Prague Chocolate Challenges Dubai’s Viral Treat, Citing Quality Concerns

Prague-based Steiner & Kovarik, a chocolate company, has introduced Prague Chocolate as an alternative to the increasingly popular Dubai chocolate. The company cites concerns over the quality and ingredients of the widely trending treat. Petr Kovařík and Silvie Steinerová, the leading figures behind Steiner & Kovarik roofing Prague chocolate SRO, recently shared their experiences in Dubai and their motivations for creating a competing product. With years of business experience in the Middle East,including two years in dubai and five in Oman,the duo aims to offer consumers a higher-quality option.

the rise of Dubai chocolate has been rapid, appearing in convenience stores and capturing global attention. But what fueled this surge in popularity? Petr Kovařík offers a outlook, drawing on his extensive experience in the region.

The Dubai Chocolate Phenomenon: A State-Supported Trend?

Petr Kovařík speculates on the forces behind the Dubai chocolate craze,suggesting potential state-level support to boost the region’s economy and tourism.Maybe it’s just my assumption, Kovařík stated, but as we’ve been doing business in Dubai for quite a long time… I think they supported it in some way from the state’s point of view. I wouldn’t be surprised. He draws a parallel to Swiss chocolate, which is heavily supported by Switzerland, suggesting a similar strategy could be at play in Dubai.

Kovařík highlights Dubai’s need to attract tourists, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.By creating a global buzz around a product like chocolate, Dubai can draw visitors to its malls and airlines, further stimulating its economy. This strategic approach, according to Kovařík, could explain the rapid spread and popularity of Dubai chocolate.

Challenges of Doing Business in Dubai

While the allure of Dubai is undeniable, Steiner & Kovarik’s experience doing business there was not without its challenges.Silvie Steinerová describes Dubai as such a promise country, where initial enthusiasm often gives way to difficulties. She notes the demanding nature of the local business culture, where everyone wants everything, but they want it to be instant because they are used to it.

One hurdle for foreign businesses in Dubai is the requirement for local ownership. Steinerová explains that if any brand wants to go to Dubai, someone from the local Dubai have to own 51 percent. This regulation can lead to complex arrangements, as Petr Kovařík elaborates: Our original one had about two hundred companies under it, so he had forty million a year for nothing. He had two people who took care of him. He didn’t know what to buy.

To navigate this requirement, many companies enter into private contracts with local partners, paying them a fee to maintain operational control despite the 51 percent ownership on paper. While this arrangement works for established luxury brands, Steinerová points out that it can be less beneficial for smaller, newer companies: Yes, you have it for free, but if you come up with the fact that you want to bring something new there and it would involve some work, they are not ready for it.

Petr kovařík adds that the lack of motivation from local partners can be a significant obstacle for companies without established brand recognition. We do not mean negatively, they just do not have motivation, because as a company we are in the country No name, so they have no reason to work on the company to succeed. It was challenging, he said.

The Decision to Create a Prague Chocolate Alternative

Despite some economic gains, Steiner & Kovarik ultimately decided to shift their focus away from promoting Dubai chocolate. Petr Kovařík explains their reasoning: We said well, we’re glad we’re not going. Why Prague chocolate should present Dubai. it is indeed as if we started to call each other now Swiss chocolate. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and believes that Dubai chocolate should be made in Dubai, allowing consumers to experience the original product.

While acknowledging the potential economic benefits of launching their own Dubai chocolate product, Kovařík and Steinerová were hesitant due to concerns about quality. However, if you now launched a product called Dubai chocolate, maybe it would be the best selling, Kovařík admits. However, he and Steinerová had reservations about replicating a product they felt was subpar.

Quality Concerns with Dubai Chocolate

Silvie steinerová details the quality issues she perceives in many Dubai chocolate products. She explains that true chocolate should primarily consist of cocoa and cocoa bean,with minimal additions of sugar or milk. Though, she notes that the combination of chocolate with nuts, while appealing, can lead to technological challenges. But when you combine her with nuts, she doesn’t like them, Steinerová says. She is glad that it is a nice combination, but it is not a technologically happy choice, because the fats come out and cocoa butter climb out of the chocolate and grey.

Steinerová further explains that high-quality chocolate,without preservatives and vegetable fats,has a shorter shelf life and is more susceptible to changes in appearance. She contrasts this with Dubai chocolates, which she claims are frequently crowded with white sugar and made with poor quality chocolate containing vegetable fats and chemicals to maintain stability. And quite honestly it is not a miracle, she concludes.

When asked about the availability of quality chocolate in Czech supermarkets, Steinerová is blunt: basically not. She mentions one brand in Alberta as a possible exception but suggests that most supermarket chocolates fall short of true quality.

She elaborates on the issues with mass-produced chocolate, explaining that even chocolates with a seemingly high cocoa content are often alkalized to mask the poor quality of the cocoa beans.It is actually a dead raw material that when you complement sugar,it is uniform, Steinerová says. She contrasts this with alive chocolate,made from high-quality

Prague vs.Dubai Chocolate: A Quality Showdown? An Exclusive Interview

Is the meteoric rise of Dubai chocolate a carefully orchestrated marketing campaign,or is there more to the story than meets the eye?

Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Anya Petrova, a renowned food scientist specializing in confectionery adn global food trends, welcome to World Today News. Your expertise in the chocolate industry is unparalleled. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of chocolate,specifically the recent surge in popularity of Dubai chocolate and the emergence of Prague Chocolate as a challenger. Can you shed light on the seemingly rapid global success of Dubai chocolate?

Dr. Petrova (DP): Thank you for having me. The rapid rise of Dubai chocolate is indeed a compelling case study in global branding and strategic market penetration. While it’s tempting to attribute its success solely to clever marketing, the reality is far more nuanced. Dubai’s success involves a confluence of factors: leveraging its existing reputation as a luxury destination,strategic state-level investment perhaps aimed at boosting tourism and economic diversification,and aggressive global marketing campaigns targeted at affluent consumers. This strategic approach, combined with the novel appeal of “Dubai chocolate,” has successfully captured significant market share. The actual quality of the chocolate itself is a separate matter,as we’ll discuss later.

SE: The article mentions speculation about potential state-level support for the growth of Dubai chocolate. How realistic is this, and what are the implications for competing brands like Prague Chocolate?

DP: The suggestion of state involvement in boosting Dubai’s chocolate industry isn’t far-fetched. Many countries, notably those aiming for economic diversification or enhanced tourism appeal, actively support specific industries. Think of the Swiss chocolate industry—Switzerland has a long history of supporting its chocolate producers, leading to global recognition synonymous with quality. A similar strategy in Dubai is plausible and would explain the rapidity of its global marketing success. For brands like Prague Chocolate competing with this state-sponsored branding, the challenge lies in highlighting the intrinsic qualities of their product, namely superior quality and ethically sourced ingredients, to stand apart from potential marketing-driven successes.

SE: Steiner & Kovarik, the creators of Prague Chocolate, cite significant challenges in doing business in Dubai, including local ownership requirements. Could you elaborate on these obstacles for international confectionery brands?

DP: Navigating the complexities of foreign direct investment in markets like Dubai requires a thorough understanding of local regulations. The 51% local ownership requirement is common in many countries, aiming to protect national interests and facilitate economic transfer to local stakeholders. Though, this requirement can be a considerable hurdle for smaller or newer companies who may lack the financial resources or networking capabilities to successfully negotiate such partnerships. It often leads to complex arrangements, sometimes resulting in a less than ideal business alliance where the foreign partner lacks decision-making authority despite significant financial investment in the venture. Careful due diligence and highly skilled negotiation are key to overcoming this and establishing a profitable presence in Dubai.

SE: The founders of Prague Chocolate express concerns regarding the quality and ingredients in many Dubai chocolate brands. What are the common quality issues in mass-produced chocolate, and how do these issues apply to the Dubai chocolate market?

DP: Mass-produced chocolate, regardless of origin, often involves compromises in quality. Common issues include the use of lower quality cocoa beans, extensive additions of sugar and vegetable fats (rather of cocoa butter) to reduce cost and enhance shelf life, and the utilization of several emulsifiers and preservatives. These substances can substantially compromise the taste,texture,aroma and overall sensory experience of the chocolate. High-quality chocolate maintains a balance that prioritizes natural ingredients such as premium cocoa beans and minimal sugar, without compromising the taste. The concerns raised regarding Dubai chocolate align with these broader quality issues in mass-produced products, further emphasizing the need for consumers to be more discerning when making purchasing decisions.

SE: What criteria should consumers consider when choosing high-quality chocolate? What should they look for on a label,and what are some indicators of superior quality chocolate?

DP: Choosing superior chocolate requires awareness of a few key criteria beyond simple marketing. Here are some key factors:

Cocoa Percentage: Look for higher percentages of cocoa solids (70% or above is generally a good indication).

Ingredients: A shorter, simpler list of ingredients is generally preferred, with cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and cane sugar being the primary ingredients. Avoid products with listed “vegetable fats” and the excessive quantity of other additives.

Origin and Sourcing: Pay attention to where the cocoa beans are sourced. Ethical sourcing with clarity about the supply chain is a plus.

Aroma and Texture: High-quality chocolate has a complex aroma and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

* Taste: Of course,the taste is key,but take into consideration whether a chocolate’s sweetness is balanced with a hint of bitterness – typical for higher quality chocolate.

SE: what is your overall outlook for Prague Chocolate,and what advice do you have for emerging players in the increasingly competitive global chocolate market?

DP: prague Chocolate’s focus on high-quality ingredients and ethical production could prove to be a significant advantage in the long run. While state-sponsored marketing campaigns can generate short-term success, consumer preference for authenticity and quality remains pivotal in the long run. For newer brands, focusing on a clearly defined niche, building a strong brand identity built on quality and transparency, and adopting innovative strategies for market penetration are critical steps to success. Emphasize direct consumer engagement and build a strong online presence to ensure greater brand visibility and to counter the marketing budgets of larger players.

SE: Dr. Petrova, thank you for your insightful perspective.This conversation has highlighted the complexities and fascinating dynamics within the global chocolate market. Readers,what are your thoughts on the debate between Prague and Dubai chocolate? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below and join the discussion on social media!