Jollibee taps Dubai chocolate chef for Christmas Sundae launch

Insider Spotlight

• Jollibee Philippines partners with Dubai-based Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis to introduce the limited-edition Pistachio Choco Sundae
• The P79 dessert combines vanilla soft serve, a pistachio shell, chocolate syrup and diced pistachios
• Nationwide availability runs from October 16 to December 31 across Jollibee stores and delivery platforms
  
  
  
  

Jollibee Philippines is bringing the global Dubai chocolate craze to its Christmas menu through a collaboration with Filipino pastry chef Nouel Catis, introducing a limited-edition dessert that combines pistachio and chocolate flavors.

The Pistachio Choco Sundae marks the fast-food chain's latest effort to refresh its seasonal offerings while tapping into international food trends and celebrating Filipino culinary talent.

Why it matters

The partnership allows Jollibee to capitalize on growing consumer interest in pistachio-based desserts while introducing premium-inspired flavors at an accessible price.

“Christmas is a time when people look forward to experiences that make the season more special. At Jollibee, we want to bring that joy through both the food our customers love and new flavors that surprise and delight them,” Jollibee Philippines vice president for marketing Dorothy Ching said.

"Partnering with Chef Nouel gives us a chance to offer something new this Christmas while celebrating Filipino culinary talent on the global stage."

The bigger picture

Dubai-based Catis gained international recognition for his contributions to chocolate confectionery, particularly the Dubai chocolate phenomenon that popularized pistachio-and-chocolate combinations worldwide.

His achievements include recognition as an Emerging Global Filipino Icon by The Global Filipino Magazine and a Service Excellence Award in Culinary Innovation in Dubai.

For Catis, collaborating with Jollibee represents a personal milestone, connecting his international culinary career with a brand he grew up enjoying.

Zoom in

The Pistachio Choco Sundae features creamy vanilla soft serve coated in a pistachio shell, finished with chocolate syrup and diced pistachios.

Priced at P79, the dessert is available nationwide from October 16 through December 31 for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru purchases, as well as delivery through GrabFood and foodpanda.

What's next

The collaboration reinforces Jollibee's strategy of combining familiar menu favorites with globally trending flavors to generate excitement during the competitive Christmas season.

It also highlights the growing influence of Filipino culinary innovators in shaping international food trends and bringing those experiences to domestic consumers. — Ramon C. Nocon | Corrie S. Narisma