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

Chocolate giant's sweet $400M investment in supply chain

Mondelēz International, The largest chocolate company in the world has recently announced their intention to plough over $400 million over the next 10 years into an initiative that will help their suppliers to not only enhance productivity but also significantly improve their sustainability efforts.

Touted as 'Cocoa Life' the initiative is based on the successful Cocoa Partnership programmes that Cadbury (one of their subsidiaries) launched into Ghana, India and the Dominican Republic. Programs which have already assisted thousands of farmers in these countries to boost their own productivity, and therefore profitability, whilst congruently reducing the impact of their work on the environment.

Having committed $70 million worth of investment into its sustainable supply chain programs up until 2018 Cadbury has noted impressive success in Ghana where cocoa yields for farmers taking part in the program are believed to have increased by 20%.

In light of this Mondelēz International has confirmed it will invest around $400 million in similar programs up until the year 2022, including over $100 million which has been specifically dedicated to support over 75,000 farmers in Côte d'Ivoire - the largest cocoa producing country in the world.

In doing this Mondelēz International hope to drastically improve the living and working conditions of 200,000 cocoa farmers around the world. In addition they also aim to accelerate the overall adoption of sustainability best practices that should help to reduce biodiversity loss and soil erosion whilst also enhancing water efficiency and yields.

'I'm proud of Mondelēz International's $400m investment in Cocoa Life – a distinctive, holistic approach to cocoa sustainability that will create a cycle of growth from bean to bar' said Tim Cofer, executive vice president and president for Mondelēz Europe.

'Our mission is to create thriving cocoa communities and help secure the future of the cocoa industry'.

Cofer confirmed the program would target the Côte d'Ivoire, Indonesia, Brazil, Ghana, India and Dominican Republic initially. It would also work in partnership with a number of different NGOs, including the United Nations Development Program, the WWF and the Anti-Slavery International to foster 'a robust set of principles for success and ways to measure progress'.

He also added that as well as committing to education and financing-based efforts to promote more environmentally sustainable farming practices, the initiative would also seek to eradicate child labour and promote community development.

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


Source: Green Biz

Chocolate Monkeys on display in Paris

An incredibly detailed forest scene made with over five tonnes of couverture chocolate is currently on display in a Parisian chocolate shop.

The lifesize food art, which is meticulous in its every detail, features a five-metre tall tree, complete with sprawling roots and monkeys.

Made by Chocolatier Patrick Roger, the highly impressive and delicate creation has no structural support. According to Roger the size of the pieces and the overall fragility of the chocolate used made it an almost impossible task to acheive.

'It's very risky, because when you carry a piece -- for example yesterday we carried a monkey and it crumbled and then it was completely pulverized' advised Roger.

As impressive as this is, it is not the first chocolate masterpiece Roger has made. In 2009, the man who has been combining a love of chocolate and art for more than 30 years made a reproduction of the Berlin Wall to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its knocking down.

Overall it took over 900 kilos of chocolate to create the artwork and stood 15 metres tall.

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


Source: Sky News

Cadbury Boost is a favourite amongst UK builders

A recent analysis of the confectionery preferences of builders in the UK construction industry has revealed Cadbury’s Boost to be the most popularly eaten of all chocolate bars.

An examination by VendEase, one of the UK's leading vending machine specialists, of the snacking preferences of over 46,000 construction workers who assisted in the building of the Olympic Park and Village in London has found they collectively bought a whopping 7000 bars a month on average from 25 machines.

Coming out of top ahead of Twirl, Whisper and Snack Shortcake in the favourites list, Cadbury Boost is a smooth textured chocolate flavoured centre with crunchy biscuit pieces surrounded in caramel and covered in Cadbury Milk Chocolate. Weighing in at a hefty 60 grams per bar the product was originally launched in 1985. Famously advertised on television by Reeves and Mortimer the product for many years ran with the slogan 'It's slightly rippled with a flat under-side'. .

Commenting on the survey, VendEase director, Dave Berman said 'The Olympic Park Big Build was a military operation and we’re proud to have played our part in keeping that army of builders marching on its stomach'.

It is not yet known whether VendEase will be sending their vending machines to Rio for the construction process of the 2016 Olympic Games.

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


Source: Construction Enquirer

Study Finds Chocolate Tastes Better When You’re ‘Primed With Guilt’

It is something we probably all knew on some level already but scientists at Northwestern University have now confirmed it. In a study that was published by The Journal of Marketing Research they found that people enjoy chocolate more when they’re 'primed with guilt'.

In total six experiments were conducted to analyse the link between pleasure and guilt. One involved showing half the subjects tested the glossy covers of six different health-related magazines while the other half were shown covers unrelated to food prior to offering them all chocolate. The study found those who looked at the healthy magazine covers all said the chocolate tasted better than those who were shown the unrelated non-food or health magazine covers.

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


Source: Smart Company