New chocolate mould range launched for confectioners

Innovation may be key in the premium chocolate market but traditional products are still bestsellers among manufacturers, according to equipment supplier Chocolate World.

The Belgium-based company, who design and create polycarbonate injection moulds for the global luxury chocolate market, displayed a new range of shapes at the IBA trade fair in Germany this week.

But despite growing demand for novelty chocolates and those geared towards children, the company admitted that its most popular seller remains the iconic heart shape - especially in the profitable Valentines market where consumers have proved to be conservative shoppers.

Company representative Jan Neven told Confectionerynews.com: "We are trying to evolve, these new mould shapes are about evolution in the industry but, while there is more demand for Disney-type shapes like teddy bears, our best-seller is still the basic heart."

Among Chocolate World's new moulds launched this month are doll figures and animals, such as bears and ducks, following the trend for more unusual products which not only appeal to adults but also younger consumers.

In addition to launching new moulding technologies at the fair, Chocolate World took the opportunity to introduce its new service for small and medium sized businesses.

The scheme, entitled 'Your chocolate factory in a box', is designed to provide fledgling manufacturers with machinery, expertise and employee training.

Neven added: "We're branching out in a new direction for the company. We want to help new manufacturers with our knowledge and equipment."