Valrhona strengthens relationship with planters

French chocolate firm Valrhona has re-affirmed its relationship with its farms with the launch of new products after years of R&D.

Valrhona area manager IMEA Zeyneb Larabi revealed that Gulfood 2016 marked the official launch of these new items.

She told Caterer Middle East: "We have two new unique products: one is Mananka, it’s a single origin from Madagascar with orange. And then we have Itakuja, a pure origin from Brazil with passionfruit."

Larabi explained: "What is very unique is that after more than 10 years of R&D with our planters, we developed a process where at the stage of fermentation we add fruits so it gets infused and gives a very natural subtlety to the chocolate."

In addition to the new fruit-infused chocolate, Valrhona has also added a few more items to its organic and fairtrade range - these include Andoa (70% and 39%), Acaoba (60%), and Waina (35%).

"In terms of R&D and relationship, we are very close to our planters," said Larabi.

"Our approach to sourcing is very unique as well; we have two people travelling across the world to find the finest cocoa beans. Innovation is very important for us, and planters and CSR as well."