HomeA Look InsideFoodserviceGiftsContact UsNewsletterRecipes
  My Account

 

Calendar of Events

January: Fancy Food Show (San Francisco) – January 22-24th

****Look for more updated events and information in this section coming soon! ****

Advertisements

We are currently running ads in the following publications for 2005

Santè
Pastry Art and Design
Food Arts
Hotel Food and Beverage
Club Management

Publication Ads

Promotions

As an added benefit to you our customers, we have monthly and seasonal promotions! Every month we run at least one promotion that will save you money on one of our popular items. Call today (661) 257-3700 or (800) 818-2462 to find out what this months promotions are.

Catalog Schedule

Our latest catalog available is our Holiday and New Years 2005 publication. There are over 20 new products.
Catalog Forecast:
Look for two catalogs that will be coming out in 2006:
Main/Spring Catalog
Fall/Holiday Catalog

Download Main Catalog Here
Request a Catalog Here

Marketing Facts / Trends

Interesting Chocolate Facts:

  • Chocolate is America's favorite flavor. A recent survey revealed that 52% of U.S. adults said they like chocolate best.
  • U.S. chocolate manufacturers use about 3.5 million pounds of whole milk every day to make chocolate.
  • Older children are significantly more likely to prefer chocolate than younger children (59% of 9-11 year-olds prefer chocolate vs. 46 % of 6-8 year-olds), according to an NCA survey.
  • Some types of cocoa powder and chocolate are rich sources of antioxidant compounds which may be beneficial to the heart and arteries

(National Confectioners Association (NCA) at Candyusa.com)

Chocolate Trends:

No doubt about it — chocolate is still a top choice. Based on the combined analysis of ACNielsen’s Homescan and Scantrak information, sales are up 6 percent over last year. That translates to the average American spending $72.73 in this category over the 12-month period.

Not only are sales fueled by enthusiasm for taste and indulgence, but also from increasing evidence that chocolate can provide some health benefits. Here’s some background on this unique — and varied — product, derived from the cacao bean, which was first cultivated more than 3,000 years ago by the Mayans and Aztecs.

Chocolate: Chock-full of good things

Research continues to show that chocolate contains potent little packages of health-conferring chemicals. It may prevent free-radical damage through its rich antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and heart disease, enhance our immune system, and give us a feeling of well-being. Cocoa also contains one of the highest natural sources of magnesium, which has been proven beneficial for cardiovascular health and hypertension.

Like some other plant foods, chocolate is chock-full of a wide range of antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, including the procyanidins epicatechin and catechin. Fruit, vegetables, wine and tea have polyphenolic flavonoids as well but, amazingly, polyphenols are found in much higher abundance in chocolate and cocoa. The amount of polyphenols in milk chocolate is equivalent to that of five servings of fruits and vegetables. The following is the measurement of the polyphenol content in 1.25 ounces of cocoa products:

• Milk chocolate: 300 mg
• Dark chocolate: 700 mg
• Cocoa powder: 1,300 mg

Why chocolate makes you feel good

OK, so it contains some good nutrition, but why does chocolate make you feel good?

Sometimes we get these intense cravings for chocolate. We’re feeling moody and irritable, even depressed, but once we eat some good chocolate, we feel better.

It turns out that chocolate is a mood-enhancer. It contains phenethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins, opiate-like compounds that dull pain and give a sense of well-being. Additionally, chocolate can also boost brain levels of serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter, especially in women (who tend to be more sensitive.

(Portions taken from: “Sweet! Tasty trends in the world of chocolate MSNBC Today”)

Chefs Creations | Sales & Marketing | From Rena | New Products
Part of Our Team | News Bites | Recipes | Retail Line | Chocolations Index



Home | A Look Inside | Foodservice | Gifts | Contact Us | Newsletter | Recipes

© 2008 Chocolates à la Carte, Inc.