On August 15, 1502, Christopher Columbus seized a large native canoe, hijacking all their goods and reclaiming them in the name of the King and Queen of Spain. It was his fourth trip to the Americans and, to many, particularly the Hershey corporation, it would also be his most fruitful. Why? Amongst the many captured treasures, there was a sack filled to the brim with cacao beans. That chance encounter, not to mention pirate raid by Columbus, would set the European world on fire — It was their first taste of cacao and, once refined, its offspring, chocolate. This is how the modern history of chocolate began. Today, the global chocolate market has been valued at over USD 130 billion, and forecasters expect it to reach a whopping $187.08 billion by 2027. It’s an industry with stable annual growth of 4.4% and, if past benchmarks hold, one whose advance isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. Today, part of that hike is due to a spike in e-commerce, online deliveries, and worldwide demand, all of which are at an all-time high. And it’s not just iconic titans of industries – like Lindt, Hershey, and Ferrero – but small boutique stores that are feeling the pressure and the bottleneck burden of meeting that outcry for tasty chocolate. One of today’s biggest challenges? Chocolate packaging, eCommerce delivery, and maintaining food safety standards during shipping.
The Challenges of Chocolate Packaging
Do you know how to properly transport chocolate, have it ready for delivery, and in doing so boosting your eCommerce presence?
When it comes to food preparation, food delivery logistics is important — every detail can either make or break a shipment. The slightest mistake, due to the sensitive nature of products, might violate not only the quality of your goods but FDA food safety regulations. Delivering chocolate is extremely complex due to its nature its taciturn DNA; it requires special attention and care.
How is chocolate transported or shipped?
Chocolate can be transported either in solid form – in the shape of bonbons or bars – or in liquid form. In both cases, extreme measures have to be taken to maintain the integrity of the product.
Liquid transportation
Chocolate is mainly transported in liquid form thanks to industrialized tanks that have been treated and are compassed of acid-proof stainless steel. These tanks are equipped with their own heating system, either channels that distribute steam or hot water. Why? Chocolate has to be kept at a temperature — between 48 to 60 degrees. Anything above that will char and burn the product. Anything below those markers will solidify it.
It’s critical to have certified tankers for transportation that haven’t been used for oil derivatives or milk transport.
Solid Form
The second and most used method is solid form. For eCommerce, for deliveries between your store and a client, as well as products bought on-site, chocolate packaging is essential. The type of candy pads or boxes you invest in might mean a world of difference between the quality you prepare and the quality the customer obtains.
Solid form chocolate is acutely susceptible to the following factors; that’s why it is paramount you invest in premium materials and purchase choice candy pads:
- Temperature variances.
- Moisture — which can dissolve the sugar.
- Low humidity, particularly in stuffed bonbons — the filling may expand, causing the chocolate casing to crack.
- Smell — the higher the cocoa butter, the more the chocolate is susceptible to absorbing foreign aromas.
- Dust — Chocolates, due to their sugar composite, can attract dust and other contaminants.
- Breaks — chocolates in solid form are exceedingly fragile, a good box or candy pad can mark the difference between a customer receiving a broken bonbon or one in excellent condition.
Candy Pads what to look for?
When investing in chocolate packaging or candy pads that will benefit your delicious chocolates, it’s essential to look for a company, like Micheal Package, that’s committed to great food safety standards as well as maintaining your product’s high standard. A company that not only looks out for your products but also protects your brand and understands what you value. Look for eco-friendly candy pads with food-grade glassine paper. Buy from suppliers with experience, high customization options, and quality materials. Overall, shop around for companies that understand the challenges of chocolate delivery and can give you fast, easy-to-implement solutions.
