Chocolate Play-Doh?

 

Is there such a thing? Of course not! But there is Magic Choc which launched earlier this month. 

This is an interesting if not a cheap idea. Choc-o-Bloc has launched a mouldable chocolate product that does not melt. Made from Belgian chocolate, children can shape it to their heart’s delight without getting covered in chocolate. Then I would guess that they have the satisfaction of eating their “work of art”! 

So far in the UK, Toys R Us has stocked the product in addition to a number of independent stores (and no end of online businesses it seems). Starter packs retail at £4.99 whilst more comprehensive packs are priced at £9.99. 

Is this one for certain confectionery retailers to stock? Sweet Retailing would love to hear your thoughts.

3D Chocolate

The University of Exeter has apparently developed a prototype that can print in 3D…using chocolate! It quite simply prints using chocolate instead of ink and builds up the design in layers as the chocolate dries. 

Not surprisingly, several retailers have already expressed an interest in the novel printer. The potential is quite huge if you think about it. To my mind, this sort of unique device would create a great USP for troubled Thorntons, allowing customers to visit the shop and create a personalised image on a computer screen, watching as it becomes created entirely out of chocolate! Temperature might be an issue though on a hot day… 

Sweet Retailing will watch with interest to see just how this technology develops. It certainly goes to show that there is plenty of life left in the much loved chocolate industry!