Our weekly roundup of chocolate related news, politics and products. See what’s happened every Sunday.
What Lies Behind the Beards
This multipart post about the Mast Brothers early years on DallasFood.org asks direct questions about their history and their product… and out comes the PR. Even if you know, or think you know, it’s well worth the read. Go start at Part 1!
Chocolate Sandwich Slices
Individually wrapped chocolate slices courtesy of Japan. They’re probably gross, but think of the gross possibilities!
Shade Grown Cacao
I am not good with plants. I’m actually killing a ficus tree (not on purpose) right now. This article on shade-grown cacao talks about the benefits of this kind of growing, one being their value to connoisseurs.
Nigeria’s grinders face extinction
While Nigeria is a major cacao producer their domestic grinding factories look like they’re ready to completely close. Part of the fallout from economic shakiness and the rising price of cacao.
Nestlé’s 100% sustainability
Nestlé UK and Irish chocolate will be from their “100% sustainable Nestlé Cocoa Plan” starting January 1st. This is their own plan that’s been third-party certified. (How come every time I write “Nestlé” I get suspicious? Oh wait… Planet Earth. Right.)
Chocolate Putin, again
The US Military unveiled this life-size (actually 5 foot) chocolate Santa at a ball in NYC. Very impressive. Chocolate Putin laughs at you, puny Santa. If someone loses their temper the Cold War could bloom all over again.
That’s all the news for this week! See you next Sunday.
Chris/Vancouver
Being the son of a chocolatier Chris has always enjoyed talking about chocolate as much as he loves eating it. He’s an artist and designer as well as a co-founder of the Chocolate Codex.