Cocoba Chocolate introduces Halloween themed chocolate treats

For those of us who like to plan ahead, here's some news from Cocoba. 

Cocoba, the Kent-based chocolate company renowned for producing truly irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, has launched this year’s Halloween range.

The delicious sphere-shaped Halloween “Hot Chocolate Bombes” are handmade from luxurious Belgian chocolate and will be truly bursting with special hidden treats from jellies to marshmallows. 

Flavours available will include orange hot chocolate and unique spooky green hot chocolate. These Halloween delights are available as a pack of three for £9.95.

Cocoba’s Belgian chocolate Halloween themed lollipops at £1.95 each are also ideal for little trick or treaters or to share if you're planning to host a Halloween party. For children or adults!

 From orange flavoured pumpkin lollipops to ghoulish ghost chocolate lollipops, Cocoba’s Halloween range has something for everyone.

And for a cosy night in the tasty “Hot Chocolate Spoons” are an absolutely ideal accompaniment, by simply adding some delicious steaming milk the chocolate melts to create a very special warming drink. 

The spoons are made with only the best quality indulgent Belgian chocolate and sold individually for £3.50.  Flavours will include a milk chocolate spoon with a white chocolate ghost and a block of orange flavoured chocolate served with a helping of mini marshmallows.

Cocoba Chocolate have crafted a nicely wicked range of Halloween treats for everyone to enjoy.  Please visit Cocoba Chocolate’s website for more information including the chocolate vegan product range.

www.CocobaChocolate.com

Cocoba’s chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and ‘milk’ chocolates.

Cocoba’s range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com as well as Cocoba’s flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, independent farm shops, delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more, besides  All products are handmade in Kent. 

By the way, sign up for their mailing list and you'll get10% off and also free delivery on orders over £35.

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Wow! Sweet Bao: Heavenly Desserts launches Itsu Bao Buns

Worldwide dessert franchise, Heavenly Desserts, has joined forces with Asian-inspired grocery brand, itsu, to launch its TikTok-famed sweet chocolate bao buns directly into its stores all over the country.

Having launched in Heavenly Desserts' 50 restaurants UK-wide, the vegan, warm and delightfully fluffy bao buns are filled with a smooth, melt-in-the-middle chocolate filling and are served alongside a delicious caramel dipping sauce.

This addition to the Heavenly Desserts menu results from itsu’s continual efforts innovate ranges with new flavours that excite modern audiences with trending ingredients and with unique concepts.

The bao buns created by itsu will be available at Heavenly Desserts’ restaurants, and will also become a core item on its ‘dessert tapas’ menu. 

Ravinder Faguraha, who is the project support manager at Heavenly Desserts, said: “Partnering with itsu to bring these sweet treats into our menu was such a genuine joy. It’s the largest partnership we’ve embarked on so far, which holds true to our unrelenting commitment to innovation. 

“After a lot of consumer research and flavour profiling and following on from the popularity of our mochi desserts which we announced last summer, we learned bao buns are setting a trend in the dessert sector as itsu has become the go-to brand in the UK market for this recognisable Asian dish. 

“Most Brits are aware that bao buns come with a savoury filling like duck and hoisin sauce, but they can be made differently by using a sweet middle. So, it was a no-brainer that these would attract new customers familiar with the cuisine to Heavenly Desserts."

As a pioneering Asian inspired restaurant and grocery brand, itsu is based within the UK. The global company was founded in 1997 by Julian Metcalfe, who was co-founder of sandwich chain Pret A Manger. 

Yousif Aslam, co-founder and MD at Heavenly Desserts, said: “Partnering with household brand names like itsu is such an exciting step for us. We're always drawing inspiration from other cuisines and recently launched our springtime drinks range which were crafted from authentic Japanese flavours like matcha and yuzu. 

"These have been really popular, so alongside the bao buns we're also announcing our Strawberry Daquiri mocktail and extending our springtime drinks into summer for the perfect refresher.”

Julian Metcalfe, itsu's founder said: “Sweet Bao is really an historic breakthrough, -every now and then, the team hits a real bullseye; this is one such lucky example. After in excess of 50 failed trials, we managed to get rich quality chocolate to flow, molten warm, from inside the fluffy bao bun. It's the result of our dedicated 10-person strong NPD team who have worked tirelessly for a whole year to create this phenomenal first-to-market, brand new product.”

For more information about Heavenly Desserts and its menus visit: https://www.heavenlydesserts.co.uk.

Celebrate World Chocolate Day With Darts Farm's Cow & Cacao

Darts Farm's artisan chocolatier, Cow & Cacao, has everything you could possibly require to celebrate World Chocolate Day on 7th July. 

They are justifiably proud to be one of the few UK producers to craft chocolate from bean to bar and their handcrafted treats are available to buy in their Devon-based store and online for nationwide delivery from www.dartsfarm.co.uk.

Darts Farm believes in chocolate that's not only environmentally but also economically sustainable, from forest to food hall. Their priority is sourcing incredible cacao from smaller scale growers in rare origins around the world to use with milk from their own local dairy and other ingredients from their own farm.

In small batches, their chocolatiers, Louise & Molly, carefully roast the beans, before cracking the shell to release the nib. They then grind the nibs in a granite mixer, the 'conche', for up to fifty-five hours before ageing the chocolate in 5kg bricks for up to three weeks. Finally, they melt it down to create bars, truffles and incredible handcrafted artisanal chocolate treats.

When visiting the farm shop, you'll be able to see the whole chocolate making process taking place with Darts Farm priding themselves on educating their customers on single origin cacao and bean-to-bar chocolate. They even run regular chocolate making masterclasses, too!

For a taste of their amazing chocolate at home, indulge in their Chocolate Lover's Hamper (£29). It contains a selection of their Cow & Cacao bean-to-bar chocolate; from handcrafted truffles and a Single Origin Chocolate Bar to Chocolate Dipped Oranges. For real chocoholics try their Ultimate Chocolate Lover's Hamper  (£49) which boasts even more of their fabulous artisan treats including a White Chocolate & Strawberry Broken Slab.

For more information on Cow & Cacao visit the website

For further information on Darts Farm please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  

Pukpip on the Path to Rapid Growth Following New Trend for Frozen Snacking

The first six months for Pukpip has proven the consumer demand for permissible yet indulgent frozen fruit snacks. Pukpip's Frozen Bananas Dipped in Chocolate are being snapped up by UK retailers and enjoyed by consumers across the whole country.  

Following the successful launch of Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate, Pukpip has now added White Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas to the range, CLF and Suma are the first to add the White Chocolate option to their wholesale distribution. 

New Pukpip White Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas combine deliciously sweet real frozen banana, with creamy white chocolate with yummy hints of vanilla. A wonderfully delicious pairing. Only 152 calories per frozen banana and a source of fibre and potassium, too.  

The latest retailer to see the potential is Planet Organic, having listed the Dark Chocolate to all their London stores. Pukpip products are also stocked with Vegan Kind and Whole Foods Market, and all three chocolate options are now available to order online with Wholefoods Box. 

“Our consumer research indicated a demand for frozen snacks that combine a balance of whole fruit with a bit of indulgence, but now the products are in bricks and mortar stores the response has been amazing! Our stockists have said that they're flying out of the freezers and consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We're thrilled to be able to add the White Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas to the range, which is set to have wide appeal for both kids and grown-ups alike.” says Zara Godfrey, Managing Director at Pukpip's MD. 

According to the BFFF (British Frozen Food Federation) frozen food has seen something of a renaissance over recent years as it proves to be more applicable to modern lifestyles and helps to reduce waste and preserve nutrients. Frozen Foods are now more important than ever, and innovation continues to see what are described as challenger brands leading the way.  

Perfectly tapping into the trend of permissible yet indulgent snacking, Pukpip's frozen bananas provide the balance of wholesome goodness with indulgent frozen snacking and are challenging the ice cream category with whole, real fruit. The wide appeal of a real fruit treat that is only 152 – 161 Kcal, is gluten free, vegan (Dark Chocolate only), and nothing artificial is enabling Pukpip to come to the forefront in the ice cream category and new food innovations. 

Pukpip has also featured in Asda's Trends Book for 2023/2024ii , the book highlights the trend for products with fewer ingredients and reduced processing. With Pukpip products being simply banana and chocolate, consumers know what to expect and can easily add more fruit into their diet via this fun, frozen, fruity snack. 

Consumer awareness of the impact our food choices have on the environment has also helped Pukpip to position itself, by rescuing wonky bananas that would otherwise go to waste and helping them find their true calling as tasty, chocolate-covered treats. The banana peels are also upcycled back into the ecosystem.  

The next step for Pukpip will be the launch of singles this summer. Available to retailers and hospitality for both on-the-go snacking and as a dessert option for restaurants and cafes. Pukpip's singles are ideally placed to fit amongst the handheld ice creams as natures alternative to ice cream, a permissible on-the-go snack. 

Pukpip Real Frozen Bananas are only 152-161 calories each, contain nothing artificial and can be enjoyed as a snack, treat or dessert. Pukpip has been shortlisted in this year's Health & Wellbeing Awards in the Healthy Snacks category. The Milk Chocolate Dipped Bananas have picked up a 2022 Great Taste Award, the Dark Chocolate Dipped Bananas have been Vegan Certified, and the White Chocolate is the latest addition to the range. Pukpip's frozen bananas are available to trade in in multipacks of 3 at an RRP of £3.99, singles coming soon.

To become a stockist or to find out more email hello@pukpip.com or visit www.pukpip.com. Follow @hellopukpip for news and updates. 

You'll go Bananas for Pukpip frozen bananas in chocolate

Challenger brand Pukpip has announced its Real Frozen Bananas Dipped in Chocolate are now stocked in Whole Foods Market, just in time for ice cream season. 

Pukpip is challenging the traditional ice cream category by tapping into the rise of permissible yet indulgent frozen fruit snacks. Breaking the mould for frozen treats, Pukpip's frozen bananas are a real fruit alternative to traditional ice cream.

“We believe that Whole Foods Market is the perfect fit for Pukpip, as we strive to help people eat more fruit in ways that are fun, delicious and convenient, providing indulgent fruit snacks that don't compromise on taste,” explains Zara Godfrey, who is the MD at Pukpip.

The London retailer which specialises in responsibly sourced, high-quality foods has added Pukpip's first two products, Milk and Dark Chocolate Dipped Bananas to the frozen section in all seven of it stores.

To celebrate the launch into Whole Foods Market, Pukpip has invested in an eye-catching window display in the Flagship Kensington High Street store, plus OOH media in July around prime London locations to drive awareness of the product listing.

Zara went on to say: “Nine out of ten of us are looking to add more fruit into our diet, and we want to make it easy, fun, and delicious. The creaminess of a frozen banana combined with the tasty, smooth satisfying chocolate makes for an irresistible treat that consumers will be keen to get their hands on this summer. Real fruit, that's indulgent so consumers can feel good about treating themselves!”

Obviously, Pukpip's bananas are responsibly sourced and freshly frozen at source in the coastal region of Ecuador. Using bananas rejected from export due to minor blemishes on their skin, because they're the wrong shape or size, or simply because there are too many on a bunch; Pukpip rescues these wonky bananas that would otherwise be wasted, helping them find their true calling as tasty, chocolate-covered treats. The banana peels are recycled back into the ecosystem.

Pukpip Real Frozen Bananas are only 152-161 calories each, contain no artificial and are ideally positioned as a snack, treat or dessert. The Milk Chocolate Dipped Bananas have picked up a 2022 Great Taste Award and the Dark Chocolate Dipped Bananas are Vegan Certified. Pukpip's frozen bananas are available to retail in milk chocolate and dark chocolate, in multipacks of 3 at an RRP of £3.99

Want to become a stockist? Need to learn  more? Email hello@pukpip.com or visit www.pukpip.com. Follow @hellopukpip for news and updates.

(This is making me feel hungry for frozen bananas in chocolate!) 

Cocoba Chocolate Introduces “The Best of British” Summer Picnic Treats

Kent's Cocoba, the chocolate company famed for producing irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate treats and gifts, has launched a fantastic range of quintessentially British chocolate bars.

Inspired by favourite and popular British desserts the Cocoba “Best of British Chocolate Bars”, all priced at £4.50 individually or in a pack at £18, make a superb addition to any summer picnic.  

“The Best of British Chocolate Bar Selection,” is created using only the highest-quality Belgian chocolate, include something for everyone from sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble, Eaton mess and lemon meringue flavours.

Tasting just like the real desert, is the new and indulgent “Sticky Toffee Pudding Chocolate Bar” topped with white chocolate drizzle, crunchy salted caramel balls and toffee pieces, an ideal picnic treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Want something to tantalise the taste buds? Then “The Apple Crumble Chocolate Bar” is ideal. As it's topped with white chocolate drizzle, apple pieces, and shortbread crumble. This deliciously sweet concoction is a chocolate bar and one of the best British desserts, all in one glorious package!

Well, it just wouldn't be a very British picnic without a traditional strawberry theme, would it? And “The Eton Mess Chocolate Bar” fits the bill absolutely perfectly.  A Belgian milk chocolate bar is topped with white chocolate drizzle, freeze-dried strawberries, meringue pieces, and strawberry flavoured crunchy balls, all to create a British classic.

Finally, to add a zingy sweetness “The Lemon Meringue Chocolate Bar” is infused with lemon oil, and is topped with white chocolate drizzle, white meringue pieces, and lemon sugar drops. This sweet and sherberty concoction is a winning combination to complete a very British picnic.

Since the launch in 2012 Cocoba Chocolate ensure that each product is specially made with the highest quality, great tasting ingredients.

Please visit Cocoba Chocolate's website for more information including the hot chocolate bombes, spoons and vegan product range at www.CocobaChocolate.com.

What else is there? Cocoba's chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan chocolates, too.

Cocoba's range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com as well as Cocoba's flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, independent farm shops, delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more.  All products are handmade in Kent.

Award winning Cocoba Chocolate introduces exceptionally good chocolate gifts to celebrate Father's Day

Cocoba, the Kentish chocolate company famous for producing irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, has launched this year's exclusive Father's Day range.

Cocoba Chocolate introduce their popular “Giant Jars” which are filled to the very brim with a selection of giant chocolate buttons and giant covered honeycomb pieces in oversized glass jars.

2021 Great Taste Award Winner “Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb Giant Jar” is bursting with large chunks of honeycomb covered in smooth, creamy Belgian milk chocolate.  The huge clip lid glass jar can be used for other sweet treats after the honeycomb has been enjoyed.  If you are wanting a gift to make a statement, the “Giant Jars” are sure to raise a smile for someone special. 

The “Giant Jars”, all priced at £25.95, have many other flavours to choose from including milk chocolate buttons, salted caramel covered honeycomb, salted caramel buttons and white and dark chocolate buttons, an ideal present for someone that just loves chocolate.

Finally, the “Personalised Engraved Chocolate Bar” is a delicious milk chocolate bar, handmade from the highest quality Belgian chocolate and can be engraved with a message of your choice.  Priced at just £4.95, you can add up to 3 lines of text, with up to 10 characters per line. Delivery is just £1 direct to your recipient when ordered by itself (this will be posted using Royal Mail).  A thoughtful and unique gift to treat dad this Father's Day with your very own special personalised message.

Please visit Cocoba Chocolate's website for more information including the vegan product range at www.CocobaChocolate.com.

Cocoba's chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and 'milk' chocolate.

Cocoba's range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com as well as Cocoba's flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, independent farm shops, delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more.   All products are handmade in Kent.

To receive 10% off please do join the mailing list also free delivery on orders over £35.

Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter: @cocobachocolate Web: www.cocobachocolate.com

OHSO Good Chocolate. That's really oh so good for you

OHSO Good Chocolate is very, very good for you.

Not only does it taste very good it's also very good for you. It's made with top quality Belgian chocolate but it's suitable for vegans as it doesn't contain any milk. (Although they do point out that it may contain milk due to cross contamination.)

There are no added sugars which as a Type 2 Diabetic, I find very helpful. It contains maltitol instead of sugar.

But the main point that caught my attention is that Ohso good chocolate comes to you complete with some live cultures. These are in the form of probiotic cultures.

OHSO has over a billion live cultures (commonly known as probiotics), Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in each bar.

These live cultures are micro-encapsulated within the chocolate, using a specially patented process.

As a result, this delivers live cultures to the gut three times more effectively than probiotic yoghurts, which I find interesting and very helpful, too.

The chocolate also contain dietary fibres, too.

But what's the taste like? 

The 70% Dark Chocolate is utterly delicious! It tastes like the finest milk chocolate you might have previously tried, but without the dairy produce, so it's a perfectly good for the vegans and dairy allergic people in your life.

The 60% Dark Orange Chocolate is every bit as good as as the 70% Dark Chocolate but with a deliciously citrussy tang of genuine Brazilian orange oil, too.

To learn more about OHSO Chocolates please visit https://ohso.com. 

Check out their special gift boxes (with personalisation options) too.

Cocoba helps you celebrate the King's Coronation

Cocoba make all their delectable chocolate gifts and treats in our chocolate factory in Kent. In fact, they've been producing their range of quality chocolates and hot chocolates by hand since 2013.

To mark the King's Coronation and make it a fun celebration for everyone Cocoba has introduced its new DIY Crown kit! Get the whole family into the spirit of the special occasion and create a stunning masterpiece with an assortment of bedazzling ingredients. Each DIY kit comes complete with:

 - 2 x Milk Chocolate Bars 

- 4 x Chocolate Crowns (milk, white and caramel chocolate)

- 1 x Bag of Mini Chocolate Buttons (for melting and sticking)

- 1 x Bag of Sugar Pearls

- 3 x Sachets of Gold Edible Glitter

To decorate, simply melt the chocolate buttons as instructed, then use the melted chocolate to stick the edible decorations onto the chocolate bars and crowns and add a regal finishing touch with a sprinkle of glitter. The perfect light-hearted activity for children and adults alike to enjoy during the royal celebrations!

Next for the Coronation, made from the finest Belgian milk chocolate and topped with a golden caramel chocolate crown, this limited-edition chocolate bar tastes royally delicious (pun intended!) and makes a great treat to enjoy as part celebrations for the King's Coronation. The perfect gift or Coronation party favour!

Finally, completing the trip of Coronation products a smooth Belgian milk chocolate lollipop has been introduced in the shape of a crown. This royal treat is ideal for keeping little ones satisfied during the Coronation celebrations, or great for gifting in party bags!

(cocobachocolate.com)

Here's A Chocolate Bar Fit for The King!

With the King’s Coronation set to be the event of the year, the clever chocolate-addicts at FATSO have created King’s Ransom, a chocolate bar that is as delicious as it is absolutely regal, enrobing the majesty of whole pistachios, crunchy cocoa nibs and with a hint of mint. It’s a Right. Royal. Rhapsody!

FATSO launched in spring of 2022 delivering personality-packed bars of delicious dark chocolate that go against the grain by offering the best high-quality ingredients packed with big flavour combinations and massive chunks, besides.

And of course, the new King’s Ransom flavour is no different, delivering minty-fresh flavours laced with whole pistachios and crunchy cocoa nibs, all set in the finest Colombian dark chocolate (60% cacao). King’s Ransom is aiming to hit the shelves with royal flair this spring as FATSO continues to set the record straight that dark chocolate can have just as much fun as milk with epic, uncompromising deliciousness. 

But even beyond the cacao and chocolate itself, FATSO is embracing the best and most audacious ingredients that break category conventions but retains (and exceeds) consumer expectations for high quality, ethical chocolate. 

All of the bars are packaged in a 100% recyclable box with vegetable-based ink print and a home compostable flow wrap inside, fulfilling FATSO’s motto of MORE CHUNK, MORE FLAVOUR, MORE ETHICS, MORE LOVE, MORE CARE…because MORE MATTERS.  

King’s Ransom, like all of FATSO’s bars, is made with true single-origin, Fino de Aroma certified cacao from family-owned Luker’s Farm in Columbia where ethics, sustainability and quality are at the heart of their business. 

The new King’s Ransom bar is vegan-friendly and will sit alongside FATSO’s three great-tasting flavours, all with their own distinct personalities; Morn’n Glory, Home Run and Nan’s stash. FATSO’s new flavoured dark chocolate bar, King’s Ransom, is available nationwide or visit www.sofatso.com to buy online (RRP £6.50 per 150g bar).

Chocolate and Butter for Lowering Cholesterol and Weight Management

Scientists and doctors from a Cambridge-based company, Lycotec Ltd, have developed a technology which converts all edible fats and oils into lipid-lowering and weight management products.

Moreover, it prevents the accumulation of excessive fat in our body should we succumb to temptation and eat more than we should have done.

This technology explores completely new mechanisms of lipid metabolism in humans.

Based on this, the company has developed new chocolate and butter products which have been tested in double blind, placebo controlled trials.

The results were remarkable in drastic reduction of elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in patient blood – major lipids in our body.

The taste and the texture of the new products are identical to the original, and the cost is 2 pence per day for 1 person.

The ingredients used are safe and accepted by the food industry, and technology implementation does not require specialised or expensive equipment.

According to the founder of Lycotec, Dr. Ivan Petyaev, we now have the means to completely change the negative impact of food fats in our society. Let industry make it happen.

For more information please contact info@lycotec.com

Montezuma's Monkey Around

Montezuma's Chocolate has launched five new half-kilo, bigger than an iPad, 'Monkey Bars' named after Cockney Rhyming slang phrases - as a celebration of all-things British in this Olympic and Jubilee year.

Can you Adam and Eve it? Montezuma's new 'Monkey Bars' are bigger than an iPad!

These half-kilo slabs of great British chocolate take their name from Cockney rhyming slang for '500' and measure an impressive 10" by 6" (25.5cm x 15.5cm, if you really want the metric).

Inspired by a very special year for Britain, when we celebrate both the Royal Jubilee and the Olympics, unwrapping a 500g Monkey Bar at a gathering of family or friends will have their 'mince pies' popping out!

While huge, Monkey Bars do break up into handy 33g blocks, so are easily shared - whether it's for Easter, Father's Day, as an after-dinner treat or even while watching a certain East End sitcom!

There are 5 innovative flavours in all - each decorated with a skyline of London and other iconic symbols of Great Britain, including a traditional phone box, bulldog, Welsh dragon and a Scottish lion:

'Airs & Graces' (meaning 'Races' as in Epsom Races - which is Ecuadorian Dark chocolate with Nougat Pieces); 'Nanny Goat' ('Boat' - Venezuelan Milk Chocolate with Salted Peanuts & Butterscotch); 'Daisy Roots' ('Boots' - Ecuadorian Dark chocolate with Cherry & Almond Slices); 'Adam & Eve' ('Believe' - Venezuelan Milk Chocolate with Orange & Hazelnuts) and 'Shake & Shiver' ('River', as in The Thames - Ecuadorian Dark Chocolate with Peppermint & Cocoa Nibs). RRP is £13.99.

The bars are available from www.montezumas.co.uk and its 5 shops (Brighton, Chichester, Winchester, Kingston-upon-Thames and Spitalfields in London), as well as John Lewis, Whole Foods Market and all good independent fine food stores nationwide.

Monkey Bars are part of Montezuma's 'Great British' range, which also includes 6 traditional pudding-flavoured bars and truffles - including Spotted Dick, Treacle Tart and Apple Crumble.

The Monkey Shoulder Indoor Chocolate Trail With Niko B

Monkey Shoulder Whisky indulge in a subversive take on the traditional Easter egg hunt. Think fewer bunnies, more booze; all in an overgrown, indoor wilderness in the heart of Soho.

This Easter, adults can run riot with their youthful spirit at the Monkey Shoulder Chocolate Trail. Easter eggs are hidden amongst the foliage, which can then be swapped for a bespoke whisky cocktail paired with a handmade chocolate.

Monkey Shoulder is teaming up with London Cocktail Club and chocolatier Niko B to create a range of delicious whisky cocktails accompanied by specially flavoured chocolates. They will also be cracking open barrel-aged cocktails they've had stashed away since the beginning of the year.

Explorers on the Chocolate Trail can wonder the space freely or let the Monkey Shoulder Ambassador Dean Callan guide them through the undergrowth, pointing out the best flavours and garnishes to complement whisky cocktails. Reach inside the hidden spaces to discover something nice...or something nasty... this Easter bunny has a cheeky sense of humour!

Artists and designers like Bobby Peterson, Anna Garforth and a seemingly rebellious Easter bunny have let their imaginations loose on the space with specially grown moss and grass sculptures to give the effect of the outdoors, indoors. After all, why should the kids have all the fun?

The bespoke cocktail recipes and chocolate pairings:
Banana & Sherry Fix with Coffee & Cardamom truffle
50ml Monkey Shoulder
15ml Pedro Ximénez Sherry
15ml Banana Liqueur
25ml Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
25ml Pineapple Juice
25ml Freshly squeezed orange juice
Dash of Angostura bitters

Mix in a shaker, fill with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
This will be paired with - Coffee & Cardamom truffle (a blend of dark and milk chocolate ganache truffle with cardamom infused cream, coffee and vanilla).

Rhubarb & Rose Julep with Lemon , Ginger and Cayenne Pepper truffle
50ml Monkey Shoulder
15ml Sugar syrup
15ml Rose Liqueur
Dash of Rhubarb bitters
Pinch of Mint

Build in a julep tin with crushed ice.
This will be paired with - Lemon , Ginger and Cayenne Pepper truffle ( a dark chocolate ganache truffle with fresh ginger infused cream, lemons and cayenne pepper)

Monkey Jam Sour with Masala Chai truffle
Heaped tea spoon of apricot jam
50ml Monkey Shoulder
25ml Freshly squeezed Lemon juice
15ml Drambuie
15ml Sugar syrup
1 egg white
Dash of Angostura bitters

Mix in a shaker, fill with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass, add twist of orange zest for added aroma.
This will be paired with - Masala Chai truffle (a milk chocolate ganache truffle with star anise infused cream, black tea and chai spices)

Ambassador, Dean Callan says of The Monkey Shoulder Chocolate Trail "The rich and smooth taste of Monkey Shoulder makes it perfect for mixing cocktails, and by pairing drinks with chocolates we can really play around with all the great flavours in the whisky - what better way to treat yourself this Easter?"

Dates: Open to the public from Friday 6th to and including Monday 9th April; 12.00 -7.00pm

The Monkey Shoulder Chocolate Trail is free to attend and discover, drinks are also available to buy.

The pairings will be available at all three London Cocktail Club bars from 30th March -15th April, and at the Monkey Shoulder Chocolate Trail itself at 63 Broadwick St, from 6th -9th April.

Hotel Chocolat To Give Away 190,000 Prizes This Easter!

Luxury British chocolatier and cocoa grower, Hotel Chocolat, is launching its biggest and most exciting promotion yet with 190,000 prizes to be given away in stores across the UK, from 12th March to Easter Sunday.

Customers will be given an exclusive Room Key inviting them to check-in and collect their prize from the nearest Hotel Chocolat store. Every Room Key will win a prize, which also allows customers to enter the Prize Draw – to win an all-expenses-paid, dream holiday to The Hotel Chocolat on the stunning Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

Prizes on offer range from irresistibly cute, bite-sized Egglets, through to Hotel Chocolat’s signature Extra Thick Eggs and the magnificently large Ostrich Eggs – the company’s flagship Easter egg that regularly stuns people into silence!

What’s more, 70 chocolate lovers will win what could be their ultimate dream come true, a year’s supply of chocolates. Customers can also enter the exciting giveaway online at Hotel Chocolat’s Facebook page facebook.com/hotelchocolat and find their nearest store online at www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/stores

Cavalier Launches Healthy Chocolate

What is claimed to be the healthiest chocolate that you can buy has been launched by a premium Belgian chocolate producer Cavalier.

This unique range of over 20 flavours of 100% no added artificial sugar chocolate created using a natural and healthy sweetener Stevia instead of sugar is perfect if you are looking after your waist. It is one of the first products available in the UK which incorporate Stevia since it has been approved by the EU. The guilt free treat has been created without compromising on the celebrated taste, texture and aroma of fine, traditional Belgian chocolate.

Stevia is a 100% natural sweetener that has been used for centuries in countries such as China, Japan, Brazil and Paraguay and was approved for use in the European market at the end of 2011. It is a small green plant that originates from the border between Brazil and Paraguay and produces a very strong sweetener deemed to be 300 times sweeter than ordinary sugar meaning that only a very small amount is used in the creation of this delicious tasting chocolate. In comparison to standard bars, with far less sugar added Cavalier chocolate is therefore packed with additional goodies such as fibres including inulin which, due to their health properties, essentially make the bar healthier.

By only using Stevia as the sweetening property in their chocolate, Cavalier chocolate has twice the amount of fibre than sugar and, with Stevia containing no calories or carbohydrates, it is the ultimate healthy bar of chocolate. The authentic sweet taste of chocolate is retained throughout the products which contain natural antioxidants, fibres, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and iron. It could be an ideal option for diabetics and it is also gluten free.

Cavalier Stevia chocolate comes in a large variety of flavours further to dark, milk and white including dark chocolate with blueberry, milk barley rice crisp and white coconut. The full range of the healthy indulgence is available to buy online from www.chocbox.co.uk, RRP £2.99 for 85g bar and £5.99 for a 4 bar selection (4x42g).

Show them you love them with Baruzzo Fine Chocolates

Baruzzo Fine Chocolate has launched a new box of hand-made chocolates for Valentine's day. The chocolates are heart-shaped, with a smooth salted caramel soft centre and an aromatic powerful dark chocolate coating. The chocolates are hidden in a simple brown box, to conceal them and to help lovers to surprise each other on Valentine's day.

The idea of concealing the surprise inside something non-colourful and non-flashy was inspired by Roald Dahl who once said, “The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”

Raffaella Baruzzo, founder of this young, London-based company, seems to believe that magic can happen: “I wish to prepare something nice for lovers and chocolate lovers. I think giving a secret heart for Valentine's is intimate, meaningful and sweet. Valentine's Day celebrates the sweetest thrill one can experience. We should never forget it: it is a day made of caramel.” (EDITOR: This is probably the most sensible, true thing I have ever read about Valentine's Day!)

The Chocolate Caramel Heart Boxes are available online (www.shop.Baruzzo.co.uk) and in shops. They come in boxes of 5 or 16 pieces. Price starts from £7.50

Introducing The Totally Divine iPhone / iPad App

Now that January is over we can give up the pretence of ever sticking to our New Year's resolutions - so now's the time to download Divine's free app, packed full of delicious chocolate recipes (& much more)!

Divine, the farmer-owned chocolate company, is delighted to announce the launch of the new Divine Chocolate App for the iPhone and iPad. The Divine App is free to download and is a fresh and exciting new way for chocolate lovers to discover the world of Divine - it's packed with exclusive video content, irresistible recipes created by chocolate experts & celebrity chefs, and includes a Google Map guide to your nearest Divine stockist for when you're out and about. In addition it tells the unique story of Divine, the company co-owned by cocoa farmers in Ghana.

Search for 'Divine App' on the App Store (in the Lifestyle category). It's free to download.

Created for Divine by creative agency Uber London, the Divine App was designed to bring a little Divine happiness to every Smartphone and iPad - with exclusive features for those who love baking with chocolate.

There is a diverse selection of recipes for cooks of all standards, including a heavenly white chocolate cheesecake, an old fashioned chocolate pudding, chocolate & cherry torte, a chocolate fudge cake created for Divine by Tom Aikens, healthy chocolate pots created for Divine by Ian Marber aka The Food Doctor, a seriously tempting sticky peanut butter cake created by Linda Collister, author of the recipebook accompanying BBC2's Great British Bake Off ... and lots more. The Divine App will be updated periodically with new recipes and features, including great seasonal ideas using Divine.

With the Divine App to hand you will always be able to find your nearest Divine stockist wherever you are in the UK, be it a supermarket or an independent deli, wholefoods store or gift shop. Divine is found in many surprising outlets so this feature will be an invaluable tool when searching for your next Divine treat or ingredients for one of the Divine recipes. iPhone users can also add the name and address of a Divine stockist if they find one that's not yet listed.

The app also features a Quick Tips section of short and informative videos demonstrating some chocolate baking basics. These include essential kit, melting chocolate, ingredients, and greaseproofing.

www.divinechocolate.com

Sassy & debauched: the ultimate Valentine’s Day indulgence for Britain’s busy women

Pretty Idle Artisan Chocolates

Need a little last minute luxury for the gorgeous, busy woman in your life this Valentine’s Day? Or celebrating solo and want to lose yourself in a universe of shamelessly selfish indulgence? New British luxury relaxation label, Pretty Idle, is here to save the day with its first blissed-out collection of artisan chocolates.

Presented in a sumptuous drawer-style box with a black velvet tab, each chocolate sparkles for attention and has been individually created by Pretty Idle’s own London-based chocolatier, Madame Coco, using her personal favourite flavour-combinations from around the globe. These chocolates are unapologetically sassy, shamelessly indulgent and deliciously immoral. A veritable treasure trove of chocolate hedonism, designed for women by women, the box contains twelve opulent treats:

Pretty Idle Spice – A secret blend of decadent spices in velvety dark chocolate
Gem de la Mer – Sexy sea-salted caramel encased in shimmering milk chocolate
Passion Rocks – Glitzy little squares of indulgent passion-fruit praline
Boozy Floozy – Fabulously retro cognac and raisin in deep, dark chocolate
Ooh La La – Sumptuous layers of Parisian praline, feuilletine and white chocolate
Ruby Rouge – Raspberry ganache with a shameless pinch of saffron

Pretty Idle Artisan Chocolates are available exclusively from http://www.PrettyIdle.com for £18. Order by 11 February for guaranteed UK delivery for Valentine’s Day.

Inspired by the vintage Hollywood glamour of Marilyn Monroe and Mae West, spiked with a cheeky modern twist of style, wit and an inherent understanding of what it feels like for a girl, Pretty Idle is Britain’s newest luxury relaxation label, dedicated to delivering slivers of bliss to busy women who spend their lives putting others first.

Created by ultimate busy girl, Jacqueline Day, and award-winning West End performer, Frances Ruffelle, Pretty Idle is here to bring hedonism into your homes with little touches of opulence that make all the hard work worthwhile.

2012 will see the label launch its exclusive first collection of limited edition chill-out accessories such as cashmere blankets and socks and luxe aromatherapy candles and bath oils, all designed and created in the UK. Discover more at http://www.PrettyIdle.com

Make Easter Special With Thorntons

2012 is set to be the year of Rule Britannia and to celebrate, Britain's favourite chocolatier Thorntons is this Easter launching its delicious Great British Puds Eggs.

Combining Britain's best loved chocolate eggs with some of the nation's favourite desserts, the collection includes Eton Mess, Banoffee Pie and Lemon Meringue Pie, all available in Thorntons' store and online for RRP £14.99. The striking shell design, made up of real fruit pieces bursting with authentic flavour, makes these eggs the ideal Easter gift for any dessert lover.

The Lemon Meringue Egg is a white chocolate shell infused with natural lemon oil, decorated on the front with real lemon and meringue pieces, creating a crunchy texture and sweet zesty flavour.

The Eton Mess Egg is made from Thorntons tasty chocolate, with bursts of berry flavour making it truly reminiscent of the classic dessert. The pink shell is strawberry flavoured and the raspberry and meringue pieces in the front give that special finishing touch.

The Banoffee Pie Egg is a chunky milk chocolate egg with banana slices in the front, coupled with Thorntons very own Special Toffee, together with Special Toffee inclusions in the shell for that extra indulgence. Did you know that Banoffee Pie was created in East Sussex in 1972?

For those looking for the ultimate bespoke Easter gift, there is the new Thorntons Perfect Egg RSP £7.99. Featuring a half milk chocolate egg shell, chocolate lovers can choose to fill it with their 12 favourite Thorntons' chocolates and it will then be beautifully gift wrapped in store, giving that extra special personal touch this Easter.

Thorntons first ever chocolatier created the Thorntons Continental range in 1954 and it is still the chocolatier's most popular box of chocolates sixty years on. For the second year running it is available as the Continental Egg - an elegantly decorated milk chocolate egg packaged with a box of Continental chocolates. New for 2012, those looking for the ultimate indulgence can choose the stunning Continental Statement Egg (RRP £24.99), which features a triple layer of chocolates and is presented in a glamorous display case box.

There are many more fantastic products in the Easter range, with an array of ice-able eggs and little gifts to ensure Thorntons customers young and old enjoy a special Easter together this year.

Thorntons celebrated its 100th birthday in 2011.
Thorntons is the number one 'Chocolate and Confectionery' brand and the number 20 overall brand in the UK according to Superbrands' latest research.
Established by Joseph William Thornton in 1911, Thorntons is one of the UK's oldest chocolate retailers, headquartered in Derbyshire with more than 4,000 employees.
Thorntons has nearly 600 stores, including franchises across the country, as well as a strong direct (www.thorntons.co.uk) and commercial business, supplying all major supermarkets.
Products range from gift selections, chocolate blocks to toffee and ice cream.
Keith Hurdman is Thorntons' award winning Master Chocolatier. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Keith is an unusual phenomenon for the British chocolate industry as a homegrown talent with extensive training with some of Europe's finest confectioners and chocolatiers in Belgium, Switzerland and France. He is now widely recognised as one of the UK's most talented chocolatiers and in 2011 was crowned Joint Chocolatier of the Year by the Academy of Chocolate.
In 2011, Thorntons won four Academy of Chocolate Gold Awards for its Tonka bar and Centenary filled chocolates Raspberry & Rose, Vanilla Caramel and Crunchy Praline.

Chief Chocolate Officer Gerry Spreads Christmas Cheer With Extreme Chocolate Truffle Making Demo On YouTube

Gerry Wilton, chief chocolate officer at events company Chocolate Delight, is aiming to spread a little Christmas cheer with his extreme chocolate truffle making video posted on youtube.

In the video, Gerry whisks up chocolate truffles in his own inimitable style while singing instructions to the tune of Mack the Knife, prompting one bemused commenter to write: "I tried this - my hair is now silky soft - thank you."

You can see Gerry's extreme chocolate making video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd8qu0dAsqU


Who is Gerry? As well as heading events company Chocolate Delight, Gerry owns and runs the Chocolate Boutique Hotel, named one of the six best novelty hotels in the world by the Sunday Times Travel Magazine.

Chocolate Delight holds chocolate-themed teambuilding events and challenges for many of the UK's leading companies and brands.

www.chocolatedelight.co.uk/corporate-chocolate-events.html

Gerry is currently in the Caribbean, teaching passengers on board a cruise ship the art of chocolate truffle making.

Founded in 2004 by the Wilton family, Chocolate Delight was one of the first companies to have a commercial chocolate fountain in the UK and quickly established itself as the leading chocolate fountain hire company. It was soon called on by corporates, event companies and celebrities to provide fountains for functions such as film premieres and weddings, including Peter and Jordan's.

In 2006, the Wilton family saw the opportunity to expand and bought a beautiful but outdated 19th century grade II listed hotel. Christmas 2007 saw the renovation of the building and it became The Chocolate Boutique Hotel, the world's first chocolate themed hotel. Today, Chocolate Delight is one of the most successful UK chocolate companies in its field and holds Chocolate Workshops across the country. Its Corporate Chocolate Teambuilding events commenced late in 2005 and are now run all over the UK and more recently in Europe. Last year saw Chocolate Delight in Spain, France, Austria and Switzerland.