Images of the Day: TRSS Abu Dhabi Duty Free and Armaf take viral ‘Dubai Chocolate’ into fragrances

Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.

UAE. The ability to swiftly adapt to viral consumer trends has become a defining advantage in travel retail.

Today’s image selection comes from TRSS Abu Dhabi Duty Free (Aer Rianta International), which has demonstrated this agility with the exclusive launch of Odyssey Dubai Chocolat Gourmand Edition by Armaf. The retailer shared the launch via a post on LinkedIn. 

The launch extends the Dubai chocolate phenomenon beyond confectionery and into the world of fragrance.

Produced locally in the UAE, Odyssey Dubai Chocolat is a fragrance that combines rich chocolate accords with warm spices, creating a bold and sophisticated scent.

As reported, the viral Lindt Dubai Chocolade blends the chocolatier’s signature milk chocolate with a filling featuring 24% pistachio paste, crispy kadayif and creamy tahini. Kadayif, a fine dough with a long history in Levantine and Arab desserts, provides a delicate crunch, while tahini adds a rich, velvety texture.

By securing this global first-to-market release, TRSS Abu Dhabi Duty Free and Aer Rianta International reinforce their position as a forward-thinking retailer, curating products that resonate with shifting consumer preference and underline local heroes and sense of place.

For Armaf, this launch continues its impressive growth story. As a brand under Sterling Perfumes Industry – one of the largest fragrance manufacturers and distributors in the UAE – Armaf has built its reputation on innovation and strategic partnerships. It is now present in over 92 countries with a growing footprint in travel retail.

According to the retailer, the strong early response to Odyssey Dubai Chocolat highlights the commercial potential of aligning with social media-driven trends.

For retailers and suppliers alike, it serves as a case study in leveraging consumer sentiment to drive engagement and sales in the duty-free environment.