Premium Chocolate Readily Available Thanks to Major Confectioners
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The days of shopping in a true
boutique for high-priced boutique or gourmet chocolate may be a thing of the
past. America's leading chocolate manufacturers are jumping into the "premium"
or "boutique" chocolate category and their clout with retailers and national
distribution are making luxurious chocolate more of an affordable treat
accessible to a mass consumer audience.
The Hershey Company, America's largest confectionery company, recently
purchased two boutique chocolate manufacturers, Scharffen Berger Chocolate
Maker and Joseph Schmidt Confections, as its way of getting a foothold in the
fast growing gourmet chocolate category. Another confectionery giant, Russell
Stover Candies, has launched Private Reserve, a gourmet chocolate line that
complements the other premium chocolate assortments it's been offering for
more than 80 years. Other prominent confectioners with premium/boutique
chocolate brands include Campbell's Soup (Godiva), M&M Mars (Ethel M) and
Lindt & Sprungli (Ghirardelli).
What exactly is "premium" or "boutique" chocolate? Although there is no
single definition, Chocolatier magazine notes that it is frequently made in
small batches with single origin beans and other organic ingredients. Dark
chocolate with a high cocoa content, often as high as 70 percent cocoa, exotic
flavors that highlight fruits and nuts and prices that average $1.50 or more
an ounce are common in today's premium chocolates.
The fact that the leading American confectioners are becoming more
involved with gourmet chocolate is an indication of the growth potential in
this category. "Chocolate has become the newest product for connoisseurs,"
explains John O'Hara, Vice President of Marketing for Russell Stover Candies.
"Millions of consumers are now selecting chocolate as they would wine, artisan
bread or other premium food items. For many consumers, the traditional candy
bar is being replaced by premium chocolate and that's great news for Russell
Stover."
The gourmet chocolate category began changing, however, even before
companies like Hershey arrived on the scene. Godiva Chocolatier, its gourmet
chocolate once found exclusively in upscale shopping locations, began moving
in a new direction by offering its products to mass merchants in the past few
years. Consumers may be surprised to know that, today, premium Godiva
chocolates can be found at many national retail chains and discount stores,
including your neighborhood Sam's Club.
These additional channels of retail distribution will positively affect
consumers in many ways. For the first time, every consumer will have access
to many of the top gourmet chocolate offerings available. This increase in
competition will also lead to more competitive pricing among chocolate
manufacturers who have often tried to convince consumers that "the more it
costs, the better it tastes."
Russell Stover Candies is one confectioner who believes that more
affordable pricing will benefit all chocolate consumers. "We believe that the
majority of today's gourmet chocolates are unaffordable to the average
consumer," explains O'Hara. "Our Private Reserve line will help
illustrate that premium gourmet chocolate doesn't have to cost an arm and a
leg. Russell Stover Candies has always believed that value is important to our
consumer. We all benefit when consumers are able to enjoy great-tasting
chocolates at an affordable price."
Looking to pick up a box of gourmet chocolates on your way home this
evening? Not to worry. You can probably find them at a store near you.
SOURCE Russell Stover Candies
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Related links:
http://www.russellstover.com
CONTACT:
John O'Hara of Russell Stover Candies,
+1-314-725-3069
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