Meet Red, White & Chocolate – a two-month cross-country road trip and blog exploring the people, companies and dynamics molding the US chocolate experience. Along the way we’ll ask questions from industry leaders; questions I hear often in my role as the Executive Director of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. Like, what is fine chocolate and why does it cost so much? We’ll break through the jargon of “single origin,” “fair trade” and “sustainable” chocolate and explore the exploding landscape of craft chocolate (Or is it bean to bar? We’ll find out).
We’ll also hear from some of the go-to people about the emerging trends in US chocolate, including stats, styles and flavors. We’ll hear from industry leaders about the so-called
chocolate shortage and what groups like the Fine Chocolate Industry Association are doing to preserve the finest flavor cacao trees and support the farmers who grow them.
Want to know about shops big and small around the country that carry the best chocolate? Come along with us. And listen in while we talk with chocolate makers and chocolatiers, both famous and emerging and packaging experts, ingredients and equipment sellers, scientists and economists. What’s the payoff? Insights into the alchemy that transforms bitter beans from a strange tree around the equator into “food of the Gods.”
For a quick start to Red, White and Chocolate, check these out:
This road trip is fueled by obsession. And chocolate! Kick-off post.
Notes From the Road: Chronicling where we stop, who we visit and what we learn.
Going Deeper: More in-depth pieces later in the trip.
Media Mentions: As they come in, we’ll share.
You can help shape the conversation.
What chocolate professional would you like to hear from?
What questions do you want me to ask?
Email, call or text me your suggestions at:
karen@redwhiteandchocolate.com / 412.952.9704.
Follow Red, White & Chocolate. Just click the sign-up form in the footer below.
Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RedWhiteandChocolate
Follow me on Twitter: @RedWhite&Choc
September 15, 2015 at 10:18 pm
Wow, is an understatement! Congrats on becoming the Executive Director of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. I am so impressed, watching you follow your passion as you journey forward. Wish you safe travel as you adventure in the land of chocolate.
♥️ Judy
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September 15, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Thank you, Judy, for being one of the first to leave a message and become part of my road trip. I look forward to sharing with you and others all that I discover.
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September 16, 2015 at 7:42 am
I’m curious to know how you get sponsors on board for informational road trips and how much they cover the costs. This might be something I’d like to undertake for my own industries – essential oils and herbs.
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September 17, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Hi Lisa, great to have you along for the ride. I’m reaching out for sponsors as we speak. I’ll let you know how it goes.
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September 17, 2015 at 6:05 pm
As a certified chocoholic, I am excited to hear about your experiences and tastings. (If you happened to drop some samples along the way when you’re in Southern California, that would make my day.) Wish I had some of your creativity and energy. Have a great time!
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September 17, 2015 at 6:19 pm
Hi Sue, great to have you along for the ride. Samples? I hope my interviewees give me samples. Looking forward to sharing stories, at the very least.
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September 25, 2015 at 12:09 pm
Just love your idea and Journey! When you get to NY, lets connect! As you know, I’m a chocolate sommelier there in the Big Apple.
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September 25, 2015 at 10:20 pm
That would be delightful! I will do that.
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September 25, 2015 at 5:14 pm
when you visit just ask for samples to try and take with you,they want you to try their products
Also visit some stores and talk to the ones who buy the chocolate to get their views and what their customers are looking for.This also helps to understand this part of the market.
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September 25, 2015 at 10:20 pm
Thanks for the tip, Adrienne! That’s on my plan, as well. I’ll report back on what I find from some of the best retail shops. Do you have any recommendations?
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October 25, 2015 at 7:11 am
I truly am enjoying your chocolate adventure..
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October 25, 2015 at 9:31 am
Love hearing that. Thanks for letting me know.
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November 9, 2015 at 8:26 am
We were so excited to get to contribute today. Thanks stopping by and interviewing us. We’ll be following and cheering you on…
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