By Ariadne Zanella and Yixiang Zeng
The latest economic forecast for Britain’s economy suggests the green shoots have wilted but trade in the humble cocoa bean is flourishing.
High-end bespoke chocolate sales have skyrocketed according to chocolatiers who gathered at the UK’s first Chocolate Show yesterday.
The Lauden Chocolatier said since the recession more people choose to buy raw chocolate ingredients cooking home-made gourmet desserts instead of dinning out in an expensive restaurant or consuming luxury trip within the UK or abroad.
Companies like Sir Hans Sloane, whose customers include the King of Spain, have reported profit increases by 30% while start up companies are expanding after only a year in operation.
The reason behind the boom is in the mood-enhancing properties and consumer desire for the “warm hug” that the rush of endorphins give consumers, says Hans Sloane chocolatier Bill McCarrick.
A bar of luxury chocolate at Hans Sloane can fetch £2.50 but punters are happy to part with their cash.
Emma and Lydia, from Bromley spent £14 at the Lauden Chocolate stand, Emma said: “I always love to try different kinds of chocolate, this particular one gets passion fruit as its ingredients."
Lydia then added: “The recession does not affect our desire to buy chocolate. It is healthy with no artificial colourings and flavours in it."
At a time when competition is fierce and companies face economic ruin there is a strong collegiate approach among the bespoke chocolate makers.
Businesses refer customers to their competitors if they feel the customer’s requirements would be better served there.
The reasons behind the conviviality are not entirely altruistic: they are united by the desire to edge out foreign companies and promote local business.
No comments:
Post a Comment