Expressions Fine Chocolate — Meeting the Growing Demand for Gourmet Chocolates and Confections

Chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world, long enjoyed for its wonderful taste. The cocoa butter in chocolate is unique because it melts at mouth temperature, slowly releasing rich chocolate flavor during eating. In addition to its savored taste, researchers are discovering new
information about this cherished treat.¹

Growing Demand

A greater awareness of chocolate’s nutritional content is thought to be behind the growing trend in the candy. Consumer tastes are also becoming increasingly influenced by health and wellness, both dieters and those concerned about cardiovascular issues are more interested in the potential health benefits of dark chocolate.

Consumers in the United States are also seeking more luxury from their consumption choices to satisfy their increasing lifestyle aspirations. This, together with a trend towards rising affluence, added time pressures and stress, causes them to trade up to indulgent, luxury items such as premium chocolates.

The value of super-premium chocolate is forecast to rise from $670 million in 2004 to $850 million in 2009. American consumers are now following in the footsteps of European consumers who are more likely to enjoy gourmet chocolate as part of their daily routine and not just for a special occasion.²

Why is Dark Chocolate Healthy?

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants.

Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.³

Fine Chocolate

Expressions Fine Chocolate – an artisan producer of fine chocolates and candy - is helping to satisfy the growing demand for this candy and dessert delicacy. As a chocolatier, the owner, Valerie Meyers, trained under a master French pastry chef to develop her skills in quality chocolate design. She came up with what she considers the perfect truffle; European size at about 9-10 grams each, only Callebaut covertures, simple ganaches, chocolate cream, flavor (espresso, champagne, etc.) and whipped to an extra light and creamy texture. In addition, Expressions Fine Chocolate added the original Florentine recipes from Europe which call for candied fruit in the recipe. Substituting pecan pieces for fruit and adding honey, butter, sugar, cream, and natural almond slices and then dipping it in Callebaut, this American friendly recipe was a huge success.

Five years later, Expressions Fine Chocolate offers a full candy line, with peanut brittle, toffee, candied and roasted nuts, turtles, and dark chocolate. Perfect for the holidays and beyond, giant caramel and candied apples, each weighing about 1.5 lbs and creamy ancho caramel, dipped in milk chocolate, then rolled in toasted pecans. Gift baskets are available and include chocolate covered coffee beans, chocolate covered cocoa nibs, fudge, truffles, Florentines, turtles, and chocolate covered cherries. All Expressions Fine Chocolate products are made by hand and the gift boxes come from Europe - gold lined, with assorted colors of pink, blue, brown, and green. Perfect for parties, weddings, as an after dinner indulgence – offer a small truffle sampling as a dessert or garnish a premium cup of coffee with a fine piece of chocolate.

Expressions Fine Chocolates are available through the Sysco Chef Ex program. For more information please visit www.expressionsfinechocolate.com

¹ Source: Chocolate USA – National Confectioners Association
² Source: Convenience Store News - April 20, 2006
³ Source: Chocolate USA – National Confectioners Association

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