In time for the World Chocolate why not try some chocolates from one of the world’s oldest luxury chocolate houses, available in Harrods.

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.

Drawing inspiration from the Levant, Ghraoui’s collections feature flavours such as pistachio, apricot, orange blossom and rose, alongside beautifully presented gift boxes designed to elevate both special occasions and everyday moments of indulgence.

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.

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 can now be found across Europe and the Middle East.