Real Chocolate with Discover Cacao
Recent revelations regarding 'shrinkage' and lowered cocoa content has consumers finally asking what is in their favourite chocolate bar. The war on palm oil, cacao substitutes, and flavour over flavoured has raised many eyebrows in the chocolate-loving public. So to help address the current issues, chocolatiers and chocolate makers returned to Denbies Wine Estate for the 12th year on March 29th to offer advice and information on what should (or should not) go into a good bar of chocolate.
Discover Cacao curated a unique selection of independent chocolate makers and chocolatiers at Denbies Wine Estate last weekend, and the verdict was overwhelmingly positive. With more consumers demanding a higher cacao content to their chocolate, questions were being asked at every stand, and the exchange of knowledge powered more selective purchasing. 
We popped along to see what this event had to offer. Set in the Denbies Garden Room, a selection of bespoke chocolate stands were selling everything from ceremonial cacao for making cocoa drinks, to filled truffles in bright natural colours made from single-origin cacao beans. With a distinct lack of palm oil in sight, this was handmade chocolate for the connoisseur rather than mass produced candy bars. Yet visitors were crowding in to meet as many of the chocolatiers as they could, to sample and buy 'real' chocolate eggs and bars.
"Consumers were able to meet local and national award-winning chocolate makers and chocolatiers, who were on hand to guide them through their chocolate choices with samples and information to help them make informed buying choices. This free entry annual event in the Denbies Garden Room was created to give chocolatiers a platform to offer education and information to anyone wanting to know more about chocolate production and discover what goes into creating more sustainable product. This in turn supports everyone from the cocoa farmers through to the consumer."
Discover Cacao
With recent complaints about mass-produced candy disguised as chocolate, this event offers access to the maker and their exclusive products. For more visit Discover Cacao