Chocolate Buyer 2025

5 FUDGE KITCHEN and a handmade touch, there is a particular pride. We’re not making products simply to sit on shelves or stuff a stocking, but instead, contributing to the ritual of Christmas itself. And when it comes down to it, that is whymost of us do this work. Not for novelty or numbers, but for love of the craft and the people who enjoy it. This Christmas, as an industry, we have the chance to turn authenticity intomemory. That may well be the greatest gift we can give. A s food producers, we all know that what wemake is never just about taste. Food is deeply personal. It carriesmemory, nostalgia and emotion in a way few other gifts can. A single flavour can take someone back to a childhood Christmas, a family gathering or a long-lingering moment. That is why authenticity matters somuch at Christmas. People are not only buying products, they’re looking for something that matters. Shoppers are increasingly showing us this. Research tells us that six in ten people in the UK would rather buy fewer but better- quality gifts than fill their homes with things that will not last. Almost specialityfoodmagazine.com People want food and drinkwith a story, with integrity andwith heart THE REAL GIFT IS IN THE MAKING four in tenwould prefer to receive one thoughtful present instead of several that miss themark. These figures confirmwhat many of us already see: people want food and drinkwith a story, with integrity and with heart. As producers, we’re presented with both a responsibility and a privilege. At Christmas we all play a part in creating themagic of the season. Whether it’s a cheesemaker perfecting a winter recipe, a brewer releasing a festive ale, or a chocolatier pouring care into eachmould, we are all helping to build those small but lastingmoments that people are proud to gift to those they love. For those of us working with clean labels, honest ingredients The love of the craft is at the heart of confectionery, says Richard Parson, managing director of Fudge Kitchen