Seattle Chocolates Celebrates 2015 with Delicious New Bar Flavors
Seattle Chocolate Company is adding two truffle bar flavors to its premium line of carefully curated chocolate for 2015. The new flavors, alongside current Seattle Chocolates offerings, will be available for pre-sale and sampling in Booth 989 at the Winter Fancy Food Show January 11-13, 2015. Both bars continue the company’s signature combination of fresh, approachable ingredient pairings with creamy, responsibly-sourced chocolate.
Rounding out Seattle Chocolates’ spring seasonal bars, Spring Surprise joins Fluffy Toffee and Fresh Mint in a trio of bars that celebrate longer days, sunny afternoons and the first flowery blooms of the year. Spring Surprise pairs roasted almonds and coconut with dark chocolate, and is packaged in a pastel lavender wrap adorned with cherry blossoms, rain puddles and ducklings all in a row. With an MSRP of $3.50, the entire spring seasonal collection is available now.
Inspired by owner Jean Thompson’s favorite childhood snack, the new PB&J bar combines crunchy peanut butter with strawberry fruit jellies in delicious dark chocolate. Available at retail Summer 2015, the all-natural PB&J bar is high in protein and tastes like a real peanut butter and jelly sandwich – just the way mom made it, only better! The PB&J truffle bar has an MSRP of $3.50.
“At Seattle Chocolate Company we have always had an unparalleled commitment to fresh new flavors and the finest ingredients,” stated Owner and CEO, Jean Thompson. “We source only the best tasting, ethically sourced chocolate and create recipes inspired by the traditions, cultures, memories and personal celebrations of our friends, family and staff.”
Both new Seattle Chocolates truffle bars are made from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ cocoa which is thoughtfully prepared in small batches, without preservatives, additives or extenders. Both the Spring Surprise and PB&J wrappers proudly display the official Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.
In addition to sourcing cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, all Seattle Chocolate Company products are 100% natural and certified Kosher. Seattle Chocolate Company has also made the switch away from palm kernel oil, the harvesting of which is a major contributor to global deforestation, and now uses only sustainable coconut oil for its signature smooth meltaway texture. To learn more about Seattle Chocolate Company and the new bars, visit www.seattlechocolates.com, or stop by Booth 989 at the 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show January 11-13.
Back By Popular Demand: Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Brittle
Brownie Brittle, LLC kicks off the Winter Fancy Food Show this January with a blast from its past! Brownie Brittle is bringing back one of its most popular flavors: Peanut Butter Chip. Each rich, chocolaty piece of Brownie Brittle is studded with creamy peanut butter chips and will be available to sample at Booth 1748 at Moscone Center, January 11-13.
Initially, Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Brittle will launch on the west coast only, with a nationwide rollout to commence later in the year.
“Peanut butter has always been the most requested flavor when our social media fans are asked to weigh in,” said Brownie Brittle founder Sheila G. Mains (known in the food industry as Sheila G). “We agree wholeheartedly—peanut butter and chocolate are simply meant to be together.”
Brownie Brittle originally launched peanut butter chip as a core flavor. However rapid expansion in 2012 caused the company to move its manufacturing to a peanut-free facility.
“Our peanut butter fans will be happy to know that our continued growth has allowed us to expand our production to a second facility-one that processes nut based products. And that means we’re able to produce this highly coveted flavor once again,” said Sheila G.
Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Brittle rejoins the award-winning Brownie Brittle family in a five-ounce resealable package with a suggested retail price of $3.99.
Brownie Brittle will also debut a resealable 14-ounce package at the Winter Fancy Food Show, available now in Chocolate Chip and Salted Caramel flavors at Safeway and Von’s stores with other retailers soon to follow.
Additionally, Brownie Brittle will be showcasing its other popular flavors: Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel and Toffee Crunch, at the Winter Fancy Food Show. These incredibly delicious snacks are sold in 16 ounce-, 14 ounce-, five ounce-, two ounce- and one ounce-size packages, depending upon the flavor.
Another new product to join the Brownie Brittle lineup is the multipack: six one-ounce single-serving bags, good for lunchtime, snacks or anytime.
Brownie Brittle is available in tens of thousands of stores across the globe and has been honored with numerous awards. In 2014, Brownie Brittle was named “Best Sweet Snack” by Convenience Store News. In 2013, Brownie Brittle was named “Editor’s Pick” by The Gourmet Retailer Magazine, won a Self Magazine Healthy Food Award, was one of “7 Fabulous Finds” at Oprah.com, was “Editors’ Pick” for Progressive Grocer Magazine, was selected as one of Fitness Magazine’s Healthy Food Award Sweet Treats, and was named a Finalist in “Best New Snack Product” at NCSA. Additionally, Weightwatchers.com has called Brownie Brittle, “…the health-conscious chocoholic’s dream come true.”
Ticket Chocolate to Debut at 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show
Confectionery tasting experiences from Ticket Chocolate are just as convenient as they are indulgent. Ticket Sticks offer one and all a mess-free way to unwind after a long day. A block of fine chocolate sits atop the ideal stirring stick just waiting to swoop, swizzle, and melt into the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Currently Ticket Chocolate offers a selection of decadent flavors including Salted Caramel, Belgian Milk Chocolate, French Dark Truffle, and 3-Chili.
The classic chocolate bar is one sweet treat that will never go out of style, especially with Ticket Chocolate’s Beloved Bars. Each one of these gorgeously packaged bars is crafted by hand, in small batches, with the finest chocolate, fresh inclusions, natural flavoring. Connoisseurs of the chocolate world won’t be disappointed when they sink their teeth into the many eclectic flavors, such as Grasshopper Pie, Waffle Pecan, and Hazelnut Cherry.
For a soul-warming trip down memory lane, all one has to do is turn up the fire and try Ticket Chocolate’s Artisan S’mores Kit. All the ingredients have been assembled for that classic campfire or fireplace treat, including crispy honey graham crackers, vanilla bean mallows, and a rich chocolate bar.
Torie & Howard Introducing New Stand-Alone Shipper for Organic Halloween Candy
Torie & Howard is introducing a new stand-alone shipper for its 10-ounce Halloween packages of USDA Organic, kosher and Non-GMO hard candy. The new shipper will debut at the Winter Fancy Food Show on January 11, Booth 1651.
The shipper holds 20 packages and provides a seasonally spooky off-shelf display for the candy, which offers a Halloween option for parents who increasingly are purchasing organic foods for their children and for themselves, said Torie Burke, company co-founder. It contains four flavors of the candy and stands 4 feet high with a footprint of just 15 ½ by 15 ¼ inches, Burke said. Orders are being taken now for shipment in 2015, she said.
The package includes an assortment of individually wrapped flavors and features a colorful header with a headstone and a scary spider keeping company with Torie & Howard’s familiar nature-themed packaging motifs of bees, hummingbirds and dragonflies. The candy assortment is packaged in a 10-ounce lie-flat bag with a suggested retail price of $6.99.
Flavors of the organic hard candy include: California Pomegranate and Sweet Freestone Nectarine, Italian Tarocco Blood Orange & Wildflower Honey, D’Anjou Pear & Ceylon Cinnamon, and Pink Grapefruit & Tupelo Honey, which was named a sofi™ Award Finalist.
The candy is USDA organic and kosher certified and contains no GMOs, preservatives, artificial dyes, casein, soy or gluten, Burke said. It also is available in 2-ounce recyclable steel tins with a suggested retail price of $3.99-$4.99. A 6-ounce handbag gift package is available with a suggested retail price of $7.99-$8.99, and the candy is sold in 5-pound bulk bags. More information is available by calling 888.826.9554 or online at www.TorieAndHoward.com.
Coco Polo Chocolate Now in Your Dekalb Farmers Market
Coco Polo is now offered for sale in Your Dekalb Farmers Market in Decatur, Georgia. Your Dekalb Farmers Market is a pioneer in fresh food distribution; receiving direct shipments of unique products from around the globe, without costly warehousing and distribution delays. The result is a collection of the highest quality, lowest cost, and largest variety of fresh and organic food products currently available.
“If you have not heard of them, they have quite a story of their growth….this family business was literally built by the hands of the community. Up to 100,000 customers per week have supported the store for over 40 years. It’s an honor to be included in their family of products,” says Diane Yamate, Co-Founder of Coco Polo. “They do all the things that we would like to see done in the natural community: simplicity, responsibility, and a commitment to health.”
Coco Polo offers a unique and healthy addition to the chocolate shelf. Unlike standard chocolates in dark colored packages, Coco Polo features bright, exciting packaging contrasted with gold that catches the eye while scanning the store aisle. These rich chocolate bars come in both Milk and Dark flavors with 13 rich varieties. Coco Polo’s seven dark chocolate bars are all vegan and include: 70% Dark, Elderberry, Cherry, Cocoa Nibs, Almond, Ginger, and Toasted Coconut Chia. Coco Polo also offers milk chocolate in the following varieties: 39% Milk, Almond, Cherry, Elderberry, Hazelnut, and Mango.
Already in Whole Foods Market, Mom’s Organic Market, Sprouts Farmer’s Market, and The Fresh Markets, Coco Polo aims to offer the most delicious, sugar-free, real chocolate available in traditional and brand new flavors.
Create a Delicious Holiday Tradition With a Gift of Ethel M Chocolates
Infuse your holidays with the delicious nostalgia of the season by sharing Ethel M® Chocolates. These affordable gourmet confections — with seasonal flavors meticulously crafted of the finest, preservative-free ingredients -– will evoke warm family traditions of the holidays, handed down through generations.
“Confections that infuse seasonal flavors and aromas like pumpkin spice, egg nog, butter rum and peppermint have the power to evoke warm memories, which is why they’re especially popular around the holidays,” said Bernard Pacyniak, editor-in-chief of Candy Industry magazine. “The holidays are truly a time to come together, to celebrate and to create lasting memories with friends and families.”
Based on family recipes, Ethel M Chocolates are handcrafted in small batches and made with fresh, quality ingredients. For example, the buttery filling inside the Satin Cremes® is stirred by hand in special cream beaters and flavored with real chocolate, vanilla, raspberry and lemon. Quality is paramount in every step.
“Today, we use some of Ethel Mars’ 100-year-old recipes to deliver an affordable luxury experience that’s authentic and delicious for chocolate lovers, especially those who appreciate family tradition, uncompromising quality and unparalleled taste,” said Oren Young, General Manager of Ethel M Chocolates. “We’re passionate about continuing Ethel Mars’ legacy of fresh crafted chocolates. It’s a passion you can taste in every bite of Ethel M Chocolates.”
This season, the chocolate artisans at Ethel M Chocolates have prepared special assortments, sure to make your holidays merry and bright. To sweeten the deal, enter the code BFRIDAY14 to receive a 20 percent discount on orders of $50 or more from November 25 to December 3.
A thoughtful gift of Ethel M® Chocolates will transport friends and family back to the fragrant kitchen of Ethel Mars, as she lovingly made kettles of rich holiday chocolates in the early 1900s. Inspired by his mother’s sumptuous creations, Forrest Mars Sr. joined his father, Frank C. Mars, in founding world-renowned Mars, Incorporated, manufacturer of iconic brands like M&M’S® Brand Candies, SNICKERS® Bar and DOVE® Chocolate. In 1981, Forrest established Ethel M Chocolates as a tribute to his mother’s fine art of chocolate making.
Today, Ethel M Chocolates spread holiday cheer by delivering a true gift for the culinary senses. Give the gift of good taste with these seasonal suggestions:
Peppermint Bark ($22) is a beloved holiday tradition. This handmade delicacy features crushed peppermint candies drenched in creamy white chocolate and covered with a layer of premium dark chocolate.
The Holiday Deluxe Collection ($34) offers variety with the mouthwatering flavors of the season all wrapped up. Each 24-piece box includes limited edition pieces of Peppermint Silk, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Egg Nog, plus Satin Crèmes®, Almond Butter Krisps®, chewy and creamy caramels and Almond Crunch.
NEW Seasonal Chocolate Bars ($20-$70) are the perfect gift for the connoisseur who appreciates blending rich, premium chocolate with indulgent seasonal flavors: Milk Chocolate Buttered Rum, Dark Chocolate Pumpkin and White Chocolate Peppermint.
NEW Creamy Caramels in a Keepsake Box ($12-$95) are ready to give in a decorative box topped with a red acrylic bow. These indulgent treats are filled with creamy caramel and wrapped in milk and dark chocolate. Plus — along with several Ethel M Chocolate varieties — they’re kosher and make a thoughtful Hanukkah gift.
The Nut & Caramel Collection ($28-$34), encased in an attractive Snowflake Box, features toffee crisps, pecans, almonds and caramels, each drenched in dark or milk chocolate.
The Classic Collection ($28-$42) is a welcome addition to any festive gathering, offering a selection of sweet caramels, nuts, milk and dark Satin Crèmes® and Almond Butter Krisps®.
The Holiday Cocktail Collection ($28), with retro designs that evoke the 1960s, gives chocolate lovers a new way to toast the holidays. Each of the 16 pieces is filled with real spirits combined in a creme center: Champagne Cocktail and Mucha Margarita in milk chocolate or Lemon Drop and Chocopolitan in dark chocolate. (Some state laws prohibit shipment of alcoholic products directly to consumers. See website for details.)
Ethel M Chocolates are sold online at www.EthelM.com, by phone at 800.438.4356 and in six locations throughout Las Vegas, including a pop-up store in Summerlin’s Tivoli Village.
Hammond’s New Popcorn Flavors Kick Classic Snack Up a Notch
Hammond’s Candies has reinvented its classic, handcrafted caramel corns with new flavors and packaging. The company is introducing new Mango Habanero and Honey Peanut All-Natural Popcorn in new display-ready cartons that hold a dozen packages make it easy to grab a gourmet snack. Plus, new lower suggested retail prices of just $3.99-$4.99 makes them especially tempting.
“At Hammond’s, we’re always looking for ways to make it easy to enjoy candy,” said Andrew Schuman, Hammond’s CEO. “We create fun, imaginative and delicious flavors, package it beautifully and deliver it all at a great value.”
Mango Habanero – which combines sweet fruity flavor with a spicy punch — and Honey Peanut – a rich take on a classic — join Hammond’s line-up of All Natural Popcorn in flavors that include Chicago Style, Chocolate Caramel, Sweet Cinnamon Toast, Chocolate Caramel and Hammond’s own take on anything-but-standard Caramel Corn. Like all Hammond’s candies, they’re made with the best ingredients to exacting standards – perfectly popped kernels every time.
A Denver staple since 1920, Hammond’s is renowned for its beautiful, high quality and inventive candies that pay homage to tradition, but wake up taste buds with fun flavors and formulas. Hammond’s diverse selection of candies includes the classic Mitchell Sweet (caramel-wrapped marshmallows), award-winners such as the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Chocolate Bar and the company’s signature stunning, hand-pulled lollipops and candy canes. All are available in Hammond’s award-winning packaging that showcases the “specialness” of candy.
More information is available at www.hammondscandies.com, or by calling 1.800-CANDY.99 (1.800.226.3999).
Bissinger’s Opens New Corporate Headquarters
Bissinger’s and The Caramel Room unveiled a new facility in a special chocolate ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening party on October 15, 2014. Over 300 guests looked on as Bissinger’s President and CEO Tim Fogerty and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay cut a specially-created chocolate ribbon to inaugurate Bissinger’s new corporate headquarters and showcase its 14,000 square-foot event space, The Caramel Room.
“We are so honored to be here carrying on Bissinger’s legacy. Originating in 17th century Paris, the company opened its St. Louis doors in 1925,” said Fogerty. “The increased capacity will allow us to keep up with demand and bring new jobs to St. Louis. The addition of private chocolate tours and special event space for parties, corporate meetings and receptions will make this a destination and major attraction for both local and out-of-town visitors.”
The ceremony was the culmination of a year of intense effort, and the renovation process took more than 250 people to complete. The project consolidated two facilities, bringing jobs from Bissinger’s Iowa City plant to St. Louis. Bissinger’s now employs approximately 100 people.
Constructed circa 1910, the historic property was once home to the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad Depot. A $15 million renovation was undertaken to upgrade to industry standards while preserving much of its original architectural detail. The four-story building contains 220,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space and will now accommodate private chocolate tours. The top floor has a new 14,000 square-foot event space which can seat up to 350 people for dinner and features a 4,200 square-foot deck offering expansive views
Fogerty presented the Mayor with a special limited-release chocolate bar commemorating the 250th anniversary of St. Louis. The hand-painted art features famous pioneers and landmarks that have been instrumental in the fabric of St. Louis’ iconic past, present and future. Available in both 60% Dark Chocolate and White Mint, the 8-ounce bars can be purchased for a limited time online and in stores.
DORVAL Premium Collection Cocoa Now Non-GMO Project Verified
DORVAL Trading Co. Ltd. has received the Non-GMO Project Verification seal for its DORVAL Premium Collection Cocoa. “We recognize today’s retailers and consumers have high standards and are becoming more aware of the use of GMOs in some products,” said Roberta Cappel, President at DORVAL. “At DORVAL, we strive to add superior quality to the market with our chocolate and cocoa products using natural ingredients. We are confident that this verification will increase distribution of our DORVAL Premium Collection Cocoa brand into more outlets that are committed to non-GMO products.”
The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization and is North America’s only third party verification and labeling source for non-GMO food and products. Once products are Verified, they are authorized to bear the Non-GMO Verification seal indicating that the item has gone through Non-GMO Project’s strenuous Verification process.
DORVAL Cocoa is available in 12-count cases as well as a 32-count shipper. The product’s packaging has an upscale, premium look that stands out among the rest.
For over 45 years, DORVAL Trading Co. Ltd. has been an importer of an extensive range of high-quality confectionery products from major manufacturers around the world. Dorval has grown into a significant presence in the confectionery and specialty distribution arena.
Lift a Cup to Chocolate with Edible Dessert and Shooter Cups from Kane Candy
By Lorrie Baumann
Kane Candy offers a line of chocolate dessert and shooter cups, giving party hosts an opportunity to make a splash with a gourmet treat for their guests that does not require a lot of time and effort to put together.
The Kane Candy brand launched in 2012. According to Joe Kane, President of Kane Food Group, the product line drew attention immediately, because it offered the high-end quality that had been missing from competitive products. “The whole concept of the brand is the at-home entertaining,” said Kane. “It’s for the consumer who wants to prepare pastries and desserts just like a world-class pastry chef would make.”
Kane Candy products are all made with real chocolate with a high cocoa content. They are also gluten-free, certified kosher (dairy) and made in the USA. None of the company’s products include high fructose corn syrup. “We’re a firm believer in all-natural,” Kane said.
The chocolate dessert cups are easy to turn into gourmet treats. One simply fills them with a flavored mousse, sorbet or mascarpone cheese and tops them with a few chocolate curls, a couple of raspberries, a puff of whipped cream or even edible flowers. “The whole concept is for people to have fun with these and to be able to create,” Kane said. “We get emails all the time from people who say that these were the most popular dessert at their party.”
Kane also offers Cordial & Toasting Cups in white and dark chocolate, ideal for an after-dinner sweet of a more alcoholic kind. Fill them with port or a dessert wine or maybe a sip of amaretto or Bailey’s Irish Cream for elegance without effort. Home entertaining columnist, blogger and occasional talk show guest Cheryl Najafi filled the Kane Cordial & Toasting Cups with marshmallow fluff for an elevated version of s’mores. And TammyJo Eckhart, who styles herself a “Chocolate Priestess” in her blog The Chocolate Cult, noted that the Kane Chocolate Dessert Cups ranked among the best chocolate she tasted in all of 2013.
When Kane Candy first burst onto the scene, retailers embraced the company’s products during the holiday season. However, since then, they have become a year-round item, sought out for weddings and graduation parties as well as dinner parties at home. “We don’t try to seasonalize the product,” said Kane. “We have one holiday variety only.” The Kane Candy brand sales volume has grown as the products have found new fans, and sales for 2014 have more than doubled 2013 sales. “We’re very, very happy,” Kane said.
The company is expanding the product line this fall with chocolate baking bricks and chocolate disks for melting into candy, both made of premium-quality chocolate. “There’s lots of premium chocolate on the market, but that upgrade has not happened in the baking aisle,” Kane said. “Our goal is to upgrade that aisle with a premium product line.”
This story was originally published in the October 2014 issue of Gourmet News, a publication of Oser Communications Group.
