Mars may have the chocolate market saturated, but for those that like the real, refined taste of gourmet chocolate in its purist form then take a look at these companies.
Divine Chocolate and Fair Trade
Divine Chocolate is the only Fair Trade chocolate which is almost half owned by the farmers. This means they have a direct impact on how the chocolate is produced. Divine's chocolates are made from the very best cocoa nurtured and hand picked by cocoa farmers in Ghana, a country that has produced chocolate for over 150 years. The actual cocoa trees grow in the shade of the rainforest and this allows Divine to combine the cocoa beans and butter with entirely natural ingredients, allowing the full chocolate flavour to come through. The result is a terrific selection of milk, dark and white products that are affordable but still luxury.
Rococo Chocolates Offer Something Different
Rococo Chocolates, a London-based company, stand out from the gourmet chocolate brands, through exquisite presentation and packaging reproduced from an 1850s French catalogue of chocolate moulds. Taste-wise, Rococo offer something that transcends the ordinary –jasmine tea bars, Arabian spices, cardamom and sultry rich truffles to name just a few. Rococo products are lovingly crafted but not too esoteric. Rococo now use more of their own organic beans from their Grococo plantation in Grenada to create an intense, fruity and authentic backdrop.
Savarin's: Home to Finest UK and European Artisan Chocolates
Savarin's is home to a definitive collection of chocolate products from the best small scale artisan makers in the UK and the best bars in Europe from France, Italy and England. Among its range is Amedei and Valhrona, who have vied for the title of the best chocolate maker in the world, as well as lesser lights such as Lauden, currently dispelling the myth that all the best artisan chocolate in the UK is made in London.
Galler Luxury Belgian Chocolates
Galler Chocolates runs its business on three principles – a passion for chocolate, a love of perfection and a striving for continual creativity. The buzzword for the company is pure cocoa and the process from cocoa bean to chocolate is the most detailed of any luxury chocolate brand. The results are divine. Galler is a ‘Belgian Royal Warrant Holder’ and also has a counter at the prestigious Harrods store. Standout products include cocoa coated truffles, a variety of artisan pralines, the Elements Gift range and the Galler gourmet hamper.
Chocolate Trading Company a One Stop Shop of Best Gourmet Chocolates
Recommended by BBC Good Food Magazine, the Chocolate Trading Company offers one of the most complete online resources for chocolate carefully chosen from around the world. The company’s partnership with specialist chocolatiers in the Single Estate field such as Michel Cluizel, shows its commitment to excellence. The Chocolate Trading Company is a one-stop shop to artisan chocolate with some of the leading Gourmet brands, including Amedei, Domori, Pralus and Venchi.
The Hand Made and Luxury L'Artisan du Chocolat
At Artisan du Chocolat, each chocolate is conched, refined and handcrafted from ground cocoa beans in its atelier in Kent. There are two classic shops in London, and the company also has concessions in the world famous Selfridges store. Artisan was voted the best UK chocolatier at the first World Chocolatier Awards. The firm is famous for its brilliant liquid-salted caramels and unique assortment boxes.
Serenata Chocolates Offers Online Quality and Range
Serenata Chocolates is a luxury online gift-giving service that features some very authentic selections of praline, truffles, marzipan and quality dark, milk and white chocolate. All budgets are catered for, ranging from under £15 to just below £50. The quality of the brands is key, with master chocolatiers from Belgium featuring prominently as well as some English gourmet collections. The selection boxes are beautifully presented too. The site is simple to order from and swift on delivery time
