chocolate in the news

World’s Greatest Chocolate Museums

Some museums may have an exhibit or a small display about chocolate but there are a few museums around the globe that are dedicated exclusively to chocolate.  I wish my state had a chocolate museum, but alas, we have the Mustard Museum!
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Valentines Day Chocolate Car?

Bryn was feeling a little pinched for time so I decided to jump in and post something interesting for today.

Friday is typically a "chocolate in the news" day so I spent a little time scouring the internet for chocolate stories that would be worth repeating.

In the past, Bryn has made several posts about large chocolate sculptures.  Well, today's feature only looks like chocolate, you can't really eat it.  I'm sure you wouldn't want to.  But it is still chocolate art!
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Chocolate for the Chinese New Year

This week kicks off the Chinese New Year – Feb. 3, 2011 – or year 4708 according to the Chinese calendar.

Giving gifts of chocolate is not a major part of the Chinese New Year, but it is a growing activity.

Traditionally, red envelopes or red packets filled with money are passed out during the celebrations.  These days, you may find chocolate coins in addition to cash inside the packets.

Small gifts of food or sweets are exchanged between friends or relatives when visiting their homes.  Chocolate candies or cakes are becoming popular gifts during these visits.
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White Chocolate Sculpture

I’m absolutely fascinated by sculptures crafted in chocolate.  Perhaps it is because I don’t have an artistic bone in my body.  I do, however, have a deep admiration for those that do.

I have had several blog posts in the past showing off many chocolatiers’ incredible artistic skills.

Most, if not all, of those were carved from milk or semi-sweet chocolate.

Recently, one of Italy's well known chocolatiers, Mirco Della Vecchia, formed his creation from white chocolate.

His project was to sculpt and display famous tourist destinations from around the world.
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Chocolate Dipped Jelly Beans!

Jelly Belly company has taken five flavors of jelly beans and drenched them in dark chocolate!

These were just released in December.  They call them Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Chocolate Dips™.  You can get individual flavors in 2.8 oz. bags or a 5-Flavor Gift Box which includes Very Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Coconut, and Orange.  And, if you're really into these 16 oz. and even bulk options are available!
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Vietnam Cacao Production

Here's an update on cacao sourced from Vietnam...

Back in October of 2010, I wrote in my blog about the introduction of a limited edition of Scharffen Berger 72% Vietnamese single-origin chocolate bar.

Now, a Belgian chocolate manufacturer has launched the first ever, 100% Vietnamese chocolate available for wholesale, a new business-to-business operation.

Vietnam is new to cacao production.  Plantations have had many setbacks over the years, but since 2005 the production has increased. 
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Three Healthy Beverages

Imagine you dreamed of making a beverage that is packed with antioxidants, containing enough polyphenols to lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, while simultaneously detoxifying your body and boosting your immune system...

Wouldn’t your new creation be the wonder drink of the ages?

Nope… it already exists!  In fact, you have three to choose from.

Beverages such as tea, coffee, and low fat chocolate milk can make positive contributions to your nutrition and health.
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Illegal Chocolate Eggs

The Italian chocolate company, Ferrero, maker of famous brands such as Ferrero Rocher, Mon Cheri and Nutella, also makes a famous brand of chocolate geared toward children.  Kinder chocolate has been around for 60 years and one specialty item, Kinder Surprise Chocolate Egg, has sold over 30 billion eggs since 1974!

Kinder Surprise is sold internationally, but not in the United States.  It is illegal to sell them, or as one woman found out, bring it into the U.S. for a gift.
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Global Confectioneries Market

According to industry analysts as reported on www.prweb.com, the global confectioneries market could reach $186.3 Billion US dollars by 2015.

The confectionery products category contains market data for chocolate, candy, and gum.  The emerging confectionery markets are China, India, Indonesia, and the Middle East.  

In the future, analysts say that the global confectionery market will be looking for growth in areas of sugarless, low fat and functional confectionery.  It is assumed that the consumption of dark chocolate will continue to increase due to the interest in health benefits of dark chocolate.
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Look for New Chocolate Products

It's a new year and there are new chocolate products on their way to your neighborhood.  Here are just a few brand new chocolate sensations introduced as 2011 arrived...

Nestle:  Cherry Raisinets made with Dark Chocolate

Nestle’s Raisinets has a new variety, dark chocolate covered whole dried cherries.  They are available in the candy aisle of supermarkets at a little over $3 for a 4 oz. re-sealable bag.
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