Valrhona Exhibit Brings the Art of Chocolate to Louvre Abu Dhabi

Valrhona, the renowned French chocolatier, is set to present ‘Le Fil Rouge by Valrhona’ at the Louvre Abu Dhabi on April 22nd, 2025. Under the theme ‘From Raw to Chocolate: Experience the Alchemy of Cacao’, the event invites guests into an immersive journey through the world of fine chocolate—its origins, transformation, and creative potential.

The evening will gather Cercle V chefs and culinary innovators from across the region, including Morocco, Tunisia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. Designed as both a sensory and intellectual experience, the event blends gastronomy, performance, and visual art under the iconic Louvre dome.

“This event transcends chocolate,” said Guillaume Lafaix, IMEA BU Manager for Valrhona Selection. “It’s a celebration of the artistry, culture, and community surrounding the world of chocolate.”

Guests will be treated to culinary creations by top regional talents such as Hadrien Villedieu, Reif Othman, Kelvin Cheung, Khaled Al Saadi, Carmen Rueda, François Daubinet, and Brice Konan-Ferrand. The evening will also feature cacao-inspired mixology led by Chilean bar expert Enrique Minning, who will guide guests through chocolate-based cocktail pairings.

Adding a local cultural dimension, the programme includes an Al Ayyala performance—an Emirati traditional dance—and a private tour of the museum’s new ‘Kings and Queens of Africa’ exhibition, which explores royal heritage through textiles, artefacts, and spiritual symbols from across the continent.

The ‘Le Fil Rouge’ experience—meaning ‘The Red Thread’—symbolises the passion, innovation, and traceability that define Valrhona’s 100-year legacy. At the heart of the programme is a commitment to sustainable sourcing, equitable trade, and culinary education, which Valrhona has championed globally through initiatives such as L’École Valrhona.

Founded in 1922, Valrhona has long partnered with chefs and cocoa producers to advance a more ethical and innovative chocolate industry. The company’s UAE hub is part of its growing regional footprint, connecting chefs, artisans, and educators around shared values of excellence, creativity, and social impact.