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John Scharffenberger is introducing chocolate to subsistence farmers in Guatemala in an attempt to encourage them to continue growing cacao instead of deforesting their land for corn. Guatemalan criollo beans are renowned for their flavor and smoothness. Full Story
Barry Callebaut has shifted its business focus, concentrating more on producing cocoa for companies including Hershey, Nestle and Cadbury instead of making its own chocolate for consumers. The move helps insulate them from price pressures and will drive growth, analysts say. Full Story
The new wave of next-generation chocolate makers in the U.S., such as Colin Gasko of Rogue Chocolatier and Timothy Childs of Tcho, are eager to control every aspect of their chocolate production, from picking beans to processing them on their own specialized machinery in their own factories. The focus of these small producers has created chocolate on par with European-made products. Full Story
Cocoa bean crop yields are declining all across the plantations of West Africa, where two-thirds of the world's supply is grown, as soils are degraded and the area able to support the crop retreats, reported CNN.com. Full Story
A recent survey of 1,500 consumers found that not a single one
regularly skipped dessert -- even in today's slowing economy. This trend
is keeping the $23 billion domestic industry that includes chocolatiers,
bakers and ice cream makers going strong. Full Story
Strategies for confectionery makers to absorb rocketing price rises are essential as cocoa prices crash through the $3000 barrier, with demand outstripping supplies and pulling the stocks-to-grindings ratio..... Full Story
U.K. chocolatiers are under increasing competitive pressure as adventurous,
sleek new brands continually enter the market. Some chocolate innovators include
William Curley, Paul A. Young and Bill McCarrick. Full
Story
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