Successful launch of Le Royal ChocoDark
Le Royal ChocoDark has been successfully launched onto the market. The new product was received with enthusiasm at the Eu'Vend exhibition in Cologne. Le Royal ChocoDark was positively assessed in terms of cocoa taste & strength, richness, smoothness, aroma and scent.
Le Royal ChocoDark is a new innovative chocolate drink for vending with high cocoa content. The new product is a response to the demand for products that may support health, anti-aging and beauty. Dark chocolate has frequently been considered a healthy indulgence thanks to its high levels of the antioxidants polyphenols and flavanols. According to market researchers, Leatherhead International, chocolate with high cocoa content is set to be one of the prime growth areas in the market and has already enjoyed rising sales across Europe. Leatherhead point to health concerns as being the major driving force behind growth in the sector - with consumers choosing the chocolate because of its high antioxidant and cocoa content.
Antioxidants are found naturally in cocoa beans
Antioxidants are compounds that are believed to help neutralize free radicals and protect the body against their destructive effects. Flavanol Antioxidants occur naturally in some plant-based foods, such as tea, grapes, blueberries, cranberries and cocoa beans. Cocoa beans are the base ingredient of all chocolate products. Interestingly, on a gram for gram basis, cocoa (ground cocoa beans from which some of the cocoa butter has been removed) is one of the most concentrated natural sources of flavanols. (ICCO Annual Report, 2005) Generally, the higher the concentration of cocoa; the more flavanols are in the product. There are also studies indicating that more antioxidants are released when cocoa is heated compared to when it is cold (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2005).
Le Royal ChocoDark is a smooth, rich dark chocolate drink from a select blend of cacao beans for just the right balance of taste, aroma and sweetness. The new product has a cocoa content of minimum 27 %. As comparison, a regular hot choco product has a cocoa content of around 9-15 %.
Le Royal ChocoDark with added Carotenoids
Le Royal ChocoDark is also available with extra added natural carotenoids from natural palm oil with natural alpha/beta-carotene mixture. This product version is developed in close cooperation with the global ingredient supplier Chr. Hansen which uses nature itself as the cornerstone of development and production of ingredients.
Carotenoids are often used in clinical nutrition and in the cosmetic industry. Studies from international universities and research institutions show that carotenoids have antioxidant effect and protect healthy cells from free radical damage and are thus believed to prevent a range of degenerative diseases. One example is age-related macular degeneration and cataract. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment in the developed world. Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin have also been shown to improve visual performance. Lutein is abundant in human serum, tissues and organs. Carotenoids may furthermore provide you with a healthy-looking tan, without submitting your skin to the damaging rays of the sun. (Mr. Sami Sassi, Business Development Manager, Phytonutrients, Chr. Hansen)
