Consumer Confederation President Ağaoğlu: We warn consumers not to be deceived by the name Dubai and to avoid eating chopped peas.

Pistachios, shredded pastry, and chocolate have recently seen a "crazy" level of demand explosion in Dubai chocolate. This product, which has been shared visually on social media, attracts more interest from children than adults. The only difference between Dubai chocolate, which is consumed in many varieties in our country, and regular chocolate is the presence of shredded pastry. Large companies, patisseries, small chocolate production workshops, and women at home are competing fiercely, while the price is steadily rising with increasing demand.

"DUBAI CHOCOLATE IS SOLD OUT"

This demand and high price have quickly paved the way for the emergence of counterfeits in the market. Products labeled as Dubai chocolate, which contain low-quality cocoa and other materials resembling pistachios, have also appeared in the market. Aydın Ağaoğlu, President of the Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED), stated in a recent announcement that interest in Dubai chocolate has increased excessively, especially due to the influence of social media. He emphasized that he visited a famous chain supermarket, where he was told, "Dubai chocolate is sold out. If I put a thousand pieces on the shelf now, they would be gone in minutes," noting that this is a "luxury consumption frenzy."

"PRICE REACHED UP TO 4,000 LIRA PER KILO"

Ağaoğlu also expressed that he witnessed it being sold at extremely high prices elsewhere, saying, "The price has reached up to 4,000 lira per kilo. They sell 100 grams for prices up to 400 lira. Why are these prices, who introduced this chocolate, who made it famous, what is the purpose? It especially leads to a luxury consumption frenzy among children. It encourages children and young people to indulge in luxury consumption. So what will those who cannot access Dubai chocolate do? They may be able to reach it, but how will you explain it to children who cannot consume it for health reasons? The Dubai chocolate craze must definitely be stopped; parents have a significant role here. They should keep their children away from this consumption frenzy."

"CHOPPED PEAS MAY COME BACK TO THE AGENDA"

Ağaoğlu emphasized that some places cannot meet the demand, stating, "In many places, they are practically queuing. It is even claimed to be sold in school canteens. If this is true, precautions should be taken. Not every child may have the means to buy this expensive product." He mentioned that they have heard that counterfeits have started to be produced with the increasing demand, saying, "When a product is this expensive and popular, counterfeits and low-quality versions immediately start to appear in the market. Chopped peas, which were once placed inside baklava, may come back to the agenda. We warn consumers not to be deceived by the name Dubai and not to eat chopped peas." he stated.