Best White Chocolate in the World
This article explores the origins and history of chocolate, tracing cacao’s use and cultural significance among ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Aztec. It
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News > Hershey’s Patent Application and the Craft Chocolate Movement
In May 2022, Hershey Co filed a patent application for a novel method of chocolate production that replaces dairy with grain flour.
Four years earlier, on January 9, 2018, Map Chocolate launched Nightswimming in Fiji, a plant-based oat milk chocolate bar. The innovative product featured Matasawalevu cacao from Fiji, cocoa butter, cane sugar, and toasted oats, offering a unique alternative to traditional milk powder-based chocolate. It was part of the fast-growing Dairy Free “Milk” Chocolate trend, which has grown fast enough that we have recognized excellence in the category with its own award.
This recent patent application raises questions regarding the future of oat milk chocolate bars, which have gained popularity in recent years.
The newly awarded bars have seen a rise in the use of Indian cacao, notably from the Idukki region of Kerala, with its ideal cacao growing conditions.
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The creator of Nightswimming in Fiji did not apply for a patent for the original oat milk chocolate. However, they have continued to innovate in the field of craft chocolate-making. Recently, they developed a new plant-based white chocolate, conducting research to ensure that their creation was unique in terms of the method, approach, and ingredients used.
The craft chocolate movement, at its core, is about innovation and reimagining what chocolate can be. It seeks to differentiate itself from the industrial chocolate products produced by large corporations, such as Hershey, Mars, Callabaut, ADM, Cargill, Ferrero, Kraft Foods, and Nestlé.
In the world of craft chocolate, creativity and a love for cacao drive new ideas and flavor combinations. Small-scale chocolate makers are passionate about exploring the endless possibilities that cacao offers, often pushing the boundaries of traditional chocolate-making.
Sharing these innovative creations is an essential aspect of the craft chocolate community. The exchange of ideas and techniques allows for continuous growth and progress within the field.
Hershey’s recent patent application for a dairy-free and vegan chocolate confection, in which milk solids are replaced by grain flour, emphasizes the method of making and the use of roasted or heat-treated grain flour. This stipulation is a critical aspect of their patent claim, as it distinguishes their invention from existing oat milk chocolates.
Patents play a significant role in the business world, offering legal protection for intellectual property. However, enforcing patents can be a costly and time-consuming process, which may deter some small-scale innovators from seeking patents for their creations.
While Hershey Co continues to develop and protect new chocolate products, the craft chocolate movement remains focused on innovating, sharing, and celebrating the joy of unique chocolate experiences. The passion and creativity that drive the craft chocolate industry will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of chocolate, both in terms of flavor and production methods.
This article explores the origins and history of chocolate, tracing cacao’s use and cultural significance among ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Aztec. It
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