With a new headquarters, manufacturing plant and boutiques on the horizon, Patchi’s activity in the Gulf region and beyond seems ready to grow. Oussama Choucair, CEO of Patchi UAE, speaks to Neil King about the chocolate brand’s future plans
Patchi has come a long way in 43 years. Launched in Lebanon in 1974 when founder Nizar Choucair opened a single store in his home city of Beirut, the confectioner is now one of the most recognised and popular chocolate brands across the Middle East.
The company has a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, including the GCC nations, Canada, France, Ivory Coast, the UK, the US, the Philippines, and numerous other locations, while its growing network of more than 175 boutiques can be found in some 21 countries.
And there are no signs of slowing down. In May the chocolate maker broke ground on a new factory in Dubai – it’s largest yet – designed to support further growth around the world.
Ahead of Ramadan – one of the company’s busiest periods – Patchi UAE’s CEO Oussama Choucair speaks with Gulf Business about the group’s future plans, its new facility, and why the brand is held in such high regard.
2017 seems to be a landmark year for Patchi, with five new retail outlets and two new warehouses already announced. Is this a signal of intent by Patchi? Do you plan more aggressive movement in the market in the coming months?
This year Patchi UAE will inaugurate three new boutiques, as well as the new headquarters in Al Quoz with a warehouse and offices, and the announcement of the new manufacturing plant in Dubai Industrial Park to be completed by 2018.
We tend to dismiss the overall sense of fear that some might have during these so called challenging times, and we would rather focus on expanding based on market requirements. We have great confidence in the UAE’s economy and potential, and the vision laid out by its leaders.
The company has broken ground on a new manufacturing plant in the UAE. What details can you give at this stage about the plant?
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Gulf Business.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Gulf Business.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Green lights
It hasn’t even been a full year that Stellantis, one of the world’s biggest auto companies, has been in existence. Still, its wheels are spinning furiously. Here’s what it has in store for the region
Purpose through corporate responsibility
Every organisation must deeply reflect about whether they are leaving behind a legacy or a liability, says Abdulaziz AlSowailim, EY MENA chairman and CEO
Analysing the layers of a coconut
When we have a sense of clarity as to our purpose in life, then we institute the correct practices and habits around us, and set realistic and achievable results
DUNES TO DOMINION
FOR A COUNTRY RICH IN TRADITION AND DRIVEN BY AMBITION, THE UAE’S JOURNEY DURING THE PAST 50 YEARS HAS BEEN UNPRECEDENTED. WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE NEXT 50?
Building strong
International investors are boosting Dubai’s residential property market, which has rebounded strongly from the Covid crisis, writes Aarti Nagraj
CHASING THE AMERCIAN DREAM
FOR SHAI ZAMANIAN, THE US IS A LAND OF LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES, AN AVENUE HE AIMS TO OPEN FOR FAMILIES WORLDWIDE VIA IMMIGRATION. HERE’S HOW HE IS BRINGING HIS GOAL TO FRUITION
OBITUARY: JOCELYN HENDERSON (1921-2021)
THE GRANDE DAME OF ABU DHABI – THE WIFE OF A FORMER DIPLOMAT – PASSED AWAY IN THE UAE CAPITAL AGED 100
THE DIGITAL DISRUPTORS
IN THE COMING YEARS, THE GCC IS EXPECTED TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SECTORS SUCH AS HEALTHCARE, MANUFACTURING, EDUCATION AND RETAIL, WHICH WILL HELP BOOST THE GROWTH OF ITS NON-OIL ECONOMY
Signed, sealed, delivered
Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc, partnered with one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands, Ferrari, earlier this year. Here’s where the partnership, and the German company as well, is headed next
UP, UP AND AWAY
AS THE FIRST IN-PERSON AIRSHOW TO TAKE PLACE SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF THE PANDEMIC, THE EVENT SAW SEVERAL DEALS ANNOUNCED
