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Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
FIX Your Cravings: Inside the World of FIX Chocolate's Sarah Hamouda
"The momentum came from real reactions and genuine word of mouth, and I think that's exactly why it resonated. We didn't have a structured marketing plan or budget. It was all about people connecting with the product and sharing it because they truly believed in it." You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Favor, nostalgia, and creativity. The three words that Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian co-founder of FIX Dessert Chocolatier (FIX), uses to describe the "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" chocolate that she created back in 2022. "It truly began with a craving as I was heavily pregnant and just desperate to find something I couldn't find anywhere else," she says. "I wanted something nostalgic, indulgent and a little bit playful. In my mind, I kept picturing this dessert that was creamy, crunchy, and familiar but still a little unexpected. That's when I started experimenting." In less than three years, FIX's chocolate bars became a cultural moment- the world stops for a chance to enjoy this combination of milk chocolate, the shredded pastry known as kataifi, and a pistachio cream filling. That was obvious during the last World Economic Forum in Davos, where people braved the cold and waited in long lines for a taste of Hamouda's chocolate bars. But it happens in Dubai too, at 14:00 and 17:00 every day, when daily production of 500 bars sells out on Deliveroo in a matter or minutes. Was Hamouda ready for the high demand of her treats? "Honestly, not at all! We were learning as we went, adjusting processes in real time and constantly solving problems as they came up," she says. "There were sleepless nights, but we kept going. While we may not have been fully prepared to meet the demand, we were determined to rise to the challenge and figure it out along the way." When this story started, both Hamouda and her husband and co-founder at FIX, Yezen Alani, were working full-time corporate jobs, juggling back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines, and batches of chocolate all at once. "Our days were packed and our nights were even busier, but we were fueled by something we truly believed in," Hamouda recalls. "What really made it possible, especially in the early stages, was the incredible support from the people we surrounded ourselves with. As the FIX community started to grow, so did the demand for the product, and that's when it became clear that the brand needed our undivided attention. Stepping away from our day jobs was a big decision, but it felt right. The brand had taken on a life of its own, and we knew it was time to give it all we had." Industry experts have praised the duo for creating "a dessert in a chocolate bar that is much more than just a regular chocolate bar," while others believe that FIX chocolate's resonance lies in its deep Middle Eastern roots as it reminds people of family traditions of sharing sweets. Yet, Hamouda explains there is much more to it. "I wanted to create something that felt personal but relatable," she says. "A brand that tapped into nostalgia without leaning too heavily on it, and felt premium without being intimidating. I had people like myself in mind: emotionally connected to food, with a strong sense of taste, a sense of humor, and an eye for detail. Yezen, my husband, has been instrumental in naming our bars. He added that quirky twist that makes people smile. With FIX, we wanted it to feel like a treat, but also something that sparks curiosity and conversation." Image courtesy of FIX In December 2023, when TikTok influencer Maria Vehera posted a video of herself trying Hamouda's chocolate bar, the FIX brand certainly did capture attention and get people talking. The video went viral, leading to nearly seven million likes to date, and caused the prompt christening of "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" to "Dubai chocolate." Hamouda says, "Maria's video captured the essence of FIX in such a raw, unfiltered, and engaging way. A few weeks later, my phone just wouldn't stop buzzing. Messages started pouring in from all over the world, and we were completely caught off guard. I think that's the magic of something genuine, it connects with people when you least expect it." She adds that the brand's marketing strategy was completely organic. "People tried the bars out of curiosity or because a friend recommended it to them," Hamouda explains. "Maria, who posted the video that ended up gaining so much attention, made me see our bars through a whole new lens. It wasn't part of a strategy or campaign. She simply loved the product and wanted to share it." "The momentum came from real reactions and genuine word of mouth, and I think that's exactly why it resonated. We didn't have a structured marketing plan or budget. It was all about people connecting with the product and sharing it because they truly believed in it." FIX's products remain solely available in Dubai, which adds to its exclusivity, but also causes some interesting shifts in the chocolate production sector worldwide. One is independent chocolatiers and multinational brands, such as Lindt and Ülker, being urged to produce their own versions of the "Dubai chocolate" to meet the global demand. Another striking and unpredicted shift is the shortage of global pistachio supply due to the high demand for the basic kernels used in the FIX chocolate bars. "We're incredibly proud to have inspired so many brands and individuals. Seeing the impact FIX has had on the dessert industry is something we never take for granted," Hamouda says, and decides to share her views on the copycats of her business. "The frustration doesn't come from others creating their own take on "Dubai chocolate." It comes from those who directly replicate our intellectual property or use our branding to promote imitation products," she explains. "We've put so much into building something original and thoughtful, and it's important to us that our community can distinguish what's truly FIX. We've trademarked what we can, and our focus remains on what matters most: staying creative, protecting our identity, and delivering an experience that only FIX can offer." The latest achievement of the FIX team was being to create a limited edition of a new chocolate (the Emirati Halwa) for H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE. "We were asked to create a bespoke chocolate inspired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan's favorite dessert, Halwa, and we knew we had to get it right," Hamouda says. "We spent time understanding the traditional flavors, then brought in innovation, craftsmanship and the right team to give it the signature FIX touch. It took time, precision and a lot of passion, and honestly, it still feels like a dream we're proud to be living." Looking back at the fast-paced global growth of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, Hamouda has a few tips to share with other entrepreneurs. "Pacing has definitely been one of the biggest learning curves for us. In the early days, there's so much energy and excitement that it's tempting to say yes to everything and try and do it all at once. But over time, I've come to realize that sustainable growth takes time and patience. It doesn't have to happen overnight." She adds, "As the business evolved, I started to understand the value of stepping back a little. I'm incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a passionate, capable team, and learning to lean on them and trust the process has been a big shift for me. At the end of the day, great things are built together, and the strongest foundations are laid through steady, intentional growth." The biggest lesson they have learned along the way? "Build slow, build true, and never give up," Hamouda says.
What's On
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
The viral Dubai chocolate has a pop-up in DXB Terminal 3
The viral Dubai chocolate is calling… If you thought the FIX craze had faded, you thought wrong, because the viral Dubai chocolate is now selling exclusively at the airport, and the people are all here for it. Social media reports are telling us that this cute and colourful whimsical pop-up is located across from Cartier and is impossible to miss. That's right – FIX Chocolate is hosting an exclusive pop-up in DXB Terminal 3 after capturing the hearts and and bank accounts of travellers scouring Duty Free. The wrapped up there this April, but the heartbreak was too loud, and now they're back. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FIX Dessert Chocolatier (@fixdessertchocolatier) You might also like 5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: May 26 to 29 While they have a whole host of delicious flavours, a limited number are available at the airport – Can't Get Knafeh Of It, both the milk and dark versions, Pick Up A Pretzel, also the milk and dark versions, and Mind Your Own Buiscoff, the luxurious biscoff flavour. And while one may fear being faced with sold out signs, they're restocking constantly so you won't miss out. After taking social media, Dubai and then the whole world by storm, the insanely indulgent bars are still in high demand. It's no surprise the viral chocolate is near impossible to get your hands on and everyone has jumped on the bandwagon – even the royals. Earlier last year, we saw the FIX Chocolate x Fazza collaboration, a uniquely crafted, specially created Halawat Dubai flavour. Besides this iconic flavour, some of our personal favourites are Can't Get Knafeh of it, Pick Up A Pretzel and Butter To Be Safe Than Salty, all decadent bombs of flavour and sugary goodness that will send you to Nirvana. There are loads more, but these are the best Pick up a bar or two on your way out of the country for a sweet holiday – and some serious flexing rights. @fixdesertchocolatier Images: Supplied/ Socials
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VinTech Showcases AI Vision at FIX Trading Summit
Conceptual Preview of FIX AMA Underscores AI's Potential HONG KONG, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VinTech, a leading provider of professional fintech and AI solutions, made a notable appearance today at the 23rd Asia Pacific Trading Summit hosted by the FIX Trading Community in Hong Kong. VinTech unveiled the concept for an AI-powered platform, FIX AMA (Ask Me Anything), a concept fully supported and developed by VinTech. The summit brought together over 600 trading and technology professionals from across the region to explore the latest trends in electronic trading. The FIX (Financial Information eXchange) protocol is the global standard for electronic trading communications, adopted across equities, fixed income, forex, and derivatives markets. FIX Trading Community, the volunteer driven standards body behind the protocol, has shaped its global adoption and continuing innovation. At the summit, VinTech showcased a range of innovations spanning both AI and fintech headlined by FIX AMA. Currently in its concept stage, FIX AMA is being designed to provide users with real-time, comprehensive and accurate technical support, powered by FIX's official golden source documentation. The platform aims to eliminate the need for manual searches through scattered documentation, saving time for FIX protocol users and significantly improving efficiency. "We're excited to engage with industry leaders at the FIX Summit and share our vision for AI in financial communications," said Jay Law, Deputy CEO of VinTech. "The positive engagement and feedback we've received on this FIX AMA concept underscores the industry's growing demand for intelligent, protocol-aware support tools." Ed Mangles, Asia Pacific Regional Director, FIX Trading Community added, "As the industry looks to AI to help solve for friction points across workflows and processes, the FIX Asia Pac community appreciates VinTech's forward-thinking approach to Al and their willingness to collaborate on ideas to help make FIX even more accessible and potentially unlock new possibilities for FIX through Al." About VinTech VinTech is a technology solutions provider with dual expertise in artificial intelligence and financial technology. Committed to building intelligent, secure, and scalable solutions, VinTech empowers financial institutions and enterprises to modernize operations, enhance decision-making, and accelerate digital transformation. View original content: SOURCE VinTech
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These 3 AI-Related Stocks Crushed Earnings
Earnings season continues to move rapidly, with many companies unveiling quarterly results daily. So far, the period has been positive, though it's worth noting that estimates for the current period (Q2) have trickled lower in recent weeks. But throughout the Q1 cycle so far, several companies involved in the AI frenzy – Palantir PLTR and Tempus AI TEM, and Comfort Systems USA FIX – posted results that had investors pleased, with each seeing bullish post-earnings reactions. Let's take a closer look at each report. Palantir continued to fire on all cylinders throughout its latest period, reporting massive growth thanks to continued red-hot demand. Sales shot 39% higher year-over-year, with the company also raising its current year sales outlook in a big way. As shown below, the company's sales growth has been outstanding over recent periods, a reflection of the red-hot demand PLTR has been enjoying. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Notably, customer count grew nearly 40% year-over-year and 8% sequentially. Palantir also booked its highest U.S. commercial total contract value throughout the period ($810 million), which grew a staggering 180% year-over-year. Analysts have already revised their current year sales expectations for the stock following the release, with the current $3.9 billion Zacks Consensus estimate up nearly 20% over the last year. The company's sales are now forecasted to climb 37% year-over-year following the updated guidance, continuing its growth trajectory nicely. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Tempus AI is a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care. Like PLTR, the company enjoyed serious growth, with sales of $255.7 million climbing 75% year-over-year. Below is a chart illustrating the company's sales on a quarterly basis. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Notably, its Genomics segment saw its sales grow 90% year-over-year, with its Data and services revenue of $61.9 million up 43% from the same period last year. And to top off the robust results, the company increased its FY25 revenue guidance to roughly $1.3 billion, which reflects a massive 80% growth rate year-over-year. Shares saw a nice boost post-earnings, with TEM shares up nearly 90% YTD and widely outperforming relative to the S&P 500. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research FIX shares represent a nice opportunity to obtain exposure to the AI infrastructure buildout thanks to its products utilized in data centers, which reflect a massive tailwind for the near and long-term picture for the stock. Sales of $1.8 billion and adjusted EPS of $4.75 in its latest release crushed our consensus estimates, reflecting growth rates of 20% and 75%, respectively. As shown below, FIX's sales growth has been stellar, underpinned by a growing backlog. FIX's backlog at the end of its latest period totaled $6.9 billion, well above the $5.9 billion print in the same period last year. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research And for those with an appetite for income, FIX shares have you covered, currently yielding a respectable 0.3% annually. While the current yield may not be steep, the company's 33% five-year annualized dividend growth rate helps bridge the gap nicely, underpinning its commitment to increasingly rewarding shareholders. Below is a chart illustrating the company's dividends paid on a quarterly basis. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Bottom Line We continue to wade through the 2025 Q1 cycle, which has overall been positive. Growth has been strong, though it's critical to note that tariff concerns have caused downward pressure on earnings estimates for the current (Q2) and coming periods. Still, several AI-related stocks have posted robust results throughout the period, a list that includes Palantir PLTR, Comfort Systems USA FIX, and Tempus AI TEM. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tempus AI, Inc. (TEM) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Arabian Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
FIX Chocolate Reopens at Dubai Airport Amid Eid Travel Surge
FIX Dessert Chocolatier, the confectionery brand that ignited a global craze with its knafeh-and-pistachio-filled bars, has reinstated its pop-up at Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3. The reopening coincides with the Eid Al Adha travel season, offering departing passengers a chance to purchase the sought-after treats without the usual online scramble. The brand, founded by British-Egyptian engineer Sarah Hamouda in 2021, gained international fame through social media platforms, particularly TikTok. A video by influencer Maria Vehera showcasing the bar's vibrant green pistachio filling and crunchy texture garnered over 100 million views, propelling the product into global demand. The signature bar, aptly named 'Can't Get Knafeh of It,' combines milk chocolate with a filling of pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy knafeh, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Previously, FIX bars were available exclusively through limited daily drops on Deliveroo in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, often selling out within minutes. The airport pop-up provides travelers with a rare opportunity to purchase the bars directly, bypassing the online rush. The return to Dubai Duty Free follows a successful initial stint earlier this year, which saw overwhelming demand and extended stays to accommodate eager customers. The resurgence of FIX at the airport aligns with a broader trend of Middle Eastern flavors gaining popularity in global confectionery markets. The unique combination of textures and flavors in FIX bars has not only captivated consumers but also inspired numerous imitations and adaptations by other brands worldwide. Despite the emergence of copycat products, FIX maintains its exclusivity by limiting sales to specific times and locations, enhancing its allure. See also Jebel Ali Free Zone's Trade Value Surpasses Dhs700bn in 2024
