Emirates’ Commitment to Luxury and Quality in In-Flight Catering
In celebration of World Chocolate Day 2024, Emirates has taken the opportunity to highlight the significant role chocolate plays in enhancing the in-flight experience for its passengers. As part of its annual review, the Dubai-based airline disclosed that in 2023, over 45 million individual pieces of luxury chocolate were consumed on its flights. This staggering number includes consumption across all classes, underscoring chocolate’s universal appeal.
Emirates is renowned for its dedication to providing a remarkable culinary experience, which includes a selection of artisan chocolates served to passengers traveling to over 140 global destinations. Over the past year, the breakdown of chocolate consumption on Emirates flights was as follows: 36.3 million in economy class, 322,000 in premium economy, 8.2 million in business class, and 122,000 large gourmet chocolate boxes in first class.
First class passengers enjoy a particularly indulgent experience with access to unlimited chocolates. They are also encouraged to take their favorite chocolates home as a parting gift, further personalizing their luxury experience.
Strategic Partnerships with Global Chocolatiers
Emirates collaborates with esteemed chocolatiers worldwide, ensuring a diverse and high-quality chocolate offering that changes every three months. This strategy keeps the selection exciting and fresh, catering to the tastes of frequent flyers. Currently, Emirates features chocolates from Valrhona, a prestigious French chocolatier known for its exceptional quality and sustainable practices.
Valrhona, established in 1922, is celebrated for its innovative approach to chocolate making and its commitment to ethical sourcing. Emirates has worked closely with Valrhona to create a bespoke luxury chocolate box for its first class passengers, enhancing the post-meal experience with a touch of refined sweetness.
Zeyneb Larabi, Global Travel Retail Director of Valrhona, remarked on the partnership, emphasizing the shared values of excellence and commitment to creating memorable experiences. This collaboration not only provides delightful treats but also crafts lasting impressions that align perfectly with Emirates’ brand philosophy.
A Global Selection of Chocolate Brands
Emirates selects its onboard chocolate offerings from among the most renowned producers around the world. These include Bateel, Coco Jalila, and Forrey & Galland from the UAE, Butlers from Ireland, and Godiva, Canonica, and Neuhaus from Belgium, among others. The selection criteria focus on a variety of chocolate types such as dark, milk, or white chocolates, as well as diverse forms like bonbons, pralines, or truffles.
Regardless of the class of travel, chocolate is an integral part of the dessert menu on all Emirates flights. Additionally, on longer routes, passengers can enjoy chocolate candy bars from a snack tray, and children are treated to chocolate lollipops during festive celebrations. Emirates’ A380 onboard lounges offer an array of vegan and non-vegan chocolate-based treats, ensuring that all passenger preferences are catered to.