January 13, 2026
Valrhona and Villars launch "A Gift from Dubai" activation at Dubai Duty Free
In January, travelers passing through Dubai International Airport have access to a dedicated chocolate activation featuring products from Valrhona and Villars
In January, travelers passing through Dubai International Airport are invited to turn a journey into a gifting moment from Valrhona and Villars. Running from January 6 to 18 at Dubai Duty Free's Concourse B, "A Gift from Dubai" showcases two Dubai-edition creations: the Valrhona Pistachio Crispy Praliné Gift Box and the Villars Milk Hazelnut Bar. Both items feature packaging design elements inspired by Dubai's skyline, positioning the products as strong sense-of-place offerings for the travel retail channel.
Personalization at the heart of the experience
The activation includes Valrhona's Gift Atelier concept, which allows passengers to select ribbons to customize their gift box purchases. The feature is designed to enhance the gifting proposition within the airport retail environment.
Product sampling is available for Valrhona's Pistachio Crispy Praliné, a recent addition to the Dubai Duty Free chocolate assortment, to explore its balance of pistachio intensity, texture and chocolate. The activation also incorporates gifts with purchase, including a travel pouch and Swiss ceramic mug.
Craftsmanship anchored in place
The initiative represents a collaborative effort between Valrhona and Villars to develop travel retail experiences that combine product heritage with local relevance. The activation targets Dubai's international passenger base and the region's established gifting culture.
"Travel retail is about emotion, generosity and connection," said Zeyneb Larabi, Retail & Travel Retail Director at Valrhona. "With this activation, we wanted to create a moment where craftsmanship meets personalization, allowing travellers to offer a gift that feels both meaningful and rooted in Dubai."
