Chocolate Expo in Wilmington, MA
My friend and I decided to check out the Chocolate Expo at the Shriner’s Auditorium in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Because I’m always interested in taking pictures of cool things, I brought my camera. These photos below are no way professional quality by any means, since I didn’t want to use flash or artificial lighting here. Plus, it was CROWDED! I photographed the vendor booths that attracted my interest…and ironically, even though it was a chocolate expo, I left the expo with purchases of non-chocolate things like cheese and wine, and only one chocolate purchase!
I wish I could have taken more photos to get some better quality shots, so apologies to anyone who I’m missing in these photos! The most important aspect though was that I discovered some “new” and neat things that I’ll share here!
Bri's Sweet Treats: I finally met the mastermind!
A few years back, I visited the Worcester Public Market, where I first discovered Bri’s Sweet Treats. I bought my husband a giant peanut butter cup, which I did a quick Youtube short because my dogs were so funny when he was eating it. I don’t really love peanut butter or sweet stuff much, but my husband used to live off of peanut butter cups.
A few weeks ago I heard about the owner’s story of growing her chocolate business from scratch, and I finally got to meet Bri herself! If my husband wasn’t on a low sugar diet, I would have purchased a bunch of these new varieties of peanut butter cups that she had!
You can learn more about Bri’s Sweet Treats at the website here.
Atelier Colette: Absolutely Delectable Chocolate Covered Almonds.
It was that cursive font (similar to “The Saturday” font) on the crystal clear boxes that first drew me in here. They actually remind me of the boxes of Chinese dried plums that I received as gifts when I was a kid on our trip in Taipei. Atelier Colette’s team member Jenny told me that their shop location on Beacon Street in Boston is also the place where the magic happens. Behind the counters, their chocolatier, who hails from France, is carefully creating batches of incredible chocolate.
Honestly, these were the most incredible chocolate covered almonds I think I’ve ever had in my life. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, but love a smooth, flavorful chocolate every once in awhile, this might be it.
The label is simple, basic, unassuming, modest, and not flashy, but the flavor and texture of the samples I tried were so incredible and luxurious that I felt like this deserves a label that just sings everything that I imagine France to be like: elegant, timeless, classic, brilliant, fashionable, and attractive. After watching their Youtube video on their website, this chocolatier goes to the top of my list of chocolate brands to watch as they grow and continue to make incredible product.
2Chicks with Chocolate: Creativity & Booze-Infused Chocolates
Two Chicks with Chocolate was a highly attractive booth, with a myriad of colorful chocolates in the display case. The Wine collection of chocolates was very interesting, as well as alcohol infused chocolates. These were artsy chocolates and the interiors are also creative as well. I typically don’t like chocolate with fillings, but I tried a sample of the strawberry margarita filling which was so full of natural flavor! The “2 Chicks” that were there were very helpful as well in explaining how they create these wonderful little jewels. Using colors for chocolates is another level of art and chemistry, and they are exploring the nuances with using natural colors. It’s just a thin layer that’s sprayed or painted on, and the variety and quality of chocolates they create is one reason why so many customers adore 2 Chicks with Chocolate! This small business is from New Jersey, and I admire the passion and dedication these two ladies have for their business! Check out their website here.
Loon: Lion's Mane or Chaga Mushrooms in Chocolate?
This chocolate company based out of New Hampshire offers a wide array of chocolate bars. I think one of the most unique types they offer is the Lion’s Mane chocolate and the Chaga Chai chocolate. I tried a little sample of the Lion’s Mane chocolate. What an interesting combination! The Lion’s Mane is delightfully subtle. Having a chocolate bar with Lion’s Mane in it is ingenius, because I had learned there’s a segment of health-nutty people who make it a daily habit to consume some Lion’s Mane supplement every morning to boost their mood or support mental health. In addition, I’m always loving collaborations between different businesses to create a unique product. The mushrooms are from Dunk’s Mushrooms, and they incorporated their logo on the packaging.
You can find Loon chocolates in many stores, or get it from their website here!
Crazy for Kuya Jay's Ube Cafe!
One of the most popular vendor booth’s at this show was Kuya Jay’s Ube Cafe…everything was purple! There were a lot people lined up to buy these interesting purple drinks, and eating these purple cookies and rice crispy treats. I was really confused at first. Who are these guys and why do people want this purple stuff?
This booth was so busy that I didn’t get a chance to talk to those guys, but one lady said that she follows this vendor wherever they go. So basically, this Ube Cafe can’t be found in any physical location other than trade shows! The purple is all natural, and comes from a purple yam. Ube is the yam, it originates from the Philippines. It’s sweet, nut-like maybe like a pistachio flavor. I had no idea that purple yams could be so popular in being a natural food color!
Follow along to their next events by checking out their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ubekafe/
Cream Cocoa: Chocolate from Ecuador
I learned that Ecuadorian cacao is something special. Because of the climate, cacao beans from Ecuador tend to have a higher fat content, which results in a smoother, creamier chocolate. Although these aren’t the best photos, I snapped some quick shots while we were walking so I could remember this company! This chocolate expo was so busy and overwhelming, that seeing this clean and elegant branding was a nice relief to my eyes. I wish I could have come back to purchase a bag of chocolate powder but I know that I can always find this online at their website!
Prophecy: a "new" superfood, Macambo beans
Most people think of cacao beans as an ingredient for sweet foods. But did you know that there are different kinds of cacao beans? These two guys at Prophecy Chocolat, based out of Vermont, had a very stylish booth that educated visitors about Macambo beans and Copuazo beans. They even had real pods that show you the difference: A normal cacao bean pod (where normal chocolate is from) and the giant brain-like pod that Macambo beans come from.
Macambo beans are also known as white cacao, and the beans can be roasted with salt for an incredible crispy (but not hard) savory snack, and the Copuazo beans are a lightly sweet snack. The amazing thing about Prophecy Chocolat is that they are like “farm-to-table” chocolate in a way…where Mateo, an organic farmer, works directly with his cacao farmer friends to bring this product to you. In fact, Mateo (pictured on the right) spent 3 years in Peru learning how to cultivate cacao and making traditional Peruvian chocolate. Their small factory and shop is located in Vermont, and I’m so glad they have an online shop because I forget to come back to their booth to buy these beans!
Ahlbin's: Fire Cider!
Today was the day that my friend Melinda first tried “fire cider”! I’m glad I didn’t take a photo of her facial expression after tasting it! Honestly, fire cider is not for pleasurable drinking (which is what she assumed). But if you’re sick, this is the very thing your body needs. I’ve made my own before, and I’ve purchased it. Fire cider really is a traditional liquid that is chockfull of immune-boosting ingredients like apple cider vinegar, garlic, pepper, honey, ginger, etc.
I’ve had many types of fire cider, and this one made by Ahlbin’s was the best kind I’ve had because it doesn’t burn as much as other brands. I’m not a huge fan of a really deep burn after a swallow, and with Ahlbin’s, you can handle more than one swig. It’s very smooth and balanced. It’s not overly garlicky nor is it heavy on the vinegar. Have you ever had fire cider?
Cozy Tea Loft: The Boba Obsession
My friends that have teenagers have mentioned to me that they make special trips to get Boba tea. No doubt, this vendor booth offering Boba tea was crowded with people awaiting their milk tea drink. I’m not sure what the fascination is with boba tea, but Cozy Tea Loft definitely drew a lot of attention with their displays and people walking around cute cups saying “Let’s Cozy Up”! Cozy Tea Loft has multiple cafes in New Jersey, and I’m so happy they were able to spend the weekend here in Massachusetts to bring their boba magic to this Chocolate Expo. Learn more about Cozy Tea Loft here at their website.
Blisspoint Meadery: Fizzy Mead!
Bless these guys at Blisspoint Meadery for keeping up with demands for samples all weekend! They really had a diverse collection of meads, categorized by bubbly, or still. I’ve tried plenty of meads before, but carbonated mead was a first for me. What a surprise! This “Wildflower Soda” reminds me of some bubbly sweet white wine. The honey flavor is subtle mainly because it’s been fermented. It’s not a very thick drink, but light and perfect on a hot summer day. I’m glad to have discovered Blisspoint Meadery, and will have to visit their location in Bedford, MA!
Chicken Lou's: A famous Boston business pivots
If anyone has spent time at Northeastern University, Chicken Lou’s is likely a familiar name. At this booth, I met Dave Feretti, the son of Lou Feretti, who started Chicken Lou’s fast food shack in Boston in 1990. You can read about the fast food and its impact in the college community here. Now, the shack is permanently closed for a few years now, but the legacy of Chicken Lou’s lives on through the creation of their special sauces and meat rubs that used to be used in their restaurant. Dave’s daughters, Gerry and Amberle, are bosses now of Chicken Lou’s, carrying on the passion and dedication of providing their grandfather’s and father’s sauce and seasoning recipes for foodies and families alike.
I thought their story was so unique, how this restaurant pivoted in their goals, and found a way to sustain themselves through offering their products to the community. Dave must be a proud dad and it was so great to see all three of them here at this chocolate expo. I purchased the chipotle ranch sauce, because I’m always looking out for a good, creamy chipotle mayo. When I’m frying up sweet potatoes, or salmon, I love mixing ranch dressing with Cholula Chipotle sauce, so getting Chicken Lou’s chipotle ranch was a no brainer! I envisioned this on top of my new diet food which is cucumbers and tuna…and this definitely does the trick in adding some zest and interest in a boring healthy food LOL. You can learn more about their sauces on their website.
Bardo Farm: Charcuterie Ingredients Direct from Farm
I’ve met many small farms that raise hogs, and most of them strictly sell cuts of fresh or frozen meat. At this Chocolate Expo, I found Bardo Farm, a small family farm based out of New Hampshire, that does a very lucrative business selling different types of dried meats, such as salami, lonza, capicola, a red wine salami, juniper salami, fennel salami, smoked paprika salami.
The nice thing about being a farm that offers dry-aged charcuterie meats is that the packs don’t need to be refrigerated and frozen so it saves some cooler space. As a longer shelf life product, this is advantageous for any farm that wants to sell meat product at farmer’s markets or other shops. You can learn more about the farm here.
Tommy Pickles: Pickle Flights & Pickle on a Stick
Another busy booth was Tommy’s Pickles! I didn’t get a chance to talk to them with all the people there, but I thought this business idea was great to offer a “pickle on a stick” or “pickle flights” or a “pickle juice shot”. These are also naturally fermented pickles, which are sources of probiotics too.
For folks that don’t love normal snacks and just love the zest of pickles, this is a great small business to support. I can see this type of product on shelves of cheese shops, meat shops, and farm stores or gift shops! Tommy Pickles is out of New York, and their website is here.
Cows Around the Corner: A Cheese "Co-Op" for Farmers
After working in the dairy industry for quite awhile, I have a soft spot for dairy farmers and supporting them. So when I heard about how Cows Around the Corner started their business, it really touched me. Julie is a dairy goat farmer in western Connecticut. She made goat cheese, but one day when she learned that her distressed neighbor cow farmer friend was dumping milk, and was going to call it quits, she offered to help by making cheese.
That’s why it’s called “Cows Around the Corner” – she started making cheese from her neighboring farm’s milk.
I bought the Garlic Jack and Dill, it’s a jack cheese that’s probably one of the best herb cheeses I’ve ever had. It has some nice sharpness to it, and a texture a bit softer than feta. The herb flavor is a great addition to bring out the subtle tang of garlic.
What a neat thing to have discovered this great farmer & cheesemaker collaboration in Connecticut! You can partake in their cheese collections by ordering on their website here.
Aaronap Cellars: Maple Wine
As a wine lover, this was a delightful surprise to me! I’ve never seen Maple Wine. At first, I thought maybe it was a grape wine with maple flavoring added. WRONG. This is basically 100% pure maple syrup that’s been fermented. It reminds me of mead, which is fermented honey. Although they have other grape wines, this Maple Wine stood out to me as very unique and pleasant in a balanced flavor.
I’m not a wine expert, so I can’t really tell you the type of notes my taste buds detected, but I can tell you that I normally love dry wines, and this Maple Wine was really great! Their website headline says they are an innovative winery, this is definitely proof of that.
Bambino Ravioli: Italian culture right here
As we made our way towards the back corner of the Chocolate Expo, we entered this other world that felt like I was standing at a cheese shop at Pike’s Place Market. Dozen of people were demanding authentic Italian breads, meats, and cheeses like Scamorza. They make their own pasta from their New York location. They even had ready-to-heat meals and soups, and stacks of coolers of already-paid orders. I purchased one parmesan cheese block, and was almost tempted to try one of everything here! Plus with the boss there (I assume) shouting out directions to the boys working the booth, you know they don’t mess around! They’re the real deal Italian meal. Learn more about this Italian deli here.
DaVinci Chocolates: Artsy Chocolates & Dubai bars
Earlier in the morning, I had visited Echo Farm in Woodstock. He told me to check out some “Dubai Chocolate” because some customers have requested it. So of course I was keeping my eyes out for Dubai chocolate at this expo. I finally found some made by DaVinci Chocolatier. The Chocolatier and artist himself was here! I purchased one chocolate for my husband and I to share, and WOW. Where has dubai chocolate been all my life?
I can’t really describe it, but I can tell you it’s a little like a Kit-Kat texture with more crisp and grit. It has pistachio cream, tahini, and a Dubai style wafer called kataifi. Out of this world! You can order chocolates on his lovely website here. (terrific photography, by the way!)
Omniya Chocolates: More Dubai bars!
This Lebanese family drew me in with their gold-wrapped chocolates. Their business is called “Omniya” which means “wish” in Lebanese. With a wide collection of chocolates as well as chocolate imported from their home country of Lebanon, this both was definitely hopping. They had individually wrapped truffles, and chocolates with dried fruit inside, and halal chocolates, and chocolates with no sugar in it. They also sold a few different types of Dubai bars, and this was very tempting as well! I’m happy to have discovered this sweet family business. It looks like they sell either online, or at pop up events like this Chocolate Expo, so to see them here is a real treat for many customers.
The Tiny Loaf Co. - Cute little bread!
I thought this small business was really cool. I don’t know about you, but when you make banana bread or a sweet loaf, it almost seems like “too much bread”…The Tiny Loaf is a perfect treat because it’s tiny. Its size and wrapping makes it easy to grab and go, or pack with lunch. It is also cute enough to gift to a co-worker or friend with a thank you card. She told me that she started this business because everyone she knew was obsessed with her banana bread. Hence, The Tiny Loaf Co. was born!
She sells corporate gift boxes, and also these little loaves would also be great wedding favors or baby shower favors too. Learn more about The Tiny Loaf Co here!
Mugxury Candles: Candles in a mug
Last but not least, is this candle company where they make candles out of re-used or unwanted mugs. Anyone who loves candles knows that candles that are both heart-warming in scent and in appearance just makes the day a little better. Cute candles and pleasing aromas bring what I call “warm fuzzies”. Mugxury Candles definitely drew the eyes of many candle lovers. As I stood there to snap a few photos, I kept hearing wives’ husbands comment on how neat these mug candles were. Mugxury candles can be found online on their website, or in some retail shops around New Hampshire (listed on their website), and also at select trade show events.
Well, there you have it. Some quick snapshots while cruising around a Chocolate Expo. By no means professional quality images, but I wanted to share about these cool businesses I discovered here. If you are in need of professional photography, please browse around at my website and let me know if you’re interested in getting added to my list of projects for this year!
