| June 2008 Chocolate News Archive |
|
Any comments or suggestions, and let us know what you're thinking. |
June 30, 2008 - The Polk County Fair in Fertile, Minnesota will host a chocolate contest on July 9th. If you happen to be in the area drop by
and either whip something up and take your chances or root on those who did. We've seen this written before but yet another article has
postulated the theory that the chocolate market is recession proof. The theory is that chocolate is such an inexpensive treat, a handful of
Hershey Kisses doesn't cost much and even a piece of "high end" chocolate pastry will set up back less than $10, that in rough economic
times the feel good factor and low cost will make chocolate one of the last things that people will drop. In New Zealand, ShakeAway has
a new franchisee that will be introducing over 150 different milkshakes. What interests us the most is that they will be using locally
sourced ingredients and will have flavors such as hokey pokey biscuits, jaffas, snifters and toffee pops all local "favorites". Originally
founded in 1845, Young & Smylie debuts new licorice with three new flavors. The company which was purchased by Hershey in 1977, will
be releasing three soft textured licorice flavors, traditional black, strawberry and peach mango.
June 26, 2008 - Hershey has an excellent promotion on tap. Hershey is a sponsor of our 2008 Olympic team and in conjunction with this
sponsorship they have released specially marked " Taste Of Victory" wrappers on Hershey, Reese's, Kit Kat, York Peppermint Patties and
Almond Joy items. The wrappers will have possible prizes which include a 2008 Chevy Tahoe - how sweet, 42" Plasma HDTVs and Visa
Gift Cards. You can also send in UPC codes from some Hershey products for a nice set of three Olympic bands. All in all a great deal.
You get some candy, help support our Olympians and get a shot at winning some great prizes. Anni Golding is the chef and owner of
Gâteau et Ganache in Palo Alto California. The San Jose Mercury News has an interesting article about her and the chocolates she is
producing. Ms. Golding has pursued her passion through a variety of educational stops including The Institute of Culinary Arts in New
York City, École Lenôtre in Paris and L'École du Grand Chocolate Valrhona in Tain l'Hermitage, France. She teaches classes in
tempering chocolate and share her information with other local chefs. We've yet to see them but M & Ms is releasing a new high end line
of M & Ms. They will be called M & M Premiums and they will come in five flavors, chocolate almond, mint chocolate, mocha, raspberry
almond and triple chocolate. Starting today, Askinosie Chocolate will start manufacturing white chocolate. They'll start straight from the
bean and they'll contain 34% cocoa butter. We wish them well as we've always enjoyed white chocolate and would like to see it gain
respect in chocolate circles. The Great Falls Tribune sent out the call for a recipe that combined chocolate and cottage cheese. Three
readers sent in recipes and they're worth taking a look at. Moods restaurant in Llanelli, South Wales has created a curry dish combining
white chocolate and chicken. The San Francisco Chocolate Factory introduced Cocoa Vinoso at the Fancy Food Show in New York. The
Cocoa Vinoso line is made to be paired with different wines. For example the Cocoa Vinoso 58% is designed to be paired with Merlot.
You can read the Press Release. A U.S. Department of Agriculture team funded with ten million dollars from the Mars Company will be
teaming with a team from IBM and is hoping to map the cocoa genome. The hope is that by studying the 400 million parts of the genome
scientists will come up with ways to battle diseases that strike cocoa. The European Commission, in Brussels, Belgium, said it will refer
Italy to the European Union's highest court, the European Court of Justice, over the labelling of "pure chocolate" products. Chocolate bars
in EU nations can use up to 5% of six tropical oils as long as notice of it is on the label. The EU feels that by labeling their products as "
pure chocolate" Italian firms are claiming that their chocolate is "purer" than other countries chocolate. Deborah Markus of Bellaonline
has an well written review of Nesti Dante shea butter chocolate-scented soap.
June 23, 2008 - Yummie Chocolates seems to be working a lot with chocolate covered marshmallows. We can't personally vouch for
their product never having sampled it but they have garnered quite a bit of public notice with an appearance on The Rachel Ray Show.
June 21, 2008 - Moonstruck Chocolate Company is opening their first store in New Jersey. The store will be located in the Mall at Short
Hills. Visitors to the Minnesota State Fair were introduced to a new product this year. Charlie Torgerson, co-owner of several Famous
Dave's franchises, is selling the mixture of chocolate, bacon and sea salt. This is something that's been available at Vosges on Spring
Street but we guess is now filtering down the chocolate food chain. Ghirardelli Square is getting a face lift and new upscale restaurants
are being lured into the area. Although the area is a popular tourist destination resident San Franciscan's have avoided the place in the
past. Common complaints include the crowds of tourists. They are also launching a time share operation where you can own 35 days a
year in the old Ghiradelli factory building starting at $265,000. Mrs. Fields Famous Brands the owners of Mrs. Fields Cookies and the
TCBY Yogurt brand are in the process of attempting to restructure the companies debt. Bankruptcy is a possibility if investors do not agree
to accept the restructuring offer. Debbi Fields is no longer involved in the management of the firm.
June 20, 2008 - A shortage of licorice roots in Iran and China has led to projections that the price of licorice will increase over the next
year. In the last year wholesale prices have sky rocketed 40% and further increases could filter down to the retail sector.
June 14, 2008 - Cadbury is introducing a new low calorie gum Sweet Kicks. Each piece has less than 5 calories and has a liquid
chocolate center with a minty casing. Since chewing gum can burn 11 calories an hour if you can keep a piece working for an hour you
can burn 6 calories. It was 1892 in Edinburgh and Alexander Grant, who worked with Robert McVitie in his biscuit shop, came across the
idea of using bicarbonate of soda as a raising agent in biscuits. The resulting product became the Digestive Biscuit. In 1925 chocolate
was added. A new survey of Great Britain found the Chocolate Digestive was named the Best Treat Of All Time. On June 8th we reported
about Keith Sorrell an Englishman who has subsisted on a diet of Mars Bars for the last 17 years, Now we report on Rebecca Scowcroft,
from Bolton, United Kingdom a 12 year girl who's diet is virtually all chocolate. She suffers from an extreme food phobia where she is
afraid to try new foods. In India local chocolate produced by Cadbury and Nestle's is steadily losing market share to imported chocolate.
Retailers like to sell the imported chocolate as they can get a larger margin than from the chocolate produced in country.
June 13, 2008 - Wow, how's this for brand loyalty. Reader's Digest surveyed their readers in the United Kingdom and 54% picked
Cadbury as the confectionery brand they trusted the most. Coming in second was Galaxy with 7%. When you consider the big salmonella
scare of 2006. Green & Blacks, a subsidiary of Cadbury came in third but rated highest in perceived quality. Australian chocolate makers
Darrell Lea were fined for $120,000 for forcing 12 employees to sign away some of their labor rights. The company has 82 stores across
Australia and contends the company made mistakes trying to implement Australian labor law.
June 11, 2008 - Pantaloon the Indian company that runs the Big Bazaar chain of stores in India has dropped Cadbury products after a
dispute with the company. Pantaloon will start test marketing their own brand of chocolate in their stores under the name Tasty Treat. Lee
Napoli founder of the New England Pastry Guild and the ex pastry chef at Boston restaurants such as Maison Robert and Anago has
opened her own chocolate shop. The shop is named ChocoLee Chocolates and is located in the South End. She's making her own
truffles and other chocolate treats. Cocoa futures prices which are up 33% in the last year finally dropped a bit on Tuesday. A stronger
dollar was credited as investors sold off stakes in commodities. Long term with demand growing in parts of the world and the cocoa
supply erratic prices will probably continue to trend upwards. In Georgetown, Massachusetts the Brennan family has decided to close
down their shop The Chocolate Cellar after five years in the business. On June 14th they will be donating half of their sales to the group
Music Parents. If you'd like to purchase their remaining inventory and existing customer base they are asking $20,000.
June 10, 2008 - In what looks to be one of the cooler movie/chocolate pairings we've ever seen Hershey has bat shaped Reese's cups
coming out in conjunction with the release of the new Batman movie "The dark Knight". They also have limited edition Kit Kat bars as well
as limited edition Reese's Pieces. They are also running a contest with great prized including The MV Dark Knight F4 motorcycle and
home entertainment systems.
June 09, 2008 - Unfortunately the chemical fire we reported at the Blommer Chocolate Factory was more serious than first reported. It
wasn't a fire but a leak of an ammonia like vapor. One of the three injured passed away and the other two remain hospitalized. Pez has
introduced a new flavor to its lineup. Starting in July, 2008 they will offer a chocolate flavored Pez.
June 08, 2008 - A chemical fire of unknown origin at the Blommer Chocolate Factory in the River West section of Chicago had the area's
Haz Mat teams on the job. Three people were taken to area hospitals two in serious or critical condition. The Pittsburgh Tribune - Review
has what appears to be a promising recipe for Airy Chocolate Berry Pavlova. Basically it's a chocolate meringue with whipped cream and
berries and looks great for something special on the table during the Summer. New Zealand's Bloomsberry chocolates, which is
available here locally at Bloomingdales, is now partnering with Whole Foods to develop Climate Change Chocolate. The wrappers
contain tips on how to lead a "green" existence and fifty five cents from each bar sold will be donated to TerraPass to pay for 133 pounds
of carbon offsets. The 133 pounds represents the average American's carbon output for a day so by purchasing a bar you're in a way
equalizing your carbon output for the day. The Bloomsberry products that we've had in the past has all been first rate so this could be an
interesting project. The Bournville Cadbury factory first opened in 1878 with 200 workers. Twenty Five years later the number had jumped
to 5,000. The BBC has a nice selection of photos showing some of the operations of the factory. If you are going to be in the Chicago,
Illinois area the evening of Friday, June 13th you might want to check out the After Hours Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Music will be
provided by the band Jabon and the event will be held at The Jackson Park Inner Harbor. South Korea's Lotte Confectionery Company is
expanding its operations in China. Currently the company has been test marketing in three urban markets but is now poised to sell their
products in the coastal areas mostly through grocery stores. Lotte was getting market shares of 6 - 7 % after only being on sale for a
couple of months which has encouraged the company. With Chinese growth expected to be in the 10% range Lotte is hoping to do well
with their venture. Brooklyn's, Rick and Michael Mast, The Mast brothers are expanding their operation, Mast Brothers Chocolate. They've
been making their chocolate in Michael's Greenpoint apartment. Unlike many in the business who melt chocolate to make their truffles
and bon bons they start with the bean. Currently their chocolates are on sale in a handful of stores and at some flea markets. The
brothers have pooled their resources and rented a store/factory at the corner of Wyeth and Berry streets in Williamsburg. The operation is
scheduled to be up and running this Fall. Thirty Seven year old Keith Sorrell has been living on a diet of 12 or so Mars bars a day for the
last 17 years. He claims to eat no other solid foods and apparently the Mars bars contain just enough nutrition to keep him up and
running.
June 07, 2008 - Increased demand for cocoa from Latin America was the subject of a speech by Sergio Seminario, an agricultural
analyst with Grupo Seminario at The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) in Ecuador. The European confectionery industry would like the
European Union to delay implementing biofuel targets until after independent research is completed. CAOBISCO the European trade
group for the confectionery and biscuit industry claims that some of the targets can not be completed in a sustainable way. The United
Nations Biodiversity conference held in Bonn, Germany included a presentation from Mars. Mars is doing such things as forming
partnerships with NGOs and local governments. They also fund research at The Mars Centre for Cocoa Science in Brazil which is helping
to identify disease-resistant strains of cocoa. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is petitioning the FDA to ban eight artificial food
colors that have been linked to hyperactivity in children. The group also wants Congress to hold hearings into the link between the eight
dyes and the health of children. A ban would have a serious effect on the confectionery industry as many products would have to be
reformulated. There is an ongoing debate as to whether with higher food costs will the market for organic goods such as chocolate
shrink as consumers seek less expensive alternatives. Josiane Kremer of Barry Callebaut feels there will be little difference in demand
and that organic chocolate consumers are already used to paying 3 times the price for a kilo of organic chocolate in comparison to the
price of a kilo of regular chocolate.
June 01, 2008 - A review of previous studies that were investigating the possible link between sucrose consumption and hyperactivity in
children has come to the conclusion that no firm evidence has been presented to establish such a link.
and either whip something up and take your chances or root on those who did. We've seen this written before but yet another article has
postulated the theory that the chocolate market is recession proof. The theory is that chocolate is such an inexpensive treat, a handful of
Hershey Kisses doesn't cost much and even a piece of "high end" chocolate pastry will set up back less than $10, that in rough economic
times the feel good factor and low cost will make chocolate one of the last things that people will drop. In New Zealand, ShakeAway has
a new franchisee that will be introducing over 150 different milkshakes. What interests us the most is that they will be using locally
sourced ingredients and will have flavors such as hokey pokey biscuits, jaffas, snifters and toffee pops all local "favorites". Originally
founded in 1845, Young & Smylie debuts new licorice with three new flavors. The company which was purchased by Hershey in 1977, will
be releasing three soft textured licorice flavors, traditional black, strawberry and peach mango.
June 26, 2008 - Hershey has an excellent promotion on tap. Hershey is a sponsor of our 2008 Olympic team and in conjunction with this
sponsorship they have released specially marked " Taste Of Victory" wrappers on Hershey, Reese's, Kit Kat, York Peppermint Patties and
Almond Joy items. The wrappers will have possible prizes which include a 2008 Chevy Tahoe - how sweet, 42" Plasma HDTVs and Visa
Gift Cards. You can also send in UPC codes from some Hershey products for a nice set of three Olympic bands. All in all a great deal.
You get some candy, help support our Olympians and get a shot at winning some great prizes. Anni Golding is the chef and owner of
Gâteau et Ganache in Palo Alto California. The San Jose Mercury News has an interesting article about her and the chocolates she is
producing. Ms. Golding has pursued her passion through a variety of educational stops including The Institute of Culinary Arts in New
York City, École Lenôtre in Paris and L'École du Grand Chocolate Valrhona in Tain l'Hermitage, France. She teaches classes in
tempering chocolate and share her information with other local chefs. We've yet to see them but M & Ms is releasing a new high end line
of M & Ms. They will be called M & M Premiums and they will come in five flavors, chocolate almond, mint chocolate, mocha, raspberry
almond and triple chocolate. Starting today, Askinosie Chocolate will start manufacturing white chocolate. They'll start straight from the
bean and they'll contain 34% cocoa butter. We wish them well as we've always enjoyed white chocolate and would like to see it gain
respect in chocolate circles. The Great Falls Tribune sent out the call for a recipe that combined chocolate and cottage cheese. Three
readers sent in recipes and they're worth taking a look at. Moods restaurant in Llanelli, South Wales has created a curry dish combining
white chocolate and chicken. The San Francisco Chocolate Factory introduced Cocoa Vinoso at the Fancy Food Show in New York. The
Cocoa Vinoso line is made to be paired with different wines. For example the Cocoa Vinoso 58% is designed to be paired with Merlot.
You can read the Press Release. A U.S. Department of Agriculture team funded with ten million dollars from the Mars Company will be
teaming with a team from IBM and is hoping to map the cocoa genome. The hope is that by studying the 400 million parts of the genome
scientists will come up with ways to battle diseases that strike cocoa. The European Commission, in Brussels, Belgium, said it will refer
Italy to the European Union's highest court, the European Court of Justice, over the labelling of "pure chocolate" products. Chocolate bars
in EU nations can use up to 5% of six tropical oils as long as notice of it is on the label. The EU feels that by labeling their products as "
pure chocolate" Italian firms are claiming that their chocolate is "purer" than other countries chocolate. Deborah Markus of Bellaonline
has an well written review of Nesti Dante shea butter chocolate-scented soap.
June 23, 2008 - Yummie Chocolates seems to be working a lot with chocolate covered marshmallows. We can't personally vouch for
their product never having sampled it but they have garnered quite a bit of public notice with an appearance on The Rachel Ray Show.
June 21, 2008 - Moonstruck Chocolate Company is opening their first store in New Jersey. The store will be located in the Mall at Short
Hills. Visitors to the Minnesota State Fair were introduced to a new product this year. Charlie Torgerson, co-owner of several Famous
Dave's franchises, is selling the mixture of chocolate, bacon and sea salt. This is something that's been available at Vosges on Spring
Street but we guess is now filtering down the chocolate food chain. Ghirardelli Square is getting a face lift and new upscale restaurants
are being lured into the area. Although the area is a popular tourist destination resident San Franciscan's have avoided the place in the
past. Common complaints include the crowds of tourists. They are also launching a time share operation where you can own 35 days a
year in the old Ghiradelli factory building starting at $265,000. Mrs. Fields Famous Brands the owners of Mrs. Fields Cookies and the
TCBY Yogurt brand are in the process of attempting to restructure the companies debt. Bankruptcy is a possibility if investors do not agree
to accept the restructuring offer. Debbi Fields is no longer involved in the management of the firm.
June 20, 2008 - A shortage of licorice roots in Iran and China has led to projections that the price of licorice will increase over the next
year. In the last year wholesale prices have sky rocketed 40% and further increases could filter down to the retail sector.
June 14, 2008 - Cadbury is introducing a new low calorie gum Sweet Kicks. Each piece has less than 5 calories and has a liquid
chocolate center with a minty casing. Since chewing gum can burn 11 calories an hour if you can keep a piece working for an hour you
can burn 6 calories. It was 1892 in Edinburgh and Alexander Grant, who worked with Robert McVitie in his biscuit shop, came across the
idea of using bicarbonate of soda as a raising agent in biscuits. The resulting product became the Digestive Biscuit. In 1925 chocolate
was added. A new survey of Great Britain found the Chocolate Digestive was named the Best Treat Of All Time. On June 8th we reported
about Keith Sorrell an Englishman who has subsisted on a diet of Mars Bars for the last 17 years, Now we report on Rebecca Scowcroft,
from Bolton, United Kingdom a 12 year girl who's diet is virtually all chocolate. She suffers from an extreme food phobia where she is
afraid to try new foods. In India local chocolate produced by Cadbury and Nestle's is steadily losing market share to imported chocolate.
Retailers like to sell the imported chocolate as they can get a larger margin than from the chocolate produced in country.
June 13, 2008 - Wow, how's this for brand loyalty. Reader's Digest surveyed their readers in the United Kingdom and 54% picked
Cadbury as the confectionery brand they trusted the most. Coming in second was Galaxy with 7%. When you consider the big salmonella
scare of 2006. Green & Blacks, a subsidiary of Cadbury came in third but rated highest in perceived quality. Australian chocolate makers
Darrell Lea were fined for $120,000 for forcing 12 employees to sign away some of their labor rights. The company has 82 stores across
Australia and contends the company made mistakes trying to implement Australian labor law.
June 11, 2008 - Pantaloon the Indian company that runs the Big Bazaar chain of stores in India has dropped Cadbury products after a
dispute with the company. Pantaloon will start test marketing their own brand of chocolate in their stores under the name Tasty Treat. Lee
Napoli founder of the New England Pastry Guild and the ex pastry chef at Boston restaurants such as Maison Robert and Anago has
opened her own chocolate shop. The shop is named ChocoLee Chocolates and is located in the South End. She's making her own
truffles and other chocolate treats. Cocoa futures prices which are up 33% in the last year finally dropped a bit on Tuesday. A stronger
dollar was credited as investors sold off stakes in commodities. Long term with demand growing in parts of the world and the cocoa
supply erratic prices will probably continue to trend upwards. In Georgetown, Massachusetts the Brennan family has decided to close
down their shop The Chocolate Cellar after five years in the business. On June 14th they will be donating half of their sales to the group
Music Parents. If you'd like to purchase their remaining inventory and existing customer base they are asking $20,000.
June 10, 2008 - In what looks to be one of the cooler movie/chocolate pairings we've ever seen Hershey has bat shaped Reese's cups
coming out in conjunction with the release of the new Batman movie "The dark Knight". They also have limited edition Kit Kat bars as well
as limited edition Reese's Pieces. They are also running a contest with great prized including The MV Dark Knight F4 motorcycle and
home entertainment systems.
June 09, 2008 - Unfortunately the chemical fire we reported at the Blommer Chocolate Factory was more serious than first reported. It
wasn't a fire but a leak of an ammonia like vapor. One of the three injured passed away and the other two remain hospitalized. Pez has
introduced a new flavor to its lineup. Starting in July, 2008 they will offer a chocolate flavored Pez.
June 08, 2008 - A chemical fire of unknown origin at the Blommer Chocolate Factory in the River West section of Chicago had the area's
Haz Mat teams on the job. Three people were taken to area hospitals two in serious or critical condition. The Pittsburgh Tribune - Review
has what appears to be a promising recipe for Airy Chocolate Berry Pavlova. Basically it's a chocolate meringue with whipped cream and
berries and looks great for something special on the table during the Summer. New Zealand's Bloomsberry chocolates, which is
available here locally at Bloomingdales, is now partnering with Whole Foods to develop Climate Change Chocolate. The wrappers
contain tips on how to lead a "green" existence and fifty five cents from each bar sold will be donated to TerraPass to pay for 133 pounds
of carbon offsets. The 133 pounds represents the average American's carbon output for a day so by purchasing a bar you're in a way
equalizing your carbon output for the day. The Bloomsberry products that we've had in the past has all been first rate so this could be an
interesting project. The Bournville Cadbury factory first opened in 1878 with 200 workers. Twenty Five years later the number had jumped
to 5,000. The BBC has a nice selection of photos showing some of the operations of the factory. If you are going to be in the Chicago,
Illinois area the evening of Friday, June 13th you might want to check out the After Hours Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Music will be
provided by the band Jabon and the event will be held at The Jackson Park Inner Harbor. South Korea's Lotte Confectionery Company is
expanding its operations in China. Currently the company has been test marketing in three urban markets but is now poised to sell their
products in the coastal areas mostly through grocery stores. Lotte was getting market shares of 6 - 7 % after only being on sale for a
couple of months which has encouraged the company. With Chinese growth expected to be in the 10% range Lotte is hoping to do well
with their venture. Brooklyn's, Rick and Michael Mast, The Mast brothers are expanding their operation, Mast Brothers Chocolate. They've
been making their chocolate in Michael's Greenpoint apartment. Unlike many in the business who melt chocolate to make their truffles
and bon bons they start with the bean. Currently their chocolates are on sale in a handful of stores and at some flea markets. The
brothers have pooled their resources and rented a store/factory at the corner of Wyeth and Berry streets in Williamsburg. The operation is
scheduled to be up and running this Fall. Thirty Seven year old Keith Sorrell has been living on a diet of 12 or so Mars bars a day for the
last 17 years. He claims to eat no other solid foods and apparently the Mars bars contain just enough nutrition to keep him up and
running.
June 07, 2008 - Increased demand for cocoa from Latin America was the subject of a speech by Sergio Seminario, an agricultural
analyst with Grupo Seminario at The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) in Ecuador. The European confectionery industry would like the
European Union to delay implementing biofuel targets until after independent research is completed. CAOBISCO the European trade
group for the confectionery and biscuit industry claims that some of the targets can not be completed in a sustainable way. The United
Nations Biodiversity conference held in Bonn, Germany included a presentation from Mars. Mars is doing such things as forming
partnerships with NGOs and local governments. They also fund research at The Mars Centre for Cocoa Science in Brazil which is helping
to identify disease-resistant strains of cocoa. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is petitioning the FDA to ban eight artificial food
colors that have been linked to hyperactivity in children. The group also wants Congress to hold hearings into the link between the eight
dyes and the health of children. A ban would have a serious effect on the confectionery industry as many products would have to be
reformulated. There is an ongoing debate as to whether with higher food costs will the market for organic goods such as chocolate
shrink as consumers seek less expensive alternatives. Josiane Kremer of Barry Callebaut feels there will be little difference in demand
and that organic chocolate consumers are already used to paying 3 times the price for a kilo of organic chocolate in comparison to the
price of a kilo of regular chocolate.
June 01, 2008 - A review of previous studies that were investigating the possible link between sucrose consumption and hyperactivity in
children has come to the conclusion that no firm evidence has been presented to establish such a link.
