What began as a viral TikTok video has now left shelves bare and pistachio prices surging. Dubai chocolate, a luxury milk chocolate bar filled with pistachio cream and delicate kataifi pastry, has taken the world by storm. And the nut that gives it its green glow? In dangerously short supply.
Originally crafted by boutique Emirati chocolatier FIX in 2021, the bar exploded in popularity after a TikTok video late last year racked up over 120 million views. Influencers, foodies and retailers scrambled to get in on the craze. Knock-off versions from Lindt, Läderach and even British supermarkets like Morrisons followed fast.
But with fame came pressure. Pistachio kernels — the shelled green nuts used in these bars — are now scarce. According to industry expert Giles Hacking from CG Hacking, the price per pound has jumped from $7.95 to $10.30 in just a year. “The pistachio world is basically tapped out at the moment,” he told the Financial Times.
A poor U.S. harvest in 2023 had already tightened supply. American growers produced higher-quality nuts, which are sold whole and shelled — leaving fewer of the cheaper, shelled kernels for manufacturers. Iran, the world’s second-largest producer, has been shipping more pistachios to the UAE, with exports jumping 40% in six months. That’s helped feed demand in Dubai, but left other buyers short.
The result? Long queues outside chocolate shops, rationing in some stores, and a spike in prices that’s rattling supply chains well beyond the Gulf. In Germany, people have lined up outside Lindt boutiques for a chance at limited edition Dubai bars.
“This came out of nowhere,” said Charles Jandreau of the Prestat Group. “Suddenly you see it in every corner shop.”
The world’s sweet tooth has spoken. But the cost of viral delight is now being measured in nuts — and rising fast.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fre...
Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held both a tête-à-tête and an extended-format meeting with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Fore...
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a ...
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russi...
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 Novem...
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russian drone barrage, leaving several civilians wounded as the conflict approaches the end of its fourth year.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fresh wave of nationals expelled from the United States is due to arrive within days.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held both a tête-à-tête and an extended-format meeting with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, in Baku on Monday (8 December).
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a $23 billion aid appeal on Monday (8 December) which is half of last year's request, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding.
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have found a new focal point regarding border control, as the Iranian government confirmed on Sunday that a fresh wave of nationals expelled from the United States is due to arrive within days.
Tens of millions of people in urgent need of help won't be getting much assistance next year. That's according to the United Nations which launched a $23 billion aid appeal on Monday (8 December) which is half of last year's request, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding.
Emergency crews were deployed to the northeastern Ukrainian city of Okhtyrka on Monday morning after a residential high-rise was devastated by a Russian drone barrage, leaving several civilians wounded as the conflict approaches the end of its fourth year.
Nigerian authorities says they've rescued a 100 children after gunmen abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri on 21 November.
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from external volatility by turning inward, pledging to "keep expanding domestic demand" through a suite of "more proactive" policies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment