SALON DU CHOCOLAT DUBAI
Salon du Chocolat Dubai is debuting at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, The Dubai Mall, from May 12-14, 2022. We spoke to Joumana Dammous-salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, the event organizer, to hear what’s on the program.
What can you tell us about Salon du Chocolat?
Established in Paris more than 25 years ago, the exhibition has become a reference for chocolate enthusiasts, with events taking place in New York, Tokyo, London, Brussels, Cologne, Lyon, Moscow, Shanghai, Marseille, Zurich, Cannes, Bordeaux, Monaco, Milano, Hong Kong, Beirut and many other cities.
Who does Salon du Chocolat appeal to?
This much-loved show is dedicated to those who share a passion for chocolate and pastry. Professional chocolate tasters, chocolatiers, chocolate enthusiasts, authors and pastry chefs will share their expertise, while attendees will be able to explore stands, sample and buy chocolate, and attend special workshops and masterclasses with renowned chefs from around the world.
What prompted you to organize the show in Dubai?
After the success of Salon du Chocolat
Beirut, which was established in 2014, it seemed like a natural step to organize something in Dubai. Food festivals are extremely popular, and there is a real market for chocolate and pastry, so it made sense. Also, like Beirut, Dubai is considered a hub for the hospitality and foodservice industries, a place where the latest trends can be found.
Why is it being held in Galeries Lafayette Gourmet as opposed to another venue?
Galeries Lafayette Gourmet is known for its superior quality and has a French signature, which is symbolic as Salon du Chocolat was founded in Paris. Hosting the event at The Dubai Mall is also strategic. It’s by far the most beautiful mall in the region and the second largest mall in the world.
How many exhibitors and experts will there be at the event?
The event is forecast to bring together 50 exhibitors, 30 pastry chefs and thousands of visitors for three sweet days. It promises to be very exciting.
What’s on the program?
The three-day program is incredibly rich. Besides the exhibition area, visitors can enjoy an array of events, including: the Chocolate Fashion Show, in collaboration with ESMOD Dubai, where fashion and chocolate collide; the Pastry Show, where pastry chefs will host workshops; the Choco Démo, a space to mingle with influencers and food bloggers; and three chocolate competitions for amateurs. We will also have a space for children to experiment with chocolate. All the chocolate art and sculptures will be specially created for Salon du Chocolat Dubai by artist Idriss B.
Do you have plans to take Salon du Chocolat elsewhere in the region?
Actually, 2022 will witness the first Salon du Chocolat KSA. Taking place from November 21-23, it is going to be a fantastic addition to Riyadh’s event calendar. We will be announcing more details soon.