Dubai chocolate craze impacts global pistachio supply chains significantly.

Key Points: Viral Chocolate Bar Sparks Global Pistachio Shortage

1. Dubai-Made Chocolate Goes Viral
   • The “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” chocolate bar, created by FIX Dessert Chocolatier (UAE), blends milk chocolate, kataifi pastry, and pistachio cream, inspired by Middle Eastern knafeh.
   • Launched in 2021, it gained global fame after a December 2023 TikTok video (120M+ views) triggered massive demand for pistachio chocolates.
2. Pistachio Prices Surge Amid Supply Crunch
   • Prices jumped from $7.65to$10.30 per pound in a year due to soaring demand and limited supply.
   • U.S. pistachio harvests declined, with producers prioritizing in-shell nuts, reducing shelled kernels for chocolate.
   • Iran increased exports to UAE by 40% to help meet demand.
3. Chocolate Industry Scrambles to Adapt
   • Major brands like Lindt and Läderach introduced pistachio chocolates but face supply bottlenecks.
   • Some retailers are rationing pistachio-based products as shortages strain supply chains.
   • Industry experts call the sudden demand “unprecedented,” catching manufacturers off guard.
4. Social Media’s Disruptive Power
   • A niche Dubai product reshaped global chocolate trends overnight, proving how viral marketing can outpace supply chains.
   • FIX’s chocolate remains UAE-exclusive, yet its ripple effects highlight the risks of rapid, uncontrollable demand spikes.

The “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” phenomenon underscores how social media can disrupt global commodity markets in unexpected ways. What began as a local treat has triggered a pistachio supply crisis, forcing chocolate makers to compete for dwindling stocks and adapt to volatile demand. As viral trends increasingly influence consumer behavior, industries must brace for supply chain shocks—proving that in today’s digital age, even a single TikTok video can shake the global market.