BEIRUT-based Patchi has opened a chocolate factory at Dubai Industrial City to serve increasing demand throughout the ArabianGulf region.

Patchi said the plant, employing 150 people, will enable it to meet ambitious growth plans over the coming years.

Beirut-based Patchi today operates 30 boutiques offering award-winning chocolate across the UAE with more than 145 outlets worldwide.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Patchi chief executive officer Oussama Choucair said: “We are delighted to demonstrate our commitment to the future of Dubai Industrial City with the opening of this best-in-class facility. Patchi considered several sites for our latest factory, but we chose Dubai Industrial City for the superb infrastructure, services and transport network it offers.

“Over the course of its 50-year history, Patchi has earned a deserved global reputation for excellence and innovation, and today we strive to meet demand for our chocolate.

Workers preparing chocolate at the new Patchi plant in Dubai Industrial City

“This facility, which enables us to increase production while maintaining the highest standards, forms a key pillar in our long-term strategy and we look forward to working closely with Dubai Industrial City over the coming months and years.”

Dubai Industrial City CEO Abdulla Belhoul said: “The launch of Patchi’s factory in Dubai Industrial City will significantly boost the city’s manufacturing sector and marks a key milestone in the expansion of the Patchi brand in the region.

“I am positive this new facility will enable Patchi to ensure the same unrivalled quality that sets it apart the world over.”

Following the opening ceremony of the factory, guests were given a tour to see firsthand how Patchi chocolate is created.

Dubai Industrial City, a member of Tecom Investments, is now home to more than 500 companies, including the Juma Al Majid Group, Unilever, Al Rostami, Al Futtaim, Cedars Papers Industrial LLC, Al Habtoor Motors, Siemens, Dubai Islamic Bank, International Humanitarian City, Arabtec, The Kanoo Group and Transmed.

The city is spread over 55 sq km of land and was established in 2004 to serve as a catalyst for the growth and expansion of the industrial sector in the UAE.

The hub, close to Al Maktoum Airport (Dubai Word Central) and Jebel Ali Port, has zones for minerals, base metals, food and beverage, trading and distribution, transport and machinery equipment, chemicals, and construction equipment.