Cadbury unveil Christmas 2013 chocolate range

Cadbury has recently unveiled its range of Christmas chocolates for 2013.

Featuring new festive packaging across its entire chocolate range the company has high hopes for these products.

'2013 is set to be our best Christmas offer ever with our extensive range of traditional self-eat, giving and sharing products, and our first ever festive TV advertising campaign' said Rick Lawrence, marketing manager for Cadbury Dairy Milk.

'We have the number one seasonal range, the top three bestselling SKUs at Christmas and exciting innovation to drive growth. We are looking forward to bringing true magic to stores this season'.

Amongst the new products that Cadbury will be introducing is the Cadbury Dairy Milk Winter Wonderland tablet - a limited edition which comprises of white and milk chocolate tree-shaped chunks.

In addition they will also be introducing the following:

- Cadbury Dairy Milk Mousse Snowman

- Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddo Popping Candy

- Cadbury Wishes

- Cadbury Snowman and Santa hollows

- Terry’s Chocolate Orange White Ball

Personally I think they all sound good and can't wait to try them!

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source and Photo: Food Bev

Russia Imposes Sanctions On Chocolate Imported From The Ukraine

According to a recent report from Confectionery News Russia has imposed new trade sanctions upon the importation of a range of Ukrainian made products including chocolate and other consumer goods.

In what is believed to be a retaliation for the recently introduced Ukrainian emergency import tax on cars Russia has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to boost charges on Ukrainian made chocolate, as well as coal and glass. The increase of import tax on chocolate is expected to be 0.1€ per kilogramme.

Russia is not the first country to take this stance. Turkey has recently registered a similar notice in response to new Ukrainian sanctions, claiming that it would raise taxes on walnuts brought in from that country. Furthermore The European Union as well as Japan and South Korea have also expressed their opposition to the Ukrainian car tax.

Russian officials have confirmed their proposed tax on imported Ukrainian chocolate would materialise as soon as it was adopted by the Customs Union. An organisation that also includes Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: Confectionery News

Hotel Chocolat to launch the 'world's most exclusive chocolate bar'

Hotel Chocolat, the renowned bean-to-bar grower, manufacturer and retailer of high end chocolates are about to launch what they are calling 'the most exclusive bar of chocolate in the world'.

Called the 'Rabot Estate Marcial 70% dark', the product is unique in that it originates not just from one sole manufacturing estate - the exclusive plot in St Lucia which they own - but also from only single part (or 'cote' as it is known in the trade) of it.

In what has been described as 'the most extreme example yet of chocolate specialisation' the label of the chocolate bar will not only specify the year of harvest but will also include such information as the temperature it was manufactured at, the length of time it was roasted for and the total amount of time it was involved in the refining process. Furthermore it will also make reference to the head chocolatier, Olivier Nicod.

In launching this product Hotel Chocolat want to mould consumers of premium chocolate towards the same mindset of those who buy fine wines by fostering within them a greater product knowledge that would ultimately prompt them to spend more money on the best quality products.

Those wanting to taste the single Cote Marcial will soob be available to do so in branches of Hotel Chocolat in the UK. The cost of the bars will start from £3.50 for a 35g tablet (approx AUS$6).

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source and Photo: Telegraph UK

Thornton's recalls Smile Jars because of glass pieces

Thorntons have been forced to recall three of their 'Smiles' jars varieties from supermarket shelves after the discovery of small pieces of glass amongst its chocolate contents. These include the 135g and 350g milk chocolate jars and the 135g pink chocolate jar.

It is a blow for the company who had been enjoying a decent beginning to the year, having previously announced a 'satisfactory' Easter period despite the tough economic climate which is affecting high street stores, and were expecting to beat its original market forecasts of £3.1m.

The product recall was has been confirmed by the Food Standards Agency, whilst Thorntons stated 'This action has been taken in response to small pieces of glass being found loose inside a small number of Smiles Glass Jars'.

'This recall only affects Smiles in the glass container and is not a result of any issue with the manufacture of the chocolates themselves. Smiles Bags and any other Thorntons products are unaffected'.

Customers who bought the jars have been strongly advised not to consume them. Instead they are being urged to return them for a full refund.

'The safety and quality of our products are our utmost priority' Thorntons added.

'We sincerely apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. An investigation into how this occurred has been launched'.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source and Photo: London Evening Standard

German Made Easter Bunnies Surpass Chocolate Santa Record

A bit of a milestone for the German chocolate manufacturing industry with the announcement that the Easter Bunny has overtaken Chocolate Santa's as the more popular source of sales revenue. According to this report a record number of German made chocolate Easter bunnies have been ordered by retailers around the world. This figure is also millions more than the number of chocolate santas they have ever sold during the Christmas period.

This year a record obliterating 190 million chocolate Easter Bunnies have been manufactured in Germany for Easter confirmed the German confectionery association (BDSI).

This equates to approximately 50 million more than the number of chocolate santas made last Christmas and is also an increase of three million on the amount of bunnies made last year.

'The production of chocolate Easter Bunnies has hit a new record' announced Torben Erbrath, who heads up the association's chocolate products department.

More than 44 percent of the bunnies produced will end up on foreign soil with the Easter goodies being shipped to other EU countries as well as the USA and Australia.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: The Local De

Two lambs ruin a quarter of a million chocolate Easter eggs

Two lambs and a ewe have caused havoc in a store in Somerset, England by trying to tuck in to a pile of a quarter of a million chocolate Easter eggs.

The animals were discovered at the Wookey Hole Caves by staff who reckon they were seeking shelter from the bitterly cold weather that gripped the country last week.

As a result of their foraging, thousands of chocolate Easter Eggs will have to be destroyed, leaving the popular tourist will a real headache ahead of this weekend's Easter Bank Holiday. Luckily the business has confirmed their suppliers have agreed to deliver a whole new batch to them in time for the expected busy period.

'The eggs were delivered at the weekend and somehow this ewe and her lambs got out of their usual accommodation and made their way in there' said a rather bemused Daniel Medley, General Manager of the store.

'We think it was a bit warmer in there or maybe the smell of the chocolate attracted them. It was pretty clear from the chocolate stuck to their wool who was responsible. There were pallets with 250,000 eggs on them and we believe a few thousand will have to be destroyed'.

The eggs had been purchased for an Easter egg competition that runs from March 30 to April 13 with every child able to win a selection of chocolate eggs.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: Shropshire Star

German's Can't Eat Anymore Chocolate

Apparently the German confectionery industry is at a bit of a crossroads at the moment with the revelation that the country can't eat anymore chocolate than they currently do.

According to German confectionery industry association the average German eats 32kg of chocolates and lollies every year with one of its most popular brands being Ritter Sport. Yet with sales plateauing in the country the domestic industry is being forced to seek out growth markets abroad.

'The sweets business is not exactly a cakewalk at the moment' said association president Dietmar Kendziur.

'We would be happy if 2013 turned out like 2012' he added.

Last year the confectionery industry in Germany generated €12.47 billion, which was a slight drop of 0.3% in turnover. Believing that the German market has saturated, this has left manufacturers looking to explore foreign markets for growth to the point that since 2000 German confectionery manufacturers have more than doubled the amount of products they are selling abroad.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: The Local

Green & Black's launch 'This is not a chocolate bar' campaign in UK

Quality chocolate manufacturer Green & Black’s has launched a rather funny yet thought provoking advertising campaign for its delicious range of organic chocolates.

In the campaign, which was the brainchild of the creative agency Mother, each chocolate bar has been given its own persona.

Promoted under the strapline ‘this is not a chocolate bar’ the campaign has been designed to eradicate the perception that Green & Black’s products comprise solely of dark chocolate by showcasing the overall depth and variety of flavour in their entire range.

Backed by quality images that were taken by Carl Kleiner, the Swedish photographer who is perhaps best known for his acclaimed work on the 2010 Ikea Cook Book the products have been given interesting personalities. The Butterscotch bar for instance has been labelled ‘The Golden One’ whilst the Spiced Chilli bar, which has been pictured with a cheeky, strategically placed nipple tassels, has been called ‘The Exotic One’. Similarly the milk chocolate variety is now referred to as ‘The Rich One’ and the 70 per cent Dark version as ‘The Deep One’.

Personally I think 'The Chosen One' would have been a good phrase to use.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: The Drum

Lindt Launches Lindor Snack Bar in the UK

Those Master Swiss chocolatiers Lindt & Sprungli have officially entered the snacking market in the UK's confectionery industry with the launch of its first 'treat' sized chocolate bar.

Weighing in at 38 grams, The Lindor Treat Bar comprises of six segments filled with a 'smooth' milk chocolate centre and is the company's first single snack-size bar.

Launched as an encouragement to pursuade shoppers to upgrade their chocolate bar purchases, Lindt is hoping to tap in to the growing consumer demand for an 'accessible, yet premium indulgence' with the bar.

Selling for around 69 pence a bar the chocolate is tip to be a major success which could find itself into Australia and the USA by the end of the year.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: Just Food

Queensland Family Owned Chocolate Manufacturer Placed in Administration

Terribly sad news for the family owned Queensland based confectionery manufacturer, Chocolate Fare, who have now been placed in administration.

According to this report from SmartCompany the company has acquired a debt of $670,000 in debt and has recently been unable to pay the Australian Tax Office a $150,000 bill. As a result they have been forced to call in the administrators.

'It was this debt which likely caused the company to collapse' said administrators Jason Bettles who also confirmed the company is likely to be liquidated because:

'it doesn't look like the directors are going to put a deal to the creditors'.

Operating three main brands, The Rocky Rock Candy Company, Monique's Chocolates and Chocolate Fare, the company is the latest in a long line of small or family run confectionery businesses who have struggled in recent times. The most high profile of which was Darrell Lee who were placed into administration in July 2012.

Unfortunately their demise is testament to an industry which is dominated by intense consumer loyalty to a handful of extremely popular brands made by the likes of Cadbury, Nestly and Mars. A situation which evidently is having a massively debilitating effect on the chances of small and medium sized manufacturers sustaining a successful business.

Source: Smart Company

Chocolate Bar Resume

I have heard about some creative ways of scoring yourself a job interview but this one has to take the biscuit! Or rather chocolate (as should prove more appropriate).

Rather than risking their application becoming anonymous amongst a general pile of papers and emails one clever job seeker, according to their friend on Reddit sent in this rather brilliant chocolate resume.

Clearly it did the trick because they got the job!

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source and Photo: Web Pro News

Chocolate Cheese Anyone?

I have seen some unusual chocolate combinations in my time but his one takes the cake, or rather cheese as the case should be.

New York Cheesemaker Murray's Cheese has come up with this delicious gastronomic offering.

Named the 'Love at Mast' this specially made Valentine's Day product comprises of a delicious triple cream cheese which is sourced from the Champlain Valley Creamery in Vermont and layered with bittersweet chocolate.

The chocolate cheese can be eaten on its own or with a spoonful of black cherry confit which is also included in the form of a small jar.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: Serious Eats

Alce Nero to use compostable film for chocolate wrappers

In a commendable piece of environmentally friendly innovation, Alce Nero, an Italian consortium of organic producers and farmers, have announced their intention to use compostable material as the packaging for its entire range of Fair Trade chocolate.

The company, which is part of Alce Nero Mielizia SpA, an organization whose members share a common ethos for regionality, innovation, and the environment, have chosen NatureFlex™ from Innovia Films to be the material they use. Representing farmers, beekeepers, and Fair Trade producers this decision falls in line with the company's policy of promoting and offering Real organic food.

'We decided to move from standard plastic to a biodegradable and compostable alternative to wrap our chocolate bars, and Metallised NatureFlex from Innovia Films was a perfect fit,” says Nicoletta Maffini, marketing manager at Alce Nero'.

We like its environmental attributes but also its excellent barrier properties to keep our organic Fair Trade chocolate in premium condition'.

Alce Nero's chocolate bars are manufactured using cocoa from plants grown in Costa Rica, by their partner COOP Sin Fronteras, an international network of small Fair Trade producers. After being harvested, the beans are roasted before being cultivated into their finished products by Swiss maison chocolatier, Chocolate Stella of Chocolate Bernrain Group.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.


Source: Greener Package

Make your own Chocolate iPhone

For some reason people have a fascination of replicating everyday icons in the form of chocolate. Whether it be cars, animals, clothes or even a Mayan Temple, I have seen a number of highly impressive creations over the last 12 months or so.

Given the immense popularity of the iPhone since it was launched on 29th June in 2007 I suppose it was only a matter of time until someone tried to make a chocolate version of the must have accessory.

So here courtesy of Mashable is some guidance on how to make your very own chocolate iPhone.

Article posted by Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar. A true chocoholic, he also is chief editor of I Love USA Candy.