Emirates Marks World Chocolate Day with 64 Million Chocolates Served Annually

More than 250 pastry chefs create over 120 chocolate desserts using sustainably sourced cocoa

Emirates has marked World Chocolate Day by highlighting the scale and craftsmanship behind one of its most popular onboard treats, revealing that passengers consume more than 64 million pieces of premium chocolate every year across its global network.

The airline said it also prepares approximately 26 million handcrafted chocolate desserts annually for customers travelling in Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class. From chocolate mousse cakes in Economy Class to gourmet plated desserts in First Class, chocolate has become a signature part of the Emirates dining experience.

Behind the scenes, Emirates loads around 750,000 kilograms of luxury chocolate giveaways onto its aircraft every year, while using approximately 260,000 kilograms of chocolate ingredients to prepare desserts served on flights worldwide.

Rather than relying on a single supplier, the airline partners with internationally renowned chocolatiers and premium chocolate manufacturers to offer a diverse range of flavours and textures. Cocoa is responsibly sourced from leading growing regions in South America and Africa, with suppliers selected for both quality and sustainable production practices.

Menus inspired by global destinations

Emirates' culinary design team tailors chocolate desserts to suit the destinations it serves, creating recipes inspired by regional tastes and seasonal ingredients instead of offering identical menus worldwide.

Mediterranean routes may feature chocolate paired with fresh berries or stone fruits, while Asian-inspired menus include combinations with tropical fruits, yuzu or matcha. In the Middle East, pistachio remains one of the airline's most popular flavour pairings, featuring in several signature chocolate creations.

"Our chocolate desserts are never created in isolation. We look at the destinations they're travelling to, the flavours customers enjoy in different parts of the world, and the premium chocolate that best complements those ingredients. That philosophy allows us to create chocolate experiences that feel both familiar and globally inspired," said Doxis Bekris, Emirates Vice President of Culinary Design.

Growing demand for premium chocolate

A team of 250 pastry and bakery chefs develops more than 120 different chocolate desserts each year across the airline's four cabin classes, with menus regularly updated to reflect seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.

Emirates reported a five percent year-on-year increase in chocolate consumption, with growing demand for richer dark chocolate varieties. Salted caramel remains one of the airline's most popular flavour combinations.

Chocolate experience begins before boarding

The chocolate journey starts even before take-off, with First and Business Class passengers enjoying a selection of premium chocolate desserts and confectionery in Emirates airport lounges.

Current offerings include Chocolate Cake, Banana and Yuzu Cake made with Valrhona Hukambi 53% dark milk chocolate, Royal Chocolate Mousse Cake, Cake Alcazar, and desserts created in partnership with brands such as Valrhona, La Rose Noir, Gianni & Gelato, Compartés, Baklava Made Better and French Bakery.