Callebaut extends origin chocolates range

The cocoa giant has an international presence, covering areas as far apart as Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Ghana and Vietnam. It is this, the company says, that provides access to a wide range of cocoa beans, allowing for the extention of its origin chocolate range. Origin chocolates are made from beans harvested in one specific country or growing area. The uniqueness of the soil, climate and habitat leave their signature on the cocoa beans resulting in a distinctive taste. "Thanks to our local presence in different origin countries and long-established relationships with cocoa farmers, we have access to some of the world's finest and rarest cocoa bean varieties,"​ said Hans Vriens, chief innovation officer. "These origin cocoa beans represent but a tiny fraction of the total world harvest but are prizes for the unique qualities they impart on the finished product, a guarantee for authentic taste experiences." ​ As consumers become more aware of environmental issues and food quality concerns, there is a corresponding demand from purchasers to know the origin of their ingredients supplies, especially in the premium end of the market where the product frequently contains more of the cocoa bean. Barry Callebaut said origin chocolates have more expressive flavours and fruity, herbal, spicy or floral notes that reflect the growing conditions. Origin chocolates can be specific to country, region or limited edition. Barry Callebaut has expanded to now provide 20 different country origin chocolates, also known as single origin chocolates. Some large regions such as the Amazonian basin or the Pacific region produce a number of different cocoa bean varieties. Barry Callebaut operates 37 production facilities in 23 countries and so has access to a lot of these different varieties and has made a selection of the rarest varieties. Callebaut also produces limited edition origin chocolates, which come about when extraordinary conditions result in cocoa beans of similarly rare quality. Such beans are only available in very limited supply and for short periods of time. Callebaut's worldwide presence gains it access to these special chocolates for its limited edition range. A number of confectioners brought out a range of single origin chocolates in the last year. US giant Hershey introduced its Cacao Reserve line to market with chocolate from San Tome and Arriba. Swiss company Lindt and Sprungli followed with an Excellence Origins Collection using cocoa from Ecuador, Madagascar and Peru. Barry Callebaut had annual sales of more than €2.4bn for 2006-2007. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate.