Lindt Unveils Dubai-Style Chocolate Balls In Star-Shaped Packaging For Holiday Gifting
Swiss premium chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli has introduced a new festive iteration of its viral Dubai-style chocolate, reimagining the trending pistachio-kadayif combination as tender-melting balls presented in an elegant star-shaped gift box. Launched in Germany ahead of the 2025 holiday season, the offering features milk chocolate balls filled with fine pistachio cream and crunchy kadayif threads, alongside a refined assortment combining dark, white, and milk chocolate balls. The opulent packaging positions the product as both a visual centrepiece and an ideal Christmas or St. Nicholas gift.
The release marks the latest chapter in Lindt’s aggressive capitalization of the pistachio-kadayif trend that originated in Dubai in 2024 and rapidly became a worldwide sensation. Having already rolled out Dubai-style bars, countlines, pralines, blocks, ice cream, and even a limited-edition chocolate drink in markets including Japan, Australia, the US, UK, Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, China, and the UAE, the spherical format wrapped in festive packaging demonstrates the brand’s ability to continuously refresh a single flavour profile across formats and occasions.
Strategic Moves By Key Premium Chocolate Brands This Year
Lindt & Sprüngli
Globalisation of trending flavours: Rapid replication of the Dubai-style pistachio-kadayif combination across more than 20 markets in multiple formats (bars, pralines, balls, blocks, ice cream, beverages) at a rapid pace, achieving near-ubiquitous presence in developed and emerging markets alike.
Seasonal and limited-edition velocity: Consistent cadence of regionally tailored launches (Sakura & Cream in Japan, Matcha across Nordic countries, Lindor Shortbread in the UK, Tiramisu and Cookies & Cream in multiple markets) combined with festive packaging refreshes such as the star-shaped Dubai-style chocolate ball box.
Format and texture innovation within hero lines: Expansion of Lindor into blocks, introduction of layered Excellence Fusion bars (70% dark with milk or white), Extra Creamy tablets, Choco Wafer, and Les Grandes crunch extensions to maintain premium indulgence while broadening consumption occasions.
Läderach
Fresh-made FrischSchoggi as a modular platform: Continuous limited-edition drops built on the hand-finished fresh chocolate slab concept, including direct responses to trends (Dubai Dark, Zurich as a counter-concept, Matcha Fusion, Pumpkin Spice, Walnut Brownie) and new mini formats for impulse and gifting.
Aggressive boutique network expansion: Simultaneous multi-store openings in new markets (Japan with three flagship locations in one week, first stores in Hong Kong SAR, Egypt, Turkey, Western Canada, Minnesota, Manchester) emphasising experiential “open atelier” concepts and in-store customisation.
Regional flavour localisation with premium textures: Creation of market-specific or culturally resonant editions (Mid-Autumn mooncakes in Asia, Honey-Nougat Carré, Middle East-inspired Dubai pralines) while maintaining the brand’s signature emphasis on visible fresh craftsmanship.
Venchi
Pistachio and Chocoviar line extensions: Reinforcement of pistachio leadership through Gran Gourmet eggs coated in salted pistachios and the return of dark-wrapped Pistachio Cremino, alongside expansion of the signature Chocoviar “caviar grain” range with new Raspberry and Gianduia variants.
High-profile gelato collaborations and limited editions: Partnerships with brands (Golden Goose Stardust caramel-chocolate gelato) and local icons (Kai Kai black sesame in Hong Kong, Wang De Chuan tea flavours in Taiwan) plus Mediterranean-inspired creations (olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, rosemary-caramel) to drive footfall into Cioccolato & Gelato stores.
Cultural festival product development: Launch of luxury double-layer mooncake gift boxes for Mid-Autumn Festival and geographically targeted store openings (first Kuwait location) to capture seasonal gifting spend in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.