Germans are going crazy over chocolate bars filled with pistachios, their popularity has reached an unprecedented level. Demand is so high that these chocolate bars are selling for more than 100 euros ($104) online, prompting desperate attempts to obtain them.
Recently, customs officials caught a 31-year-old man trying to smuggle 45 kilograms of these sweets into Germany from Switzerland.
When Lindt introduced their version in Germany this month, enthusiasts waited for hours in cold weather to buy a bar. Despite the premium price of up to 20 euros per bar, significantly higher than a standard chocolate bar, consumers remain undeterred.
“I waited 10 hours. I’ve been here since midnight just to taste this chocolate,” 18-year-old student Leon Fehnle told AFP outside a Lindt shop in Stuttgart.
Lindt’s German launch includes 1,000 numbered bars in 10 stores, with an Austrian release planned for November 30, according to a company spokesperson.
Dubai Chocolate originated in 2021, created by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian entrepreneur living in Dubai. This remarkable confection consists of decorated chocolate bars with various fillings, with pistachio cream as its signature flavor.
The product gained widespread attention after food influencer Maria Vehra’s car video garnered more than 100 million views on TikTok. While authentic versions are only available in limited quantities locally, numerous imitations have emerged globally.
French consumers have embraced Dubai chocolate, with chocolatier Jeremy Bockel’s interpretation at the recent Salon du Chocolat in Paris.
Yannick Burkhardt, 21, endured a three-hour queue in Stuttgart but plans to resell his purchase rather than use it. “I would never pay that much for this. It’s quick and easy money,” he commented cheerfully.
“This bar costs 15 euros, but it can sell for around 100 euros… There are many offers on eBay up to 300 euros,” said a customer who gave his name only as Lucas, 24.
At Ali Fakhrona Berlin BakeryThe daily stock of pistachio-filled chocolate bars quickly disappears. Inspired by the viral success of Dubai Chocolate, Fakhro, 32, developed his recipe two months ago. “The first day I made 20 bars, but they went quickly. The second day, I made 50 – all gone,” he said.
