2024-11-14 20:48:00
Aachen, Germany (AP) — Hundreds of curious onlookers, some carrying stools and everything they needed to shelter from the rain, queued for hours Thursday in the western German city of Aachen. They are not here to buy the latest mobile phone or launch a luxury handbag. It was the smell of a new chocolate that brought them there.
Swiss chocolate giant Lindt is turning heads with its “Dubai Chocolate,” a crunchy mix of chocolate, pistachio cream and kanafeh, a type of Filo dough, famous for its use in baklava.
Lindt executives hope to prove that the nearly 180-year-old Swiss chocolatier can innovate with products originally conceived by Emirati startups, pushing the limits of a century-old industry that has largely dominated. company.
“It’s crazy, this is trending on social media and people are queuing up,” Zi Cheng Lai, a 23-year-old student from Malaysia, said after leaving the Lindt store on Thursday. “We wanted to try it and be one of them. member.
Upon entering the Lindt store, Lai and other shoppers were greeted by employees wearing kitchen uniforms and chef hats and offered chocolate samples. Afterwards, they can go into the store and buy one gold bar each – each bar has a serial number for an added touch of exclusivity.
Startup FIX Dessert Chocolatier produced the dessert for the first time in 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. Since then, its popularity has been growing with the help of influencers on Instagram and TikTok.
Lindt launched its new chocolate bar in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces in some stores in Germany on Saturday. A similar campaign is set to launch in Switzerland this week after outcry in the Alpine country that they were ignored.
Industry association ChocoSuisse hopes the fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine and traditional chocolate will make chocolate more attractive to palates outside Europe, which has been the world’s largest chocolate market for generations.
“It’s a good thing if more and more people start liking chocolate and start eating it regularly. This expands the market in places like Asia and the Middle East.
Despite paying the relatively high price of 14.99 euros ($15.85) per piece, customers at the Aachen store seemed generally satisfied. Some say they just want to be part of the trend.
“It’s juicy and crunchy inside – I think it’s the angel hair,” said student Esko Rieck, 20, after waiting more than three hours to get her hands on one. He raved about the texture of the candy. “I came here because I have never been to a launch like this and I wanted to experience a limited edition launch.”
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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How does social media influence consumer behavior towards innovative food items like Lindt’s “Dubai Chocolate”?
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re joined by Ms. Sofia Müller, a food industry analyst, to discuss the recent launch of Lindt’s “Dubai Chocolate” in Aachen, Germany. Thank you for joining us, Sofia.
**Sofia Müller:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** It seems that Lindt’s new chocolate has generated quite a buzz. What do you think is driving the excitement around “Dubai Chocolate”?
**Sofia Müller:** I think there are a few key factors. First, the flavor combination of chocolate, pistachio cream, and kanafeh is quite unique and reflects a fusion of cultures. People are always intrigued by new taste experiences, especially when they highlight different culinary traditions.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! We’ve seen long lines of eager customers at the store. What does this say about consumer behavior today, especially regarding food products?
**Sofia Müller:** It shows that consumers are willing to invest time and effort to experience something novel. Events like these create a sense of community and excitement—people enjoy sharing experiences on social media and being part of trending phenomena. The rain didn’t deter them; they were determined to try it!
**Interviewer:** Indeed, social media seems to play a significant role here. How crucial is it for brands like Lindt to harness this platform for their marketing?
**Sofia Müller:** It’s essential. Social media can amplify the reach of a product tremendously, turning local events into global conversations. Lindt is tapping into that by creating a product that not only has a rich flavor profile but also captures the imagination of diverse audiences.
**Interviewer:** Some experts have noted that Lindt is aiming to innovate within a traditional industry. What challenges do you see in balancing innovation with maintaining tradition in chocolate making?
**Sofia Müller:** It’s a delicate balance. While innovation can attract new consumers and create excitement, traditionalists may resist changes to classic recipes or methods. Brands must find a way to honor their heritage while evolving to meet changing consumer tastes and preferences. In Lindt’s case, they seem to be doing well, as this new product resonates with a wider audience.
**Interviewer:** As we look ahead, do you think this trend towards innovative flavors will continue to grow in the chocolate industry?
**Sofia Müller:** Definitely. Consumers are more adventurous than ever, and they seek unique taste experiences. We can expect more brands to experiment with exotic ingredients and cultural flavors to capture attention in a saturated market.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sofia, for your insights on Lindt’s innovative approach and the future of chocolate. It seems that the world of confectionery is in for an exciting evolution.
**Sofia Müller:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss these developments.
**Interviewer:** And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay curious and keep exploring new flavors!
