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