When dates and chocolate go together

Customers go for the most beautifully arranged chocolates without feeling the pinch of price, says a sales clerk at one of the chocolate stores in Jeddah. (AN photo)

By AMBER SHAHID | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: Dates being of religious significance sell like hot cakes in Ramadan and Eid, but chocolates are no less in demand in the Kingdom. Saudi society’s love affair with chocolates cannot be hidden when it comes to the festive time of Eid.

“Imported European chocolates are becoming part of the culture when it comes to festive seasons. We set chocolates on shelves at day time and by night they are all gone. We have to stock extra chocolates. The Kingdom has to import large amount of chocolates to meet the demand,” says Hatem Al-Lulu, store manager of Dina for Sweets and Luxury Dates. “Chocolates are a symbol of showing affection and care, and Eid is just such an event when people forget their grudges and spread love.”

He elaborated that dates, being the national fruit, are in demand all year long, but during Ramadan date sales soar. Dates from Makkah and Madinah are preferred for their link with the holy cities while dates from Qassim and other provinces also sell considerably.

He explained that like chocolates, dates have also gone through variations.

Dates are now stuffed with toffees and dry fruits, almond, pistachio and walnuts, and even dipped in chocolate. The prices of dates range from SR70 to SR100 per kilo. Chocolates are found in unimaginable variety — dark, light, white, bitter, semi-sweet, sweet, with biscuit wafer, caramel, fruit, crunch, in powder or syrup form. Luxury chocolate range starts from SR100 to SR150 per kilo depending on quality and flavor.

Arab News also visited other chocolate stores to know the Eid trend.

“Beautiful arrangement of chocolates has become a brisk business. People are now more interested in chocolates as desserts than cakes and traditional sweets. Though traditional sweets and cakes trend has not disappeared, but chocolates have taken more ground in the market. Chocolates are the best option for gifts now,” said Norman G. Smayno of Baroon Sweets and Chocolate Store.

He explained that post Ramadan period is a very busy week for them as they get many catering orders which is very low throughout the holy month. “People look for the most beautiful arrangements without feeling the pinch of price,” he added.

The arrangement price range starts from SR200 to as high as SR2,000 or even more.

Comments

ALI RASHEED

Report abuse
it's quite nice and impressive too

AHSAN

Report abuse
yes i know Ali

you asked them to mix up all the chocolates and candies in a bowl
pour milk
heat the mixture

and then asked them to give you 100 grams out of it !
Post your comment

required

required (email will never be displayed)

Please enter the following characters in the box provided (case sensitive). This helps us prevent automated programs from creating accounts and sending spam.

All comments are subject to approval

Terms and conditions

Latest comments

New leader calls for unity government amid turmoil in Maldives

Democratic Form of Government is becoming a 'JOKE' and 'LAUGHING <br/>STOCK' for the people al

MUBARAK ALI PATEL at Feb 9, 2012 06:10

1 comments

Graft, politics, militant Islam shake Indian Ocean island paradise

Instead of people's Power, people in Democratic Country often see <br/>Authoritiative Power/Im

MUBARAK ALI PATEL at Feb 9, 2012 06:10

1 comments

Attack on Iran 'would be disaster,' must talk-Turkey

"DESTROYING" is the key word today; whether it is "COUNTRY" or <br/>"ECONOMY" is immeterial.

MUBARAK ALI PATEL at Feb 9, 2012 06:09

3 comments

When irrational fear takes over

Using computer programs to treat phobia is great. But if you have fear of heights (Acrophobia?)

Azad Miah, UK at Feb 9, 2012 04:42

1 comments