This Week's Editor's Choice
Sptember 1, 2010
Equal Exchange
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I’m a big proponent of fairly traded goods. I appreciate companies that recognize their power to make a difference in the world through their products and their contributions. When I received samples from Equal Exchange, a company that creates fair-trade chocolate, I was blown away -- not only by the decadence of their chocolate bars, but also by their impressive marketing materials that delve into their strong support for cacao farmers.
Equal Exchange’s farmers belong to co-ops, which empowers them and allow them to be actively involved in business and make decisions about projects that will improve their communities. The company makes their chocolate products with cacao supplied from these farmers, located in the Dominican Republic, Peru and Panama, as well as sugar from co-ops in Costa Rica and Paraguay and vanilla from a farmer association in Madagascar. All ingredients are organic and fairly traded, and the bars contain to additives or artificial flavorings.
Through their partnerships with these local farmers, Equal Exchange has helped impoverished communities make improvements, such as installing wells for drinking water. The company also works toward eradicating child labor in the chocolate industry. (Visit www.equalexchange.coop/child-labor-in-the-cocoa-industry for more information.)
These sweet facts make the chocolate taste that much better. I have so far tried the Organic Orange Dark Chocolate bar -- needless to say, it was love at first bite. I’m eager to try the other flavors as well. Visit www.equalexchange.coop to learn more.
- Ashley Trent
Click here to find out more about this week's Editor's Choice.
On Our Cover
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1. Gearharts Fine Chocolates (434/972-9100
or www.gearhartschocolates.com)
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News/Notes
NCA Predicts 2010-2011 Trends
As the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010 began last week, the National Confectionary Association predicted the leading product trends for 2010/2011. They include:
- Chocolate-Covered Everything - America's love for chocolate cannot be stopped as manufacturers look for more and more delicious treats to cover with chocolate.
- Twisted Traditions - New twists on classic candies are beloved by consumers who find comfort in familiar brands but want to try new and innovative ways to enjoy their favorite snacks.
- Up in the Air - Snacking practically takes flight as aerated confections or lighter than air treats hit the shelves.
- REAL Good - Today's consumer focus on natural and wholesome ingredients has not gone unnoticed by the confectionery and snack industry. Honey as an ingredient and as a flavor harkens back to the origins of sweetened confections; products containing real fruit juice, all natural ingredients and some addressing other health concerns have also been introduced.
- The Galloping Gourmet - Snacks and confections are little pleasures to be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle. Companies continue to introduce a variety of gourmet delights.
- Fresh-N-Fruity - Bursting on the scene with fresh and powerful flavors are candies and gums in show-stopping varieties.
- Dark and Dreamy - Dark chocolate has been increasing in popularity for years and new product introductions have played a big part in the expansion of the category.
Additional post-show coverage will be coming soon.
