Emirates Serves 60 Million Chocolates in Record-Breaking Year

Emirates Airlines is giving chocolate lovers around the world a reason to celebrate. As World Chocolate Day approaches on July 7, the Dubai-based airline has announced a delicious milestone: over 60 million chocolates were consumed onboard by passengers over the past year. This record marks a significant rise in demand for in-flight luxury and positions chocolate as a symbol of comfort, hospitality, and culinary excellence in the sky.

The impressive figure represents a 2 million increase over the previous year, with chocolates distributed across all cabin classes — from Economy to First. Emirates has not only elevated its food offerings but created an onboard chocolate experience that mirrors Dubai rise as a global gourmet destination.

Emirates Passengers Indulge in 60 Million Chocolates

The staggering number of chocolates served paints a vivid picture of passenger preferences and Emirates’ commitment to indulgence at altitude. Of the total 60 million chocolates served:

• Economy Class passengers enjoyed the lion’s share, consuming 36.6 million pieces.
• The airline’s new Premium Economy Class accounted for 1.06 million chocolates.
• In Business Class, travelers consumed 9.1 million chocolates, a clear sign of the demand for elevated in-flight treats.
• First Class passengers relished in luxury, taking home 122,000 gourmet chocolate boxes, translating to 13.4 million individual pieces.

These numbers reinforce Emirates’ promise to deliver a five-star experience regardless of cabin class, making even the simplest indulgence feel extravagant.

Partnering with Global Chocolatiers for Premium Quality

At the heart of Emirates’ chocolate success is its collaboration with some of the world’s most prestigious chocolatiers. The airline currently partners with:

• Coco Jalila from the UAE
• Valrhona from France
• Canonica and Neuhaus from Belgium

Selections are carefully rotated every six months to ensure fresh, seasonal options for frequent flyers. Emirates uses a rigorous vetting process to select these brands, factoring in taste, texture, fillings, cocoa quality, brand heritage, and sustainable sourcing. This approach ensures that each piece of chocolate served onboard aligns with global taste trends and meets the expectations of discerning travelers.

Chocolate Desserts Take Center Stage in Every Class

While individual chocolates offer delightful in-flight treats, Emirates goes further with elaborate, chef-curated chocolate desserts served throughout the flight experience. Each class features specially designed desserts that reflect Emirates’ dedication to world-class dining.

• First Class: Passengers indulge in decadent options like pistachio and chocolate mousse cake and warm chocolate fondant, served with luxurious presentation and rich flavors.
• Business Class: Innovative desserts include a vegan onyx avocado chocolate tart and a banana, mango, and milk chocolate dome, catering to modern dietary trends.
• Premium Economy: A standout favorite is the chocolate mousse cake with a passion fruit core, balancing sweetness with a citrus twist.
• Economy Class: Travelers enjoy a rich chocolate mousse with crème anglaise, offering gourmet flavors in a comforting presentation.

Every dessert reflects Emirates’ philosophy: blending indulgence with sophistication, all while maintaining high culinary standards at 35,000 feet.

Extra Sweet Surprises for Long Flights and Special Moments

Emirates knows that memorable travel often includes delightful surprises. On long-haul flights, chocolate candy bars are featured in snack trays, providing a mid-flight treat. During festive seasons, children receive chocolate lollipops, adding an element of fun and thoughtfulness to their journey.

In First Class, passengers are offered premium selections like Lindt 85% dark chocolate from in-flight goodie baskets — a nod to refined, bold flavors. In the A380 Onboard Lounge, both vegan and non-vegan chocolate treats are available. Options like mini chocolate cakes and M&Ms provide the perfect blend of comfort and celebration in a relaxed social setting.

These thoughtful details ensure that passengers experience chocolate not just as food, but as a memorable part of the journey.

Dubai’s Role in Elevating the Chocolate Experience

Emirates’ chocolate initiative is closely tied to Dubai’s evolving identity as a global culinary and luxury destination. The partnership with homegrown brand Coco Jalila reflects a growing trend of UAE-based brands entering the global stage. This supports the local economy while reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for innovation in gastronomy.

The synergy between Emirates and Dubai’s food scene reflects the city’s broader vision — to offer unmatched quality, hospitality, and international appeal. From the airport lounge to the chocolate box, Dubai’s influence is clear: luxury should be accessible, surprising, and unforgettable.

Committed to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

As global demand grows for transparency and ethics in food sourcing, Emirates is leading the way. The airline ensures that its chocolate partners are committed to ethical farming, traceability, and sustainable supply chains.

Renowned brands like Valrhona and Neuhaus are known for their sustainable cocoa practices and environmentally conscious packaging. Emirates’ emphasis on responsible sourcing extends to all food services onboard, reflecting its broader commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious luxury.

Passengers can indulge with peace of mind, knowing their chocolate is sourced with both pleasure and the planet in mind.

Using Data to Enhance the In-Flight Chocolate Experience

Emirates doesn’t just serve chocolate — it understands it. The airline uses data analytics to study passenger preferences, track trends by region and cabin, and predict the popularity of different offerings.

This insight allows Emirates to fine-tune chocolate rotation schedules, adjust dessert menus by season, and reduce waste while keeping travelers happy. The result is a tailored, efficient, and intelligent food service strategy that satisfies customer expectations while supporting sustainability goals.

This smart approach helps Emirates stay ahead in an increasingly competitive space, where every detail of the passenger experience matters.

A Benchmark for In-Flight Culinary Innovation

The scale and elegance of Emirates’ chocolate service show how the airline industry is redefining what passengers can expect from in-flight dining. Chocolate is no longer a bonus — it’s a signature element of hospitality and branding.

By merging fine food, global partnerships, and ethical sourcing, Emirates has transformed chocolate into a storytelling device — one that tells passengers they are in good hands. Whether you’re in Economy or First Class, every bite reflects the airline’s larger commitment to quality, comfort, and creativity.

From dessert menus to snack baskets, Emirates has built a chocolate program that reflects its position not just as a carrier, but as a global lifestyle brand.