Hi Readers and chocolate lovers – it is good to be one
and the same!
Christmas provides us with an ideal time to review our
year and 2012 has been a year of milestones for the company.
We have successfully relaunched our iconic truffle
slices with a new recipe and packaging and they have been received very well by
our customers and acclaimed as an improved version of the old. This was a four
year project for us involving new machinery that was eye wateringly expensive (
to us at least!). Recipe redesigns take time tasting and testing and can’t be
rushed All that tasting…….. believe me the staff have been known to groan when
they are asked to taste several different versions of a truffle slice. However,
they are the strictest critics and their highly honed tasting skills are
indispensable to the business. Our focus groups were enormously valuable in
keeping us on the right track with not only taste but presentation as well.
Our new assortment boxes were launched at the same
time. Called “The Truffle Selection” and “The Chocolate Selection” they are a
selection of our renown chocolates and truffles. When we put together a
selection we aren't looking only at taste but a balance between milk , dark and
white chocolate and different centres –smooth, crunchy and creamy. They need to
sit together so they look appealing in the box as well as tasting great. We are
delighted with what we have achieved and the customers are too – they have been
racing off the shelves.
This year was also the year of the Devonport Chocolate
shoe.
We have had enormous success with our handmade
shoes and it gives us all great pleasure not only making them but watching
peoples faces when they see them. What I haven’t seen is someone eat one. If
you have some photos of a chocolate shoe being consumed share them with us- be
great to see where you start – the toe or the heel?
At the moment we are looking at some summer versions
and also some ravishing Valentine’s shoes.
This year was also our 21st birthday- A
time for reflection on not only what we have achieved already but on where we
would like to go and what we would like to develop. This chocolate business of
ours is a family one with a great team of staff , loyal suppliers and great
stockists.I do like the synergy of all these elements coming together to give
our customers a great experience whether it is in one of our shops, sharing a
lovely piece of chocolate or giving a gift the recipient will enjoy.
2013 will be another interesting year and as
change is the only thing we can count on watch this space for some new flavours
and developments in the Devonport Chocolates story.
Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones and
enjoy our beautiful summer.
I have a new book to enjoy, a puppy to hide my shoes
from and a garden to nestle in – life is sweet.
Stephanie
