For many travellers, the best part of an in-flight meal might just be dessert. To mark World Chocolate Day (July 6), Emirates has revealed what goes into its onboard chocolate offering, sharing how millions of chocolates and handcrafted desserts are prepared and served on flights each year. The airline says passengers consume more than 64 million pieces of premium chocolate annually across its global network, alongside around 26 million chocolate desserts served in every cabin class.
A recipe measured in millions
Behind every chocolate treat is a scaled up operation – Emirates loads around 750,000 kilograms of premium chocolate gifts onto its aircraft each year and uses approximately 260,000 kilograms of chocolate ingredients to create desserts for customers travelling worldwide.
Rather than relying on a single chocolatier, the airline works with a range of premium chocolate manufacturers, sourcing cocoa from growing regions in South America and Africa. According to Emirates, suppliers are selected based on quality, craftsmanship and responsible sourcing practices.
Destination-inspired desserts
Emirates says its chocolate menu changes depending on where passengers are flying, developing recipes inspired by regional tastes and seasonal ingredients. Mediterranean routes may feature chocolate paired with berries or stone fruits, while flights to Asian destinations can include flavours such as yuzu, matcha and tropical fruits. Pistachio remains the preferred pairing for Middle Eastern routes.
Doxis Bekris, Emirates’ vice president of Culinary Design, said the destination plays a major role in shaping the onboard menu:
“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.”
A sweet treat in every cabin
Whether travelling in Economy or First Class, passengers can expect a different take on chocolate. Some of these desserts include chocolate mousse cakes in Economy and plated desserts in First Class, all focused on the quality of the ingredients.
The airline said the growing appetite for chocolate has made it one of the most anticipated parts of the onboard dining experience, proving that even at 40,000 feet, there’s always room for dessert.
Have you tried an Emirates chocolate dessert? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
