Founded in Damascus in 1805 and rooted in a prominent Middle Eastern trading family, Ghraoui is one of the world’s oldest luxury chocolate houses. With signature collections available at Harrods, Ghraoui is bringing over two centuries of Levantine heritage and artisan mastery to the heart of the capital's luxury gifting market.
Through blending history, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, Ghraoui creates luxury collections that are ideal for celebratory gifting and everyday moments of joy. Drawing inspiration from the Levant, the chocolates incorporate regional flavours including pistachio, apricot, orange blossom and rose, creating a unique fusion of Middle Eastern ingredients and refined European chocolate-making techniques.
“Every Ghraoui collection is created as a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage and the art of gifting. From hand-finishing each chocolate using the finest natural ingredients to designing packaging that feels timeless and elegant, we want every detail to offer a sense of occasion. Our chocolates are not only inspired by our Damascus roots and family history, but also by a desire to bring contemporary luxury and refined Middle Eastern flavours to consumers around the world.” Mohamed Midani, CEO and head of the family's sixth generation.
From Trading House to Luxury Chocolatier
Under the leadership of Sadek Ghraoui in the early 20th century, the family who once specialised in sugar, coffee, tea and fruit, introduced artisan chocolate to the Middle East. It was after a visit to France in 1931, Sadek Ghraoui introduced the chocolate to consumers, however, with artisan chocolate being a new delicacy, at first it was not alluring enough to buy on its own. Within the chocolate boxes, sterling silver scissors or a golden letter cutter were included to tempt people into buying the treats.
Following Sadek Ghraoui’s death in 1969, Bassam Ghraoui rebuilt the family business from a single remaining shop. In 1996, he founded the Ghraoui Chocolate Company and opened a modern factory near Damascus, producing luxury artisan chocolates. The company gained international recognition, winning the Prix d’honneur at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris in 2005 and participated in major chocolate fashion events in Paris and Moscow.
Despite decades of political upheaval, nationalisation and the closure of its Damascus manufactory during the Syrian civil war in 2012, the Ghraoui legacy endured through generations of the family. In 2017, the brand was reborn in Budapest, where it relaunched with a renewed focus on artisan confectionery, luxury gifting and preserving its Damascene heritage. Ghraoui’s flagship store is located on Budapest’s prestigious Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
A Legacy of Craft
Reflecting the brand’s relaunch in Hungary, Ghraoui’s signature Couronne de St. Étienne is inspired by Hungary’s sacred royal crown, and is made from praline topped with three hazelnuts, coated in milk chocolate. Ghraoui also houses a signature confectionary selection including their Orangette with Dark Chocolate, as well as dates, Fruit Confits, and Marron Glacé - only available at select boutiques. Inspired by the golden apricot trees in the Ghouta region, the brand’s signature Autrefois Damas comprises delicate candied apricots filled with pistachio.
With boutiques across Europe and the Middle East, the brand has expanded internationally in luxury retail destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Across Europe, Ghraoui is also available in renowned retailers including Fauchon and Hédiard, and in the UK, Harrods.
