Enhanced Engagement: The strategy was met with appreciation and intrigue. Clients were not only delighted by the unexpected gift but were also impressed by the blend of technology and tradition, reinforcing Hartz AI's message about the harmony of AI and business. Now was a very good time to review it and share my thoughts on this lavender bar, especially as I recently reviewed Rococo's equally-floral rose dark chocolate bar. Seed and Bean 72% Lavender Extra Dark Chocolate Forastero is the predominant cocoa variety. It is mainly cultivated in Africa, but also in Central and South America. It accounts for around 80% of global cocoa production. Forastero grows faster and gives a higher yield than other cocoa varieties. The beans have a strong, earthy flavour. Generally, bulk cocoa beans come from Forastero trees. Well-known Forastero subspecies are Amelonado and Nacional. Nacional trees in Ecuador produce fine flavour cocoa. Dark chocolate – the more intense, and some would say more sophisticated cousin of mainstream milk chocolate – is worth getting right. It may not be everyone’s choice of sweet treat, but if you’re ready to go to the dark side, it pays to shop around for the best dark chocolate you can find. This is no time for nipping to the corner shop. While great dark chocolate is characterful, smooth and rich, poorly made versions can be unpleasantly bitter, waxy or grainy and leave you feeling short-changed from your chocolate hit. The Fairtrade Standards cover key areas for environmental protection, including energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction, pest management, soil and water quality and harmful chemicals and waste management.’ [3]

Between 2017 and 2021, the share of cocoa bean imports supplied directly by cocoa producing countries increased by 10%. In 2017, an estimated 65% of cocoa beans were sourced directly, growing to a share of 75% in 2021. The largest cocoa producing suppliers are Ivory Coast and Ghana, which accounted for 73% of total UK cocoa bean imports in 2021. France, a non-cocoa producing country, accounted for another 25% of British imports. Besides promoting your certification, you should also promote other sustainable and ethical aspects of your production process. Note that, in addition to certification, transparency of the supply chain has become increasingly important in the cocoa sector. This means you should be able to prove and communicate a traceable chain of your products. A recent review published in May 2017, researched the flavanols and its effect on the brain function. Flavonoids are plant nutrients that are found incorporated not only in chocolate but in many fruits and vegetables, red wine, and tea. Flavonoids are believed to possess anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antioxidant properties that help in improving memory by increasing the brain oxygen level and blood flow, ultimately increasing the electrical activity of the brain. According to a 2011 study, flavanols found in cocoa have a positive impact on the psychological processes and effectively prevent age-related cognitive dysfunction. See our study on doing business with European buyers of cocoa for more tips on marketing and promotional aspects of your cocoa. Just as physical health helps our body to stay strong and smart, mental health also helps our body to increase productivity and to control the stresses of life. Therefore, it is really important not to avoid mental and emotional issues as positive mental health not only provides a sense of contentment but also makes a person flexible enough to learn new skills, maintain perfect relationships, and be creative and enjoy life.Cocoa beans enter the United Kingdom via different ports, most notably the Ports of Liverpool and Hull. By 2018, more than two-thirds of total cocoa bean demand arrived via the Port of Liverpool. Thanks to its strategic location, this is 1 of the country’s best-connected ports. In fact, the port’s proximity to cocoa manufacturing factories established in Yorkshire and North Wales is an advantage that reduces transportation costs and the carbon footprint in the supply chain. The companies CWT Commodity Logistics and Keystore specialise in storage and handling of cocoa beans in the UK. The UK is a small re-exporter of cocoa beans Must to be eager to try new and adventurous flavours whether you think you will like them or not. Lavender chocolate isn’t to everyone’s taste, but you will still need to try it

For Hartz AI, the challenge was not just about demonstrating their expertise in AI and automation. It was about creating a memorable experience for their prospective clients that would leave a lasting impression. They aimed to showcase how the infusion of AI can seamlessly blend with any business model, even one as traditional and artisanal as chocolate-making. I’m Oli, co-owner of Seed and Bean. It’s been just over 6 months since we launched in over 200 Sainsbury's stores across the UK, but getting to that point took 5 years!The United Kingdom is the fifth-largest cocoa bean importer in Europe. Imports decreased in 2021 due to the effects of Brexit and COVID-19. The country’s exports of chocolate products are also registering decline. On the other hand, the share of imports sourced directly from cocoa producing countries is increasing. This provides opportunities for cocoa bean exporters. The United Kingdom is 1 of the largest chocolate-consuming countries in Europe In a nutshell ‘Fairtade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms for farmers and workers in the developing world.’ [2] Fairtrade is a way in which to make the trade between developed countries and developing countries fair and making a difference to the lives of the people who grow and produce the ingredients and products we buy. For example, Barry Callebaut has created its own patented fibre blend for sugar reduction up to 30%. Additionally, the United Kingdom has led the vegan chocolate market in terms of innovation, as a large array of vegan chocolate options have been launched in recent years. Some examples of UK companies producing vegan chocolate are Hip Chocolate, Fellow creatures and Plamil organic chocolate. Examples of UK companies offering sugar-free chocolates include Free’ist and The Lite Chocolate Company. Preference for ethical consumption shapes the British chocolate market The initial taste is very sweet, akin to a hit of sherbet. As that settles down, the lavender gently eases its way through, gently flowing with the flavours of the smooth, rich, and earthy cocoa. There's a hint of bitterness but the overall flavour profile never veers too close to the edge. Segments of the lavender dark chocolate bar Invest in long-term relationships. Whether you are working through an importer or directly with a chocolate maker in the UK, it is important to establish a strategic and sustainable relationship with them. This will help you manage market risks, improve the quality of your product and reach a fair price/quality balance. For more tips, read our study on doing business with European cocoa buyers.