories such as milk chocolate, pralines, and truffles. This dominance reflects the enduring consumer preference for traditional dairy-based options. However, plant-based chocolate is emerging as a significant growth area, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.11% through 2030. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand from health-conscious expatriates, vegan consumers, and individuals with lactose intolerance, who are seeking alternatives that align with their dietary preferences and health considerations.

Single-origin chocolate represents a specialized niche within the ingredient-type category, appealing to discerning consumers who value premium products with traceable origins. These chocolates are crafted using cocoa sourced from specific estates or cooperatives in regions such as Vietnam, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, and Ecuador. For example, Mirzam, a chocolate maker based in the United Arab Emirates, sources cocoa beans directly from farmers. The company uses granite wheels to grind roasted beans over several days, ensuring a smooth texture without the use of additives. Additionally, Mirzam collaborates with local artists to create distinctive branding and packaging, further enhancing the appeal of its products.

By Distribution Channel: Supermarkets Lead, Online Gains

Supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for a 35.92% market share in 2024, driven by key players such as Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys, and Waitrose. These retailers attract consumers by offering extensive product assortments, competitive promotional pricing strategies, and strategically placed impulse-purchase items at checkouts and end-caps. Carrefour in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for instance, provides a diverse range of premium chocolate brands, including Lindt, Godiva, Patchi, Toblerone, Hershey's, Nestlé, and Ferrero Rocher, catering to a wide variety of consumer preferences.

Online retail is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.82% through 2030, gradually closing the gap with supermarkets. E-commerce platforms such as Talabat, Noon, and Carrefour Now are increasingly incorporating chocolate products into their offerings, capitalizing on their ability to meet 30-minute delivery commitments. This growth highlights shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and the increasing adoption of digital shopping channels in the United Arab Emirates. With nearly 100% internet and mobile phone penetration among the United Arab Emirates population, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry forecasts e-commerce sales to reach USD 8 billion by 2025 [3]Source: International Nut & Dried Fruit Council, “UAE: New Labeling Requirements Under Nutri-Mark Scheme,” inc.nutfruit.org.

Geography Analysis

Dubai holds the largest share of the chocolate market in the United Arab Emirates, supported by an extensive network of grocery stores, a significant influx of tourists each year, and a robust retail infrastructure. Prominent retail destinations such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Walk play a pivotal role in driving chocolate sales. Additionally, Dubai is home to the majority of the country's food processing facilities and serves as the regional headquarters for globally recognized brands like Ferrero, Nestlé, and Godiva. In September 2024, Godiva further strengthened its presence in the region by opening another café at Dubai Mall, reflecting the emirate's importance as a hub for premium chocolate offerings.

Abu Dhabi holds the second-largest share of the chocolate market in the United Arab Emirates, driven by a considerable number of grocery stores, millions of annual tourists, and a wide array of hotels that act as key distribution channels for premium chocolate brands and gifting options. In June 2025, the emirate introduced the Nutri-Mark front-of-pack labeling system, which provides grades based on sugar, sodium, and saturated fat content. This initiative is anticipated to influence the formulation strategies of mass-market chocolate bars while also creating opportunities for the growth of low-sugar and dark chocolate variants, catering to evolving consumer preferences.
Sharjah, Ajman, and the Northern Emirates collectively hold smaller shares of the chocolate market in the United Arab Emirates. These regions benefit from the presence of thousands of grocery stores in Sharjah but face challenges due to lower per-capita incomes compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As a result, they primarily cater to price-sensitive consumers and families, with mass-market brands being distributed through hypermarkets like Lulu and convenience stores. Notably, Lee Chocolate, a company established in 1947, opened a new branch in Sharjah and received the "Best Chocolate Product Award" at ISM Middle East 2024. This achievement underscores the potential for local manufacturers to expand within the Northern Emirates. However, the limited tourism infrastructure and less affluent demographics in these areas restrict the growth of premium and artisanal chocolate consumption, thereby limiting their overall contribution to the market's expansion.

Competitive Landscape

Top Companies in UAE Chocolate Market

The UAE chocolate market demonstrates a moderately high level of concentration, with Mars, Ferrero, Mondelez, and Nestlé holding a significant share through mass-market brands distributed via supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores. Meanwhile, premium and gifting segments are dominated by brands such as Patchi, Al Nassma, Mirzam, and Bateel, which operate through boutiques, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with hotels.

In February 2024, Ferrero established a new regional headquarters in Downtown Dubai, expanding its workforce from 12 to over 400 employees. The company aims to double its GCC business within five years, focusing on localized marketing, seasonal assortments, and B2B partnerships with hotels and airlines. Strategic trends in the market emphasize seasonal gifting occasions (Ramadan, Eid, Diwali), integration of e-commerce, and the introduction of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors such as pistachio, kunafa, dates, saffron, and camel milk. Multinational companies are increasingly licensing local flavors, while artisans are leveraging social commerce and travel retail to scale their operations.

Emerging opportunities in the market include functional chocolates infused with probiotics, collagen, or adaptogens, as well as heat-stable formulations designed for outdoor consumption in the UAE's extreme summer temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, subscription models targeting expatriates seeking European or artisanal chocolate brands unavailable in local retail present a potential growth avenue.

United Arab Emirates Chocolate Industry Leaders

  1. Mars, Incorporated

  2. Ferrero International S.A.

  3. Mondelez International, Inc.

  4. Nestlé SA

  5. Patchi Industrial Company S.A.L.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
UAE Chocolate Market Concentration
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2025: Fix Dessert Chocolatier launched a new chocolate flavor in Dubai, expanding its product offerings to appeal to evolving consumer tastes. This move enhances Fix’s regional brand presence and exemplifies innovation within the dynamic United Arab Emirates chocolate sector.
  • June 2025: FIX Dessert Chocolatier launched its new “Time to Mango” chocolate bar and hosted a pop-up event at Mall of the Emirates, strengthening premium innovation and engagement in the United Arab Emirates chocolate market through experiential retail and exclusive flavors.
  • November 2024: Careem partnered with Forever Rose’s Ebraheem El Samadi to launch luxury Belgian chocolate bars, delivering locally inspired flavors exclusively via Careem Groceries to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, strengthening premium chocolate offerings in the United Arab Emirates.

Table of Contents for United Arab Emirates Chocolate Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Increasing demand for premium and artisanal chocolates
    • 4.2.2 Rise of gift-giving and luxury packaging during festivals
    • 4.2.3 Strong tourism and hospitality sector supporting chocolate gifting/consumption
    • 4.2.4 Expansion of e-commerce and online retail channels
    • 4.2.5 Innovative flavors tailored to Middle Eastern tastes
    • 4.2.6 Growing health consciousness boosting dark, vegan, and sugar-free chocolate
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Stringent food safety regulations and sugar limitations
    • 4.3.2 Seasonal sales spikes leading to demand fluctuations
    • 4.3.3 Fluctuations in ingredient quality due to global supply issues
    • 4.3.4 Pressure on packaging sustainability and waste reduction
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Dark Chocolate
    • 5.1.2 Milk and White Chocolate
  • 5.2 By Form
    • 5.2.1 Tablets and Bars
    • 5.2.2 Molded Blocks
    • 5.2.3 Pralines and Truffles
    • 5.2.4 Other Forms
  • 5.3 By Price Form
    • 5.3.1 Mass
    • 5.3.2 Premium
  • 5.4 By Ingredient Type
    • 5.4.1 Dairy-based
    • 5.4.2 Plant-based
    • 5.4.3 Single Origin
  • 5.5 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.5.1 Supermarket/Hypermarket
    • 5.5.2 Online Retail Store
    • 5.5.3 Convenience Store
    • 5.5.4 Other Distribution Channels

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Mars, Incorporated
    • 6.4.2 Ferrero International S.A.
    • 6.4.3 Mondelez International, Inc.
    • 6.4.4 Nestlé SA
    • 6.4.5 Patchi Industrial Company S.A.L.
    • 6.4.6 Yıldız Holding AS
    • 6.4.7 Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
    • 6.4.8 Bateel International LLC
    • 6.4.9 Al Nassma Chocolate LLC
    • 6.4.10 Mirzam Chocolate Makers LLC
    • 6.4.11 Best Food Company LLC
    • 6.4.12 Barry Callebaut AG
    • 6.4.13 The Hershey Company
    • 6.4.14 IFFCO Group
    • 6.4.15 Gandour
    • 6.4.16 Neuhaus NV/SA
    • 6.4.17 Debailleul SA
    • 6.4.18 Forrey & Galland LLC
    • 6.4.19 Co Chocolat
    • 6.4.20 Zokolat FZE

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

United Arab Emirates Chocolate Market Report Scope

Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate are covered as segments by Confectionery Variant. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
By Product Type
Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
By Form
Tablets and Bars
Molded Blocks
Pralines and Truffles
Other Forms
By Price Form
Mass
Premium
By Ingredient Type
Dairy-based
Plant-based
Single Origin
By Distribution Channel
Supermarket/Hypermarket
Online Retail Store
Convenience Store
Other Distribution Channels
By Product Type Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
By Form Tablets and Bars
Molded Blocks
Pralines and Truffles
Other Forms
By Price Form Mass
Premium
By Ingredient Type Dairy-based
Plant-based
Single Origin
By Distribution Channel Supermarket/Hypermarket
Online Retail Store
Convenience Store
Other Distribution Channels
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Market Definition

  • Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
  • Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
  • Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
  • Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
Keyword Definition
Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk.
White Chocolate White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent.
Milk Chocolate Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product.
Hard Candy A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing.
Toffees A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter.
Nougats A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit.
Cereal bar A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup.
Protein bar Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats.
Fruit & Nut bar These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings.
NCA The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats.
CGMP Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies.
Unstandardized foods Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner.
GI The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time
Skimmed milk powder Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying.
Flavanols Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages.
WPC Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein.
LDL Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol
HDL High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol
BHT butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative.
Carrageenan Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks.
Free form Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar.
Cocoa butter It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery.
Pastellies A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk.
Draggees Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell
CHOPRABISCO Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry.
European Directive 2000/13 A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products
Kakao-Verordnung The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany.
FASFC Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain
Pectin A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture.
Invert sugars A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose.
Emulsifier A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together.
Anthocyanins A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery.
Functional Foods Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Kosher certificate This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law
Chicory root extract A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate
RDD Recommended daily dose
Gummies A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit.
Nutraceuticals Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits.
Energy bars Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go.
BFSO Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain.
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Ask a Question

Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.​
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.​
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Get More Details On Research Methodology
Download PDF