When it comes to higher chocolate prices, two names on retail could be Lindt chocolates or Dubai Chocolates. Both have driven consumer engagement at retail, but the reason for their popularity and sales differed substantially. If you are a retailer who is wondering how better either of these treats are selling in your store, then we will discuss where Lindt or Dubai Chocolates are at, based on evidence and market conditions.
Luxurious Lindt Bars
What can we say about Lindt & Sprüngli as a global chocolate juggernaut? They are known for their smooth, creamy bars and seasonal high-end innovations. Lindt’s 2024 was strong on the sales front as their organic sales growth outperformed the previous years and even a typical marketplace of challenges. Lindt continued to perform better than the overall chocolate market as they have a stronghold in Europe and made good gains in North America (bigger picture, their continued market share gains as the total chocolate market softens).
Lindt has also shown agility, and is perfectly positioned to take advantage of viral trends. The Dubai-style chocolate bar inspired sundae from the Middle East dessert craze, as it hit select food retailer shelves in the UK in December, sold out very quickly and so they reordered back into the food retail. The Lindt Dubai Style Bar (this is how we are referring) is made of milk chocolate with pistachio paste and crispy kadayif pastry, so although it was inspired by a viral treat it was made to look and taste like a luxury treat. Lindt has expanded its Dubai-style range to include small boxes and mini bars, further capitalizing on the trend.
Lindt’s chocolate bars have received a largely positive response from customers, many of whom have commented on its fun texture and delicious flavor. Premium chocolate offering at a slightly lower price point, and a very accessible product has made it very attractive, with some retailers limiting orders due to demand.
Dubai Chocolate Craze
The Dubai Chocolate bars have become a worldwide phenomenon, largely due to social media. The bar was originally sold by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, and consists of a mixture of pistachio cream, tahini, and knafeh (a confection traditional in the Middle East) for an innovative chewing experience, texture and flavour. The trend exploded on Instagram reels with millions of views, and hundreds of thousands of views, demand has come from not just UAE, but the UK and US, even led to many copies and spin offs.
The Dubai Chocolates has also spurred a proliferation of supermarket versions and own-brands in the UK, often at cheaper prices than Lindt’s premium chocolates. This should only mean more opportunity in the Dubai style space, to reach a much wider audience.
Selling Better: A Comparison of Sales Impact
When comparing data/figures to find what product is selling better, consider using the following example:
- The origins of Lindt chocolate is Switzerland/Germany, markets targeting Europe, North America Globally. The origins of Dubai Chocolates is UAE targeting the key markets, UAE, UK, US, globally.
- The average cost of Lindt chocolate is £10, while Dubai chocolate varies, starting price point should be £3.99.
- Brand loyalty is strong for Lindt chocolates, along with some elements of seasonal innovation, Dubai chocolates have gone social media viral, and are a novelty!
- Sales performance Lindt chocolate products are able to maintain global growth, strong and royal, while Dubai Chocolates have exploded, record breaking in UAE.
What is Selling Better?
- In the UAE and more specifically Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Chocolates are winning in terms of actual revenue and volume share of total confectionery revenue, trend and novelty that went viral, asking price driving absurd demand for the product, primarily with travelers and social media people!
- In Major UK Supermarkets; Lindt bar is a success, selling out fast and enough restocks to gain momentum at most major retailers. Dubai-style own brand chocolates are selling fast, with the lower price. The overall Dubai Chocolate trend is overwhelming in UK retail!
- Globally: Lindt maintains strong, consistent sales growth and brand loyalty, especially in Europe and North America. Dubai Chocolates are a newer, more volatile trend, but their viral impact is undeniable and has inspired a wave of product launches worldwide.
Final Say
If your store is in the UAE or a major travel hub, Dubai Chocolates are likely outperforming Lindt bars due to their viral popularity and novelty. In mainstream supermarkets in the UK and Europe, Lindt’s Dubai-style bar and its classic offerings are strong sellers, but the lower-priced Dubai-style imitations are also moving quickly. Ultimately, both trends are driving sales, but the Dubai Chocolate phenomenon is setting new records in select markets, while Lindt continues to demonstrate robust, reliable growth globally.
Retailers should consider stocking both to capture the full range of consumer preferences and maximize sales opportunities. Buy both of these famous chocolates that are dominating the retail world at Stock4Shops. We have the best collection of chocolate bars that your customers will keep coming back for.
