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