Retailers and chocoholics are looking forward to the results of a technological breakthrough that could see the development of heat-resistant chocolate. Global chocolate company Cadbury has filed a patent for a new chocolate that can resist heat for up to 40 degrees Celsius. The new chocolate will allow easier storage and transport, and enhance sales in the summer months when the temperature exceeds 33.8 degrees Celsius, the melting point of chocolate. A patent for a chocolate bar that will not melt... ...Read more »

Cadbury has launched a television, print and digital campaign to support new varieties of its dairy milk Mousse range – a chocolate experience designed especially for women. The two new Mousse flavours  -  Raspberry Chocolate and Double Chocolate  -  are the next two products described as coming from the mythical land of Joyville, made especially for women. The two new 15 second television commercials – one for each flavour – were developed by Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney and... ...Read more »

Australia’s original chocolate cafe, Max Brenner, is continuing to spread its unique culture across Australia with a series of marketing partnerships with hotels. Building on its already strong brand presence, thanks to its 28 Chocolate Bars located throughout the States of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, Max Brenner has teamed up with a selection of premium hotels to extend its existing marketing platform. The hotels that currently have special deals... ...Read more »

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a new study that gives scientific validation to health claim that consumption of dark chocolate improves blood circulation. EFSA is the EU’s scientific assessor of food regulatory standards. Its responsibilities include independent scientific assessment of health claims in relation to any food sold in Europe. The particular health claim in question was contained in an application made to EFSA by one of Europe’s leading chocolate manufacturers,... ...Read more »

The iconic Australian chocolate and confectionery brand Darrell Lea has been placed into voluntary administration by its directors. The company, started 85 years ago by the same family from a small factory under the first arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, now has 69 stores owned or licensed across Australia, whilst its well-known products are sold in more than 1,800 retail outlets in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The business employs about 700 people. Insolvency specialists PPB Advisory... ...Read more »

Nestlé is using zero gravity research to develop its understanding of the foam technology used in its products. The study could help Nestlé scientists create better air bubbles in chocolate, coffee, dairy and pet food. Scientists at the Nestlé Research Center in Switzerland are working with the European Space Agency (ESA) on foam experiments designed to produce the ‘perfect’ bubble. Bubbles are added to products, such as chocolate mousse and coffee froth, to make the right texture or consistency. The... ...Read more »

Nestlé has responded to a Fair Labor Association (FLA) report, compiled in November 2011, which found that Nestlé’s cocoa supply chain included the use of child labour in the Ivory Coast. Nestlé has said that it will work with its partner, the International Cocoa Initiative, a foundation that works with the cocoa industry, civil society and trade unions, to set up a new monitoring and remedy scheme recommended by the FLA. In a media release last week, Nestlé and its partners state that they... ...Read more »

Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has recalled batches of its Macro Wholefoods chocolate products because they contain milk without the required declaration on the product label. The products in question were sold in Woolworths, Safeway, Flemings, and Food for Less supermarkets in NSW and interstate. The recalled products and batches are: - Macro Wholefoods Market Dark Chocolate Santas, 80g, 6 individual Santa shaped lactose free chocolates, all ‘best before’ dates sold between... ...Read more »

Following the announcement of its “Joyville” marketing campaign last month, today Cadbury Dairy Milk has announced the launch of its new product “Marvellous Creations” chocolate block as the next chapter of the “Joyville”campaign. Advertising commercials two weeks ago introduced Australian audiences to the Joyville concept with Cadbury Dairy Milk focusing the ad on how and where the chocolate is made. In its new commercials, Cadbury Dairy Milk unveils “Marvellous Creations”... ...Read more »

Rapidly increasing chocolate consumption in developing countries, along with instability in cacao growing areas are leading to a chocolate supply crisis. According to Professor Guest, from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, the current threats to cacao production include ageing plantations, poorly trained farmers and poorly managed trees, dependence on a narrow genetic base and crop substitution where cacao is replaced by maize because of the demand for bioethanol. Cacao... ...Read more »