This spring, Costco is set to introduce an exciting new dessert inspired by the Middle Eastern delicacy, Dubai Chocolate. This latest addition to their frozen section features a pistachio ice cream core enveloped in a crispy milk chocolate shell, echoing the global trend sparked by Fix Dessert Chocolatier's original creation. The treat’s unique blend of textures and flavors has captured international attention, leading to various adaptations across brands. While some consumers may find the price steep, the buzz surrounding this novelty continues to draw interest, reflecting broader trends toward exotic flavor profiles in the culinary world.
According to food blogger Markie Devo, the much-anticipated Dubai Chocolate ice cream bars are now hitting Costco shelves. These treats represent Costco's take on the viral sensation that originated from Dubai. The concept was pioneered by Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani, whose innovative knafeh-infused chocolate bar became a social media hit thanks to content creator Maria Vehera's viral video last year. The original product gained immense popularity due to its combination of rich pistachio cream and crunchy kataifi wrapped in a thick chocolate casing.
The Costco rendition, crafted exclusively by Southern California-based Afters Ice Cream, made its debut earlier this month at the Coachella music festival. Known for experimenting with unconventional flavors such as Ube and Saigon, Afters has once again pushed boundaries with this pistachio-inspired delight. Each box contains ten bars and retails for $18, a cost that some online commentators consider high for trying something new. Nevertheless, many enthusiasts remain undeterred, eagerly snapping up the dessert during their warehouse visits.
In parallel, other major chains like Shake Shack and Dunkin' have also embraced the pistachio craze this season, introducing limited-time offerings that cater to the growing demand for these flavors. Although the authentic Dubai Chocolate Bar remains exclusive to the region or specific importers in the U.S., its influence extends far beyond geographical borders. Product developers worldwide continue refining their versions of this viral dessert, making it more accessible while preserving its distinctive appeal.
As the season progresses, the prominence of pistachio-infused sweets shows no signs of waning. From gourmet establishments to mass-market retailers, the incorporation of these flavors signifies a shift towards exploring richer, nuttier taste experiences. For those curious about diving into this trend, the only remaining question is not if, but when they will indulge in this delectable innovation.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has revisited Sacramento to advocate for financial assistance from state leaders, aiming to bridge a nearly $1-billion budget shortfall in the city. This marks her second visit within two months, drawing on her past experience as Assembly speaker during California's 2009 budget crisis. Despite being cognizant of the state’s own economic challenges, Bass emphasizes the necessity of reinforcing relationships with legislators to prioritize LA's needs amidst their own fiscal difficulties.
Bass's return is significant due to the absence of Southern California representation in the leadership of either legislative house. Her proposed budget involves cutting over 2,700 city positions, including potential layoffs of approximately 1,650 roles. She aims to mitigate these cuts through state funding or by reevaluating agreed-upon salary increases that have inflated personnel costs for the upcoming fiscal year. Rising personnel expenses are compounded by the aftermath of January wildfires, escalating legal settlements, and a weakening national economy.
In March, Bass met with Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders alongside four City Council members, prompting Assemblymember Tina McKinnor to send a letter signed by 22 state legislators requesting aid for the city. Some Capitol Democrats questioned the necessity of her rapid revisit, viewing it more as a public relations move than a substantive action. The concurrent timing of both the city and state budget processes complicates matters, as the City Council must proceed with its deliberations without knowing if state funds will materialize.
Governor Newsom's mid-May state budget revision will offer some clarity on potential resources for Los Angeles, though negotiations will continue until at least mid-June, after the City Council's approval deadline. Bass met with legislative leaders but did not secure a formal meeting with Newsom, instead holding an impromptu session with his senior aides. Her plea for relief may prove difficult given California's projected deficit due to rising healthcare costs and federal funding cuts affecting tourism, agriculture, and technology sectors.
Joining Bass was City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, advocating for legislation to cap damages plaintiffs can claim against public entities. With 38 states already implementing such caps, Feldstein Soto seeks to align California with this trend, ensuring taxpayer dollars are not spent disproportionately or unnecessarily.
The mayor's efforts underscore the delicate balance between securing immediate financial relief and addressing long-term structural issues impacting Los Angeles' fiscal health. As both city and state navigate challenging economic landscapes, Bass's advocacy highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in overcoming shared budgetary hurdles.
Global financial technology leader Fiserv has announced an acquisition of Money Money, a prominent Brazilian fintech specializing in providing working capital solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Although the financial specifics of the deal have not been revealed, this strategic move underscores Fiserv's commitment to enhancing its offerings in emerging markets. By integrating Money Money’s specialized financing engine with its own Clover platform, Fiserv aims to create personalized financial solutions for SMBs through advanced risk analysis and predictive insights. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy following the introduction of Clover PoS technology in Brazil.
The collaboration between Fiserv and Money Money seeks to strengthen the financial ecosystem for acquiring clients by facilitating access to essential resources. With this new service addition, Fiserv intends to empower businesses to invest in improvements and streamline processes, driving sustainable growth across the region.
Enhancing Financial Solutions for SMBs
Fiserv's acquisition of Money Money represents a significant milestone in expanding financial accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) in Brazil. Money Money leverages a unique financing mechanism tied to the receivables registry infrastructure governed by the Central Bank of Brazil. This system enables tailored financial products that cater specifically to the needs of SMBs, offering them much-needed capital and other financial services. By merging Money Money's capabilities with its Clover platform, Fiserv is poised to deliver more sophisticated and personalized offerings.
The integration of Money Money's expertise with Fiserv's established Clover Capital solution will revolutionize how SMBs receive financial support. The Clover platform combines cutting-edge risk assessment technologies with predictive analytics to evaluate the performance of client businesses accurately. As a result, these evaluations generate bespoke financial proposals designed to meet each business's specific requirements. Jorge Valdivia, General Manager of Fiserv in Brazil, emphasized the importance of this acquisition in fostering growth among acquiring clients. By simplifying access to necessary resources, Fiserv aims to encourage investments in enhancements and operational efficiencies, thereby promoting overall business development.
Strengthening Regional Presence Through Technology Innovation
This acquisition aligns closely with Fiserv's ongoing efforts to fortify its presence in Brazil. Just months prior to this deal, Fiserv launched its Clover Point-of-Sale (PoS) technology in the country, signaling its dedication to technological innovation within the financial sector. The inclusion of Money Money's specialized financing tools further enhances Fiserv's ability to provide comprehensive financial services to local businesses. This move not only strengthens Fiserv's market position but also supports the economic advancement of Brazil's SMB community.
By integrating Money Money's innovative financing engine into its operations, Fiserv continues to demonstrate its leadership in leveraging technology to address real-world challenges faced by SMBs. The synergy created through this acquisition allows for a deeper understanding of client businesses' needs, enabling the development of more effective financial solutions. This approach not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to the broader economic stability and growth of the region. Fiserv's strategic initiatives exemplify a forward-thinking model where technology serves as a catalyst for progress, ensuring that SMBs have the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.