Cocoa Black - Everything Chocolate

Please direct all media enquiries to Clare Graham on 01383 731358

Cocoa Black Plans for International Growth (Jan 2012)

Cocoa Black has this week announced plans for international growth.  Working closely with Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, the British Chamber of Commerce and third party consultants, the company has undertaken a detailed evaluation of overseas markets and export opportunities.  An international growth strategy has recently been approved by the company directors.  Implementation of the strategy will commence in 2012.

Cocoa Black Engages Design Agency (Nov 2011)

Cocoa Black has engaged a UK based design agency to undertake a full brand design.  The scope of the work includes defining brand strategy, communication, printwork, packaging, store design, photography and web.  The new brand identity will be launched as part of the company's forthcoming international growth strategy.

Cocoa Black Wins 'Confectioner of the Year' Award (Sep 2011)

Cocoa Black has been named as the 2011 UK 'Confectioner of the Year.'  The award was presented to Ruth Hinks by TV presenter Richard Madeley at the Park Lane Hilton, London.  The judges were impressed by the "magic and inspiration" Ruth brings to everything she does, adding that the industry needs innovation from people who “push back the boundaries, both in terms of the offer they create and the products themselves.”

Cocoa Black Awarded 'Account Managed' Status by Scottish Enterprise (May 2011)

Cocoa Black has been awarded ‘Account Managed’ status by Scottish Enterprise.  Account Managed status is designated to companies which have demonstrated rapid growth and which have high growth potential.  As a managed account, Cocoa Black will be working closely with Scottish Enterprise to promote the Chocolate & Pastry School as an international centre of excellence and to expand its manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

Cocoa Black Wins 'New Business of the Year' Award (Mar 2011)

Cocoa Black is quickly establishing itself as one of the UK’s leading chocolate businesses with its successful Chocolate and Pastry School; a new retail shop in Peebles, near Edinburgh and an emerging online presence.  This week, the company is celebrating winning the "New Business of the Year Award" sponsored by the Business Gateway.  The company was also a finalist in the category "Independent Retailer of the Year" sponsored by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce.

Cocoa Black Launch Gourmet Chocolate Bars (Feb 2011)

For an everyday chocolate indulgence, it is hard to look past a luxury chocolate bar. UK luxury chocolate manufacturer Cocoa Black has launched a range of gourmet chocolate bars which will delight chocolate lovers everywhere. In developing the bars, Cocoa Black has taken the traditional chocolate bar and given it a full makeover. The Cocoa Black range of filled, flavoured gourmet chocolate bars include temptations such as white chocolate & strawberry truffle; milk chocolate & fudge pieces and dark chocolate, candied mint & cocoa nibs. Cocoa Black also produce a range single origin, plantation chocolate bars for those who appreciate provenance. Whether you are buying a chocolate gift for friends or are seeking a little indulgence, let Cocoa Black deliver your chocolates by post.

Cocoa Black Set to Expand Chocolates by Post (Jan 2011)

UK luxury chocolate manufacturer Cocoa Black has announced plans to expand its chocolates mail order service. The company took the decision following an overwhelming demand for its luxury handmade chocolates following the recent UK Chocolate Masters where Cocoa Black chocolates won first prize. Cocoa Black’s philosophy is that chocolates should always be eaten fresh – the fresher the better. By dealing direct with the consumer, Cocoa Black is better able to guarantee the freshness and quality of its luxury handmade chocolates. Cocoa Black has been working to develop new packaging which will meet the needs of postal transit and will ensure that the luxury handmade chocolates arrive in perfect condition. The new packaging has been designed to fit through a standard sized letter box meaning that they can be sent anywhere in the UK with complete peace of mind. Whether you are buying a chocolate gift for friends or are seeking a chocolate indulgence, trust Cocoa Black to deliver your chocolates by post.

Cocoa Black Launches Social Responsibility Programme (Dec 2010)

In recent months, UK luxury chocolate manufacturer Cocoa Black has been working to establish a social responsibility programme which it hopes will make a positive impact upon company stakeholders, communities and the environment. The programme aims to consider public interest in decision making and will monitor its success through the triple bottom line: people, planet, profit. Through the social responsibility programme, Cocoa Black pledges to apply resources to: minimising its carbon footprint; use packaging sourced from FSC accredited suppliers and to promote the interests of Fairtrade. Whilst still in its infancy, Cocoa Black hopes that the scheme will grow with the company to offer real and lasting benefit.

Cocoa Black to Relocate Chocolate and Pastry School (Nov 2010)

Cocoa Black has announced plans to relocate its Chocolate and Pastry School to a grade 2 listed building in Peebles, near Edinburgh, Scotland. The existing school offers a range of chocolate making and pastry chef classes for all levels of ability. With demand for Cocoa Black classes and luxury handmade chocolates increasing, the company has taken the decision to separate the school from its production facilities. The new state of the art school aims to become a world class facility offering chocolate making and pastry chef classes to professional chocolatiers, chefs and chocolate lovers everywhere.

TV Feature - ITV Daybreak (Oct 2010)

Cocoa Black’s head chocolatier Ruth Hinks featured on ITV’s Daybreak. Despite the 4am start, Ruth was able to demonstrate some of the skills she will be applying in the forthcoming World Chocolate Masters. Ruth also presented Christine Bleakley with a striking red stiletto made entirely out of chocolate. Watch the Daybreak feature.

Cocoa Black Launch Gift Card Scheme (Oct 2010)

UK luxury chocolate manufacturer Cocoa Black has announced the launch of a gift card scheme. Available from £10 to £500, the gift cards can be redeemed against Cocoa Black's range of luxury handmade chocolates or at the Chocolate & Pastry School in Peebles, near Edinburgh.

Ruth Hinks to Demonstrate at ‘Gourmet Abu Dhabi (Oct 2010)

Following her success at the 2010 UK Chocolate Masters, Cocoa Black’s head chocolatier Ruth Hinks has been invited to demonstrate her skills at the prestigious ‘Gourmet Abu Dhabi.’ Now in its third year, the lifestyle gourmet extravaganza brings together internationally acclaimed chefs, distinguished chateaux representatives, restaurateurs, industry professionals and celebrities in Abu Dhabi. Ruth will be demonstrating her chocolate and pastry skills alongside many of the world’s top Michelin starred chefs.

Cocoa Black Announces New Classes for 2011 (Oct 2010)

The Cocoa Black Chocolate School in Peebles, near Edinburgh has announced a number of new beginner and professional chocolate making and pastry chef classes for 2011. Since opening its doors in 2009, the Chocolate School has welcomed over 500 attendees, many from overseas. The new classes have been developed to provide a greater variety of courses to school regulars.

Cocoa Black Chocolates Win First Prize at the 2010 UK Chocolate Masters (Oct 2010)

The UK’s top chocolatiers competed in the two-day UK Chocolate Masters in London. Ruth Hinks of Peebles based Cocoa Black, won first prize for her chocolates as judged by a panel of professional chocolatiers. Ruth’s winning chocolates were 'The Flavour' - a raspberry pate de fruit with Cuban ganache and 'The Passion' - a tropical caramel with passionfruit ganache. Both chocolates are available in Cocoa Black’s Signature Selection.

Ruth Hinks to Compete at 2010 UK Chocolate Masters (Aug 2010)

Scottish based chocolatier Ruth Hinks has been invited to compete at the UK Chocolate Masters. A highly prestigious competition, the UK Chocolate Masters represents the ultimate challenge for professional chocolatiers. The theme of this year’s competition is the legend of Cocoa, Quetzalcoat’s Gift. Quetzalcoat is an Aztec God (part man, part bird, part snake) who is reputed to have created cocoa as a divine gift to relieve fatigue and provide pleasurable rest. Ruth has enlisted the help of Dr. Nicolas James, an expert in Aztec history from Cambridge University to help interpret the theme.

Cocoa Black Opens First Retail Outlet (Jun 2010)

Scotland based Cocoa Black, a manufacturer of luxury handmade chocolates, is opening an exciting new retail outlet. The Cocoa Black Chocolate Shop will be located in a grade-two listed building in Peebles, near Edinburgh, Scotland. The shop has been re-fitted to create the look and feel of a traditional French style patisserie. Catering for sit-in and take-away customers it combines the best of traditional and modern styles. Set atop the reconditioned floorboards are sleek new counters and spotless fridges within which are displayed Cocoa Black’s indulgent range of luxury handmade chocolates and patisserie.

Harvey Nichols to Sell Cocoa Black Easter Eggs (Mar 2010)

Harvey Nichols, the luxury retailer has announced that it will be selling Cocoa Black Easter eggs this spring. Cocoa Black have been working with Harvey Nichols over the past few months in developing a range of luxury chocolate Easter eggs. Harvey Nichols, will be stocking Cocoa Black Easter eggs in each of their eight national stores.

Valentine Chocolate Classes at Cocoa Black (Feb 2010)

UK luxury chocolate manufacturer Cocoa Black is offering romantic chocolate making workshops for two this Valentine’s Day. Scotsman reporter Oliver Tree and his girlfriend Sarah visited the Cocoa Black Chocolate School in Peebles, near Edinburgh, Scotland, for three hours of chocolate making.

TV Feature - BBC Landward (Dec 2009)

The Cocoa Black Chocolate School in Peebles recently opened its doors to the BBC for a behind the scenes look at one of their chocolate making classes. BBC reporter Sarah Mack was in chocolate heaven as she joined a Cocoa Black chocolate class to learn how to make luxury handmade chocolates. The crew spent the day at the Chocolate School and despite being surrounded by temptation somehow managed to film a five minute feature.  The BBC feature was aired on BBC1 on 9th December 2009.

Chocolate School Awarded 4-stars by Visit Scotland (Sep 2009)

The Cocoa Black Chocolate and Pastry School in Peebles, near Edinburgh, Scotland, has recently been awarded 4-star (Excellent) by the tourist authority VisitScotland. The Chocolate School which offers a range of chocolate making and pastry chef classes has received visitors from the USA, Australia and Egypt.

Cocoa Black Launches Online Store (Jul 2009)

UK luxury chocolate manufacturer Cocoa Black has opened an online shop through which its customers can order luxury handmade chocolates and book chocolate making and pastry chef classes. Launched in 2008, Cocoa Black has experienced strong demand for its indulgent range of luxury handmade chocolates. The new website will allow the company to expand its chocolates by post service and will better meet the needs of its customers. Says David Hinks, Cocoa Black Managing Director: “by dealing direct with our customers, we are able to ensure that they receive the freshest possible product.”

Cocoa Black Opens Chocolate & Pastry School (Jun 2009)

Olympic winning pastry chef and chocolatier Ruth Hinks aims to create an internationally recognised chocolate making and pastry chef school to compete with Europe’s best Located in Peebles, near Edinburgh, Scotland, the Cocoa Black Chocolate and Pastry School offers a range of chocolate making and pastry chef classes for beginners through to professional chefs. The school also offers private group chocolate classes which are proving popular for corporate team events and private parties.

Media Enquiries

Please direct all media enquiries to Clare Graham on 01383 731358