Luxury Chocolatier Godiva Expanding Presence in the UAE

Premium chocolatier Godiva is looking to expand the brand in UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The chocolatier, which was founded in Belgium in 1926, hopes to double its outlets by the end of 2015.

According to Mohamed Elsarky, the company’s chief executive officer, “We expect by the end of this year to have close to 30 [locations in the UAE and Saudi], so we’re opening another store in Abu Dhabi before the end of the year, and one in Dubai. There will be probably five or so opening in Saudi Arabia.”

Most recently, Godiva launched its sixth store in the country at the Qaryat Al Beri shopping mall in Abu Dhabi. Encapsulating all that makes Godiva a favorite to chocolate aficionados, the café will be serving Belgian-made chocolate cakes, pastries and delicious hot and cold chocolate drinks as well as the brand’s glorious chocolate-dipped strawberries and luxe ice cream. In addition, there is a loose counter with pralines, ganâches, caramels, marzipans, truffles and carrés. Fans of the brand may also purchase Godiva’s renowned gift boxes.

Currently, the chocolatier has 17 locations in the UAE. Throughout the middle east, the brand has a presence in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.

The luxury chocolates manufacture presently has 650 outlets across the world. In America, alone, Godiva has more than 200 locations. In Europe, Godiva is present in Belgium, France, the UK and Spain. There are also 50 stores across 14 Chinese cities.

The company is considering expanding its presence in North Africa as well as plans to grow across Europe and North America.

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