L-R: Vivel General Manager Ehsan Hosseini; Vivel’s TR range includes around six Dubai chocolate SKUs.

Dubai-based premium confectionery specialist Vivel will make its debut at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes this September, showcasing its dedicated travel retail portfolio and a new destination-themed London collection.

The 35-year-old Middle Eastern confectionery brand has operated with Dubai Duty Free for more than a decade but began developing products specifically for the travel retail channel around 18 months ago.

Its resulting 16-SKU collection centres on a colourful camel character created by a regional caricaturist, which appears across packaging in settings inspired by Dubai landmarks. The concept combines Vivel’s premium confectionery offer with destination storytelling designed to strengthen its gifting proposition and sense of place.

“We realised that the products that worked in our boutiques were not necessarily right for an airport shelf,” said Vivel General Manager Ehsan Hosseini. “Travel retail is a completely different ball game, so we needed to create something specifically for the channel while maintaining the quality that defines Vivel.”

The range includes around six Dubai chocolate SKUs in flavours such as pistachio, saffron and pistachio, lotus biscuit and peanut, alongside gift boxes, dates, Dubai Delights and nougat. Vivel has also introduced smaller 70g chocolate bars featuring regional nuts and fruits to provide a more accessible price point for travellers.

The company produces its confectionery at its own factory and uses Valrhona chocolate across its chocolate products.

Vivel launched its dedicated collection with Dubai Duty Free in late 2025, followed by a limited-edition Abu Dhabi Airport range with Lagardère Travel Retail. It is now developing a Sharjah Duty Free collection with Avolta and exploring further regional and international opportunities.

Its destination-led concept can also be adapted for individual markets. While the camel features across its Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranges, Vivel has created an oryx character for Doha and will use Cannes to unveil a new London collection featuring recognisable settings and experiences from the UK capital.

Vivel began developing products specifically for the travel retail channel around 18 months ago.

The Cannes debut follows Vivel’s participation at TFWA Asia Pacific in Singapore and its subsequent decision to join TFWA as a member.

“We see huge potential for the brand beyond the Middle East, and our experience over the past year has shown us that our ability to develop products and experiences specifically for different destinations is a real strength,” added Hosseini. “We see Cannes as an important next step in that international journey.”

Vivel will exhibit at stand N19 in the Mediterranean Village.

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