A viral TikTok video has turned a boutique Emirati chocolate into a global sensation—and triggered an unexpected pistachio shortage. The explosive demand for Dubai pistachio chocolate has sent pistachio prices soaring and disrupted global nut supplies.
The now-famous chocolate bar—crafted by Emirati chocolatier FIX—features a rich combination of pistachio cream, kataifi dough, and milk chocolate. Launched in 2021, it saw only modest success until December 2023. A TikTok clip featuring the treat then amassed over 120 million views. The video sparked international frenzy. It resulted in a surge of orders, global imitation products, and, most notably, a supply crisis.
In the span of a year, pistachio kernel prices jumped from $7.65 to around $10.30 per pound. This price hike was compounded by poor previous harvests. Additionally, there was limited availability of unshelled kernels—typically used in confections—following a higher-quality U.S. harvest in 2024.
Iran, the world’s second-largest pistachio producer after the U.S., responded to soaring demand by increasing exports to the UAE by 40% in just six months. This export volume outpaced the total exported in the entire previous year, according to Iranian customs data.
The Iranian Pistachio Producers Association described the current shortage as a dramatic reversal from 2023. During that year, global pistachio supplies exceeded demand, pushing prices down and encouraging the production of pistachio oil, paste, and other derivatives. Ironically, this oversupply set the stage for the chocolate’s creation—just before it exploded in popularity.
As Dubai chocolate continues to trend globally, experts warn that if demand persists, the pressure on pistachio markets could intensify. This could impact prices, supply chains, and food manufacturers worldwide.
