Flavor of the Month: Don't take Chocolate for Granted

"This may be a mature market, but it's also one that isn't afraid to innovate, whether that means using savory influences such as bacon and cheese or ethnic flavors such as curry and chipotle," he continues. "This bold creativity effectively provides chocolate products that satisfy diverse consumer palates at reasonable prices."

"While traditionally considered an ingredient for sweets, chocolate can be found in a variety of culinary applications," says Courtney LeDrew, marketing manager for Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate, Lititz, Pa.

"Chocolate is, and always has been, a top flavor in bakery. Consumers are purchasing chocolaty, indulgent, comforting baked goods such as whoopie pies, chocolate chip cookies and brownies.  The flavors bring back warm childhood memories and satisfy that sweet tooth."  

LeDrew also notes the increase in chocolate and savory combinations. "This can range from cocoa nib-encrusted scallops seared in cocoa butter to chocolate raspberry vinaigrette on a green salad," she explains. "Savory chocolate bars and confections are more common: Not only can you find a bacon chocolate bar in your local candy shop, you might also see a chocolate porcini mushroom truffle or a basil thyme confection."

Cargill, which carries a full line of chocolate and cocoa ingredients under multiple brands, can assist manufacturers in developing products to meet this need. "We recently launched a new product in our Peter's Chocolate product line: 62 percent cocoa solid gourmet chocolate chips," she says. "They are bittersweet chips with a smooth, rounded flavor and intense chocolate impact that's perfect for a rich ganache or high quality baked goods."

Asked what food categories he expects to be opportune for cocoa and chocolate products this year, Hans Vriens, chief innovation officer for Barry Callebaut chose two. "The bakery and ice cream segments will be in the limelight this year. Manufacturers in the two different segments will have to find unique ways to differentiate themselves by focusing on creating indulgent product offerings with unique flavor profiles."

Vriens says Barry Callebaut has developed several products to help food manufacturers provide a distinctive taste and look for baked goods and ice cream products. "Callebaut Crispearls are tiny, pearl-shaped toasted biscuit kernels (measuring 2-3ml in diameter) that have been enrobed in the finest Callebaut white or dark couverture," he explains. "They add a surprising crunch to any recipe. In fact, Crispearls can be used to add texture and a refined look to finished desserts, or they can be mixed into creamy and frozen components such as ice cream, crème brûlée, or mousse, while remaining crunchy."

Another option is Callebaut Decorations. "It's our line of high-quality, ready-made chocolate decorations that are ideal for pastry chefs and chocolatiers, as well as food manufacturers looking to add a finishing touch to products in the post-production stage," adds Vriens. "The product line of specialty decorations includes chocolate shavings, blossoms, cups, truffle shells, pencils and other original shapes made from 100 percent real Callebaut dark, milk and white chocolate."

Sustainability and fair trade also are keen issues in cocoa. With that in mind, Barry Callebaut in January launched Terra Cacao, "a direct result of Barry Callebaut's commitment to fostering sustainability in the cocoa industry by forging close ties with West African local farming organizations," says Sofie De Lathouwer, marketing director for food manufacturers-Western Europe at Barry Callebaut. "The specialized cultivation of cocoa beans and fermentation process used to manufacture Terra Cacao, which is exclusive to Barry Callebaut, results in a chocolate range offering the finest texture, aroma and purity in taste that will allow food manufacturers to enhance the quality and flavor profile of their products."

And on the beverage front, Wixon Inc., St. Francis, Wis., puts a new spin on salty rimmers. Chocolate Chili Drink Rimmer salt has it all -- a little heat to balance out the sweet and saltiness of this chili and chocolate combination. They add a fashionable embellishment to a cold drink and an unexpected but tasty twist to beer -- perfect for brown ales or pale ales.