Overview

• The TikTok-driven popularity of Dubai chocolate, introduced by boutique chocolatier FIX in 2021, has caused a global pistachio shortage and price surge.
• Demand for the chocolate bar, featuring pistachio cream, kataifi pastry, and tahini, has pushed pistachio prices from $7.95 to $10.30 per pound in the past year.
• Iran's pistachio exports to the UAE have risen by 40% in the last six months, reflecting shifting trade flows amid the ongoing supply crisis.
• Major brands like Lindt, Nestlé, and Lidl have launched their own pistachio-filled versions to capitalize on the trend, with some selling out in minutes.
• Retailers worldwide are limiting purchases of Dubai chocolate bars as pistachio stocks remain tight following a poor U.S. harvest in 2024.