The three chocolatiers

EMF Emirates brought three international chocolatiers to the UAE to help introduce some of the company’s latest ingredients to the region at its Rendez Vous Gastronomique Dubai event.

Chocolate exports to the Middle East are growing each year with new ingredients and innovations being developed every season, explains EMF Emirates general manager Pierre Feghali.

To support the growth of this industry sector, supplier EMF Emirates set-up its second Rendez Vous Gastronomique event, which brought chefs from all around the globe to share their knowledge of chocolate ingredients and techniques says Feghali.

  "This year's event featured three of the world's best chocolatiers and pâtissiers, including three-star Michelin chef Regis Marcon and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Philippe Bertrand, who gave presentations to more than 140 chefs who attended."

The event was held to give added value to EMF Emirates' customers says Feghali and to offer "a unique service to the region's chefs".

EMF Emirates, which is a subsidiary of Lebanon-based EMF Trading was set-up five years ago in Dubai to serve the region's growing chocolate industry.

As the exclusive Middle East agent for Barry Callebaut - which is responsible for producing more than one million tonnes of chocolate and cocoa-related products each year - EMF Emirates has enjoyed rapid success in the region.

"With our extensive history and specialised knowledge of chocolate, pastry, confectionary and bakery products we have taken a large market share in the UAE, based on our reputable brands, quality service and our competitive price ratio," says Feghali.The main challenge of supplying to the region in recent years has been the rising cost of global food prices he explains.

"The increases in the prices of many food ingredients - mainly dairy products and cocoa - coupled with the European exchange rate has made it difficult to maintain consistent prices."

However, organising this kind of event helps to boost industry growth and reassures clients that EMF is serious about its continued drive to bring the best products to the region says Feghali.

"EMF aspires to become the one-stop shop for the chocolate, pastry and bakery industries and we have already set dates for two more major events in late 2008 and 2009."