After a successful global launch in 2021, Barry Callebaut announced the Middle East launch of Wholefruit chocolate, a revolutionary new type of chocolate under the Cacao Barry franchise, created especially for artisans and chefs.
The launch event brought together industry veterans and chocolate enthusiasts to experience the true essence of Wholefruit chocolate as part of an exclusive affair of the senses. Guests were welcomed to indulge in a slew of signature Wholefruit Chocolate creations by five popular chefs including Romain Cornu, Abel Vieilleville, Dilip Kumara, Romain Castet and Charles Azar.
For his part, Chef Romain Renard, Head of Chocolate Academy center Dubai, said: “It takes a change of perspective on centuries of chocolate making to realize that 100% of what is in the cacaofruit is all that is needed to make a great chocolate. The simplest concepts are the most powerful ones, and the most difficult ones to achieve! We are proud to present Wholefruit chocolate: Evocao, designed by and for chef artisans."
Anuj Pachauri, Head of Marketing & BD, Barry Callebaut MENA, said: "The values associated with Cacao Barry Wholefruit chocolate are a way of understanding life through sustainability, waste reduction, upcycling and a healthier diet to have better care for our planet. The launch of Cacao Barry Evocao was a natural next step, taking into consideration the growing talent pool and innovative spirit of the region. Over the year, we have witnessed a steady growth in the industry and believe that this trend is set to grow in the years to come, which will make the Middle East a dynamic hub for chocolate lovers and Chefs.”
A chocolate with a unique aromatic profile
Wholefruit Chocolate is a delicious, fresh fruity taste with 40% less sugar than the most consumed dark chocolates and is made from 100% pure cacao fruit. For the first time, consumers can enjoy all the flavours and natural freshness of the cacao fruit.
Collaboration with chefs
In 2019, Barry Callebaut rallied 30 pastry chefs and chocolate makers from around the world to explore the perfect expression of Wholefruit Chocolate. After several months in the making, the first expression of a unique couverture chocolate made from 100% pure cacaofruit known as Wholefruit Evocao was developed.
Award winning product
The product has been an instant hit in the chef community and recently bagged the World Food Innovation Award for ‘Best Artisan Product’ for its strong proposition. Running in the eighth edition, the World Food Innovation Awards gives a fine representation of what the future beholds for food innovation, revolutionary technologies, and health-conscious consumers.
First chocolate worldwide with upcycled certified label
Wholefruit Evocao intends to be the first chocolate worldwide that qualifies for the Upcycled Certified mark, which will be implemented this year in the United States by the Upcycled Food Association. This helps consumers to make conscious choices and have a positive impact on the environment they appreciate so much.
