From Bean To Bar: The Wonders Of Willie’s Cacao

Tucked away in the South of England, some remarkable chocolate making is taking place in preparation for the festive season. Since I work in wholesale chocolate, I try not to have favourites, but this brand, which produces gorgeous, easy-to-sell products, has to be up there. Let the kids eat the golden coins, because this year your customers will be savouring some seriously delicious delights.

When the fairy lights and tinsel begin to spread the holiday cheer, it won’t be difficult to convince your customers to purchase the Christmas treats that are produced by Devon-based Willie’s Cacao. Whether it’s a luxurious Apple Brandy Caramel Gift Box or a smooth dark bar, your clientele will be more than satisfied with the intense and rich tastes of this brand.

What Makes Willie’s Cacao Special?

Willie (William George Harcourt) is unique in the world of wholesale chocolate, as he is the only “bean to bar” producer in the UK. His factory is in Devon, although Willie is often not! He’s passionate about adventure, whether that means traveling to Venezuela in search of the finest cacao, or combining exciting flavours to create an entirely new product.

The beans necessary for the creation of these festive delights are harvested from the tens of thousands of cocoa trees that Willie owns in Venezuela. Once dried, the beans are sent to Devon and are roasted using traditional equipment. They are then winnowed and ground before they’re carefully crafted into a range of decadent treats, using almost 100% cocoa and resulting in a dramatic flavour.

Your customers may have come across the brand whilst watching Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory, a Channel 4 documentary from 2008, which highlighted the brand’s unusual manufacturing processes. Why not recommend this programme to buyers so that they can learn more about where their purchases come from?

Why Buy From Willie’s Cacao?

This brand generates absolutely stunning flavours, providing your store with proper, grown-up Christmas chocolates.

A stand-out product is the Golden Pod, which is made from metal and was designed by a first-class sculptor. The pods make beautiful presents and look fantastic as decorations on a Christmas tree. What’s more, they pop open to reveal a cluster of perfectly formed and individually wrapped caramels. The passion fruit caramels encased in milk chocolate pearls are also sophisticated confections that any chocolatier would be proud to sell.

Another easy buy for patrons during the festive season is Willie’s Caramel Black Pearl gift box. Described as “deeply sexy,” its dark treats are ideal after-dinner indulgences, replacing stodgy puddings or cakes. A thin case of 70% chocolate holds a generous helping of caramel, combined with interesting flavours such as lime and chilli.

For wholesale chocolate that’s head and shoulders above the rest, you can rely on this outstanding brand.

Angelina Moufftard works for hf Chocolates, established wholesale chocolate suppliers with decades of experience supplying sweets and high-end chocolates to retailers across the UK. Working with the most dedicated suppliers from France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, the USA and the UK, hf Chocolates' great tasting and beautifully packaged products add panache to any sweet display.