Salon du Chocolat comes to Dubai for the first time

Chocolate lovers rejoice as the unique chocolate extravaganza launches its first edition in Dubai at the iconic Le Gourmet, Galeries Lafayette at The Dubai Mall

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Consul General of France in Dubai Nathalie Kennedy, Gerald Palacios, president of the organizing body of Salon du Chocolat France, world-class chefs, industry professionals and media.

Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the event organizer, welcomed guests and spoke about the significance of bringing such an exciting event to the UAE. “Dubai is a dynamic city and the gastronomy of the region. We are thrilled to be debuting Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie here and look forward to three outstanding days of sweet delights.”

Dedicated to those who share a passion for chocolate and pastry, the much-loved show brings together professional chocolate tasters, chocolatiers, chocolate aficionados, authors and pastry chefs for a rich program of chocolate-inspired events. From May 12 to May 14, visitors will be able to meet more than 50 exhibitors and watch over than 30 pastry chefs in action. Special features include: 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 have been specially created for the show by world-class French Tunisian artist Idriss B,” said Maha El Khoury, projects and sales director at Hospitality Services. She added that visitors have plenty to enjoy: exploring stands, sampling and buying chocolate, and attending special workshops and masterclasses with renowned chefs from around the world. “We are expecting several thousand attendees over the coming days. There really is something for everyone,” El Khoury added.

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 has become the second city in the Middle East and the 13^th in the world to host this chocolate extravaganza.