Behind the scenes of Patchi’s progress

The past 12 months have been busy for Patchi – how pleased are you with the company’s growth throughout 2017 and into 2018?

“Even though 2017 was a challenging year for a lot of retailers, Patchi UAE has managed to keep a positive growth from 2016, opening three new boutiques.

“For 2018 we plan on opening another three new boutiques reaching a total of 35 boutiques across the UAE, as well as Patchi’s largest factory in the world due to open in the first quarter of 2019.”

You broke ground on your new manufacturing facility at Dubai Industrial Park in May last year. Are you on track to open early next year? How will the new factory change the game for Patchi?

“Yes, we are on track with the construction plans for the new manufacturing plant and looking forward to our new facility.

“This will be Patchi’s largest factory in the world. Our production per day will go up from five to 10 tonnes per day, and that in itself gives us endless opportunities to cater to our growing network of boutiques in the UAE, clients, and thriving travel retail division.”

Patchi has had a strong presence in the GCC since first arriving in the UAE in 1984, but what have been the company’s biggest challenges during this time? How have you overcome them?

“I think one of the biggest challenges is the growing market in the UAE, and catering to it – since opening in the UAE we have expanded our production multiple times. Other than the growing market, the diversity in the UAE really keeps you on your toes. Once your customers become global, you have to become global to stay at the top and be seen by everyone.

“This is where our research and development comes in place, and I believe that the UAE’s diversity has helped Patchi grow and be recognised both in the GCC and internationally even more. Patchi recently ranked third among 150 confectionary brands listed in Dubai Duty Free.”

There is no shortage of competition in the Gulf’s confectionery industry. What is the secret to Patchi’s success in staying at the front of the pack?

“The competition in the chocolate market both locally and internationally is on the rise, and at Patchi we keep up to date on all the latest trends and offerings.

“What distinguishes Patchi from the competition, other than our consistency in premium quality, are our offerings of over 90 different flavours and the ability to create custom flavours for our clients as well as special occasions and seasons. We also offer a wide range of pre-packed chocolate boxes, and arrangements; this gives us the flexibility to customise our collection to festivals and celebrations in the UAE.

“Other than that, like everyone else, we are all learning and adapting to global world changes.”

How has Patchi adapted to healthy eating trends across the region?

“All our chocolates are free from preservatives and artificial ingredients. We outsource premium raw materials to ensure high-quality products, and are currently developing a new line of chocolates that will appeal more to the health-conscious chocolate lovers.

“The Patchi chocolate recipe always has more cocoa mass versus cocoa butter which ensures a premium delectable product. For example, we have recently launched our chocolate spread, which contains 80 per cent hazelnuts. Other similar products in the market include only 13 per cent hazelnuts.

“We also have the ‘no added sugar’ line and the dark chocolate selection for the more health-conscious chocolate lovers.”

What future developments does the company plan to put into action in the coming months?

“We recently opened four new boutiques and have renovation plans for three boutiques in Dubai, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi in the first quarter of 2018. We also have some very exciting new flavours, products and collaborations with major private and public entities and are working on further developing our Patchi Wedding line, providing our customers with bespoke and full services for their special day.”