Galaxy Launches Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate in UAE and Qatar

Galaxy has launched a new pistachio kunafa chocolate bar in the UAE and Qatar. The limited-edition Galaxy Pistachio Kunafa combines the brand’s smooth milk chocolate with pistachio and a crispy kunafa center. It comes in a box of eight individually wrapped bite-sized pieces and is priced at Dh30 per bar.

This launch responds to the growing demand for Dubai-inspired chocolates. Dubai chocolate first became popular last year thanks to Sarah Hamouda of Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Her creation mixes chocolate with pistachio and kunafa, giving it a unique crunchy green filling. The trend quickly spread, with over 40 global brands, including Lindt and Marks & Spencer, releasing their own versions.

The rise in pistachio kunafa chocolates also impacted the global pistachio market. In the UK, the increased demand led to a price rise for pistachios, which mainly come from the US and Iran. Many copycat products have appeared worldwide, and in the UAE, these chocolates can be found in grocery stores, petrol stations, and local shops at various prices and sizes.

In January, German customs officials confiscated 90 kilograms of Dubai chocolate at Hamburg Airport due to unpaid import duties. This incident highlighted the growing international interest in the Dubai chocolate trend.

Mars Gulf said the Galaxy Pistachio Kunafa marks the company’s first fast-tracked product for the Middle East. The chocolate was developed and launched within four months to meet local tastes quickly. It is sold only in the UAE and Qatar and aims to offer a regional flavor with the classic Galaxy chocolate experience.

The success of Dubai chocolate shows that regional desserts can inspire new product lines. It is expected that more brands will explore Middle Eastern flavors in the future, bringing traditional tastes to new audiences.