Cocoaphilia by Van Houten Inviting chocolate lovers to re-ignite their passion

Few would argue that chocolate is right up there among lifes most enjoyable pleasures. Van Houten, one of the oldest established chocolate brands with over 180 years of chocolate experience, is living proof that love for chocolate transcends generations and geographies.

To rebond with Malaysian chocolate enthusiasts, Van Houten today introduced Cocoaphilia, a platform where chocolate lovers can share their ideas and passion through chocolate appreciation events, via facebook and sampling activities.

Me on a chocolate wall of fame

To kick off Cocoaphilia, Van Houten brought together foodies, special guests, and friends from the media for an evening of chocolate discovery at one of Kuala Lumpurs favourite destinations, Chinoz on the Park at KLCC.

Diana Obias, Senior Brand Manager Asia South for Van Houten explained: Cocoaphilia is a term coined for chocolate lovers who are passionate about cocoa and who appreciate the rich, fine taste of chocolate made with the finest cocoa and other high quality ingredients. Distinct to Van Houten, which many cocoaphiles will notice, is our use of quality cocoa and whole roasted nuts. Our long standing heritage ! is a ref lection of our passion to deliver great products for chocolate lovers.

She added: Chocolate has a timeless appeal and Van Houtens range of chocolates, with its high quality cocoa content, is globally loved and respected.

Cocoaphilia allows us to leverage on our 180-year legacy and chocolate expertise and exploit current platforms and trends to relay the Van Houten story to chocolate lovers in Malaysia and the region.

The best chocolate engages all your senses thus, during the event, well-known actress and singer and self-confessed chocolate lover Deanna Yusof demonstrated the art of chocolate appreciation by taking the audience through a Sense-ational chocolate exploration, capturing the taste and smell profiles, sound of snap, look of shine and sheen and feel of Van Houten chocolates.

Participants were also invited to taste a variety of ingenious chocolate and coffee pairings, with Deanna sharing her recommendations of how to create a harmonious balance for the palate.

Fresh crispy fried churos with melted Van Houten Chocolate

Van Houten, whose consumer business was acquired by the Hershey Company in March 2009, has existed for over 180 years. It is one of the oldest established brands in the mass market segment and also one of the biggest brands for Hershey in Asia South.

Van Houten has a rich heritage and experience in chocolate making and has been in Malaysia for over 60 years.

A random picture I took

Classically European, Van Houten takes pride in its rich cocoa taste and whole roasted nuts, backed up by its unique legacy.

To learn more about Cocoaphilia and chocolate appreciation visit us on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/cocoaphiliamalaysia