Latest news with #MidnightEdition
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Chocolate Maker Gears Up For Secret Flavour Reveal
Dubai's FIX Dessert Chocolatier confirmed it will unveil a new chocolate bar at Mall of the Emirates this Friday, June 13, launching a three‑day pop-up from 10 AM until midnight through Sunday, June 15. The brand, already famed for its pistachio‑and‑knafeh‑filled 'Dubai Chocolate' bars, has withheld details on the new variant, teasing only that it draws from 'childhood memories'. Shoppers will also encounter interactive games, prize giveaways and brand‑curated surprises during the activation. FIX burst into public consciousness in 2024 with its flagship 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It' offering—a milk‑chocolate bar stuffed with pistachio cream, tahini and Kataifi pastry—that fans broke open on camera, generating global virality. Its founders, Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani, launched the venture in 2021 after Hamouda's confectionery cravings inspired an experimental treat combining knafeh and chocolate. The snack quickly gained popularity online, particularly via TikTok, where influencers showcased its crunchy‑creamy texture. The Mall of the Emirates event marks the first public debut of the new flavour and further solidifies FIX's position as a trend‑setter. The company has recently expanded its presence, reopening at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 to capture travellers seeking last‑minute indulgences. Earlier this year, the novelty of its viral bar paved the way for imitator products in global markets: Costco's frozen pistachio‑cream‑filled chocolate bar debuted in the US in April, while Knipschildt Chocolatier in Connecticut released a supersized 1.2‑pound chocolate bar based on FIX's creation. ADVERTISEMENT FIX's signature bars feature a thick milk‑chocolate shell encasing a vibrant green pistachio‑cream and kataifi filling—a combination of creamy, nutty and crunchy textures that perfectly fits the 'crackle and pull' videos dominating social media. The brand also offers niche flavours such as 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It – Midnight Edition' and playful variants like Karak Latte‑ and Pretzel‑inspired bars. The new flavour launch arrives against a backdrop of intensifying demand for pistachio and Middle Eastern‑inspired desserts. Apart from FIX's dominance, mainstream food brands have embraced the flavour: Starbucks experimented with a Dubai Chocolate‑style drink in the US, featuring iced matcha or coffee with pistachio sauce and chocolate cream cold foam, though reviewers found it fell short of the bar's distinctive crunchy essence. Meanwhile, Costco's exclusive frozen pistachio bar from Afters Ice Cream has reportedly sold well, gaining attention from influencers and shoppers. Knipschildt's luxury 1.2‑pound version, priced at $50, demonstrates how premium chocolatiers are tapping into the trend, emphasising high‑quality chocolate and home‑made pistachio cream to echo FIX's flavour profile. Consumer interest in Middle Eastern flavours is rising, with pistachio‑based desserts appearing in menus across Shake Shack, Dunkin', Aldi and Lidl as of this spring. Market analysts point to a supply chain bottleneck following the surge in cocoa and pistachio prices, which paradoxically benefits FIX's formulation—it reduces reliance on expensive ingredients by incorporating kataifi and pistachio paste into chocolate bars. That cost‑management tactic, combined with viral marketing on social media, allowed FIX to ride the wave of influencer‑driven phenomenons without a large promotional budget. Factory production has scaled up, yet FIX still limits online deliveries to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, warning customers about counterfeit products and inflated secondary‑market prices. That strategy has only fed the desirability of the original, prompting collectors and fans to visit in person or purchase through authorised Dubai channels. ADVERTISEMENT During the June 13‑15 launch, FIX's pop‑up will sit alongside other summer activations at Mall of the Emirates, a hub for both premium shopping and experiential events. The brand anticipates strong demand as foot traffic amplifies the hype around the mysterious new flavour, especially in light of its vague promotional language and scarcity strategy. Local food‑industry commentators have described FIX's influence as a case study in the fast evolution of viral gastronomy. The emergence of Dubai Chocolate in global mainstream retail signals the capacity for hyper‑specific products—rooted in local culinary tradition—to scale globally through social media dynamics. Analysts note that imitation follows swiftly, with brands racing to replicate the texture‑first experience that initially defined FIX's bar. Hamouda, in a March interview, revealed that demand spiked overnight: orders in 2024 jumped from sporadic to hundreds per second after the bar went viral online. That scale pressured the company to balance artisanal quality with commercial viability, prompting factory expansion and tighter quality controls to preserve the brand's visual and taste signature.
ArabGT
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
2026 Chevrolet Captiva Midnight Edition Arrives in Arab Markets
Chevrolet has introduced the 2026 Captiva Midnight Edition to the Middle East market, delivering a refreshed and more expressive take on the brand's popular seven-seater crossover. This new variant brings a distinctively athletic edge to a model already well-known for its versatility and family appeal across the region. Priced from AED 92,100 (equivalent to US$25,078 including VAT), the Midnight Edition is positioned to appeal to adventurous families seeking something different. It blends value with unique styling, giving everyday practicality a sharper, more confident personality. Aggressive Design with a Refined Edge Tailored for those who favor a bolder aesthetic, the 2026 Chevrolet Captiva Midnight Edition introduces a series of standout design details. A piano-style front grille, gloss black side mirrors, a contrasting black roof, blacked-out Chevrolet emblems, and a bold red accent stripe contribute to its assertive visual character. These elements are further amplified by black 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, reinforcing the SUV's sporty tone. A palette of expressive exterior colors includes Twinkling Silver Metallic, Star Twinkle Black Metallic, Metallic Red, Tungsten Grey, Polar White, and Tiger Blue — all featuring a two-tone roof that enhances the vehicle's distinctive profile. Comfort Meets Style Inside The Midnight Edition's interior continues the sporty theme with a refined layout built for both comfort and visual appeal. Upholstered in black leather with red stitching and perforated accents, the seats evoke a premium yet dynamic vibe. With a flexible cabin layout and seating for up to seven occupants, the SUV easily accommodates family travel while maintaining generous cargo capacity for daily use and long-distance trips alike. Chevrolet equips this edition with a comprehensive technology suite tailored for modern convenience. A 10.4-inch touchscreen serves as the infotainment hub, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital experience is rounded out by a 7-inch driver information display, a six-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, and remote keyless entry. The Captiva Midnight Edition doesn't just focus on connectivity and comfort — it's also engineered with a wide range of safety systems. These include a 360-degree camera system, multiple airbags (front and side), electronic stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX mounting points for child seats. Balanced Performance for Daily Driving Under the hood, the 2026 Chevrolet Captiva Midnight Edition runs on a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 144 horsepower and 249 Nm of torque. The powerplant is paired with a CVT transmission, offering smooth acceleration and efficient performance that suits urban commutes and highway cruising alike. Its chassis is engineered for balanced dynamics, featuring a front MacPherson strut suspension and a multi-link rear setup. Electric power steering enhances handling precision, delivering a composed and confident driving feel in a variety of conditions. Blending eye-catching design with modern technology and spacious practicality, the 2026 Chevrolet Captiva Midnight Edition reinvents the affordable family SUV formula. It's a confident option for drivers who want the space and functionality of a crossover — with a more daring personality. The 2026 Chevrolet Captiva Midnight Edition is now available at Chevrolet showrooms throughout the Middle East.
