Zad Food Industries, a homegrown UAE snack producer, has launched two new chocolate collections that blend regional heritage with global confectionery trends. The Kunafa Chocolate Range and Mango Pops Chocolate aim to bring traditional Middle Eastern flavours into modern formats, making them accessible to a wider audience.
The announcement highlights Zad’s continued efforts to position itself as a leading Emirati brand with a strong local identity. Founded as part of J.0 Investments, a Belgium-based conglomerate, Zad manufactures all its products at its Dubai Industrial City facility, combining international expertise with locally rooted recipes.
A modern twist on a classic dessert
At the centre of the launch is the Kunafa Chocolate Range, inspired by one of the Middle East’s most iconic desserts. The collection includes a 200g Kunafa Chocolate Bar featuring layers of crispy kunafa and pistachio sprinkles, bite-sized Kunafa Chocolate Minis at 20g each, and a family-friendly 24-piece box designed for gifting and sharing.
By incorporating kunafa into milk chocolate, Zad aims to deliver a fusion that resonates with consumers familiar with the dessert while offering a novel experience for new audiences.
Mango Pops for a playful bite
The second product, Mango Pops Chocolate, combines creamy white chocolate with tropical mango and popping candy. At 200g, it is marketed as a nostalgic treat for children and adults alike, balancing sweetness with a playful, crackling texture. Zad says the flavour profile was designed to evoke fun and indulgence while maintaining premium quality.
A brand rooted in heritage
Though part of a global investment group, Zad emphasises its Emirati roots and commitment to celebrating regional flavours. “Every product is made locally using recipes passed down through generations,” the company said in a statement. The Dubai Industrial City factory allows the firm to maintain quality standards, support the local economy and showcase the UAE’s culinary heritage on a larger scale.
The brand positions itself as both authentically Emirati and globally competitive, tapping into rising demand for innovative snacks that bridge tradition and modernity.
Retail rollout
The new chocolates are available in major UAE retail outlets and through Zad’s online store. The company says the products are competitively priced to appeal to everyday consumers, while the larger boxes aim to capture the gifting market.
Industry observers note that Zad’s launch comes at a time when confectionery brands are increasingly turning to localised flavours and culturally resonant products to attract diverse markets in the Gulf.
By pairing chocolate with familiar Middle Eastern tastes, Zad Food Industries appears to be strengthening its identity as a homegrown brand while appealing to a wider, younger audience.
