bake - September/October 2024 - 36

chocolate & decorating
The Empire Strikes
In recognition of National Hot Fudge Sundae Day (July 25),
the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company announced the grand opening
of its first-ever New York Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream
Shop in the Empire State Building.
The announcement marks two icons coming together - the
building that has long defined the New York City skyline, and
the country's oldest, continually operating premium chocolate
brand, originally founded in San Francisco in 1852.
The first-ever New York City Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream
Shop officially opened on Aug. 6. The first 102 attendees in line received
a free Ghirardelli World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae - one for
each story of the building.
To commemorate this historic moment in Ghirardelli's 172-year
history, Ghirardelli hosted a grand opening of the new store. Joel
Burrows and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, New Yorker,
and chocolate enthusiast Mary J. Blige hosted the ribbon-cutting
ceremony.
" We're thrilled to open our first New York store in the Empire
State Building. Now anyone who visits the iconic building can put
a cherry on top of their experience by enjoying one of our famous
sundaes there, " said Burrows. " Our new store is an important next
chapter in our company's long, rich history. We pride ourselves in
making chocolate so delicious it Makes Life a Bite Better. "
Ghirardelli is passionate about quality bean-to-bar chocolate
and all the way its fans enjoy it. The company takes pride in producing
premium chocolate products with the highest quality ingredients.
Ghirardelli
is one of the few large-scale US chocolate companies
that controls the entire manufacturing process, from cocoa
bean sourcing and production to finished product. This approach,
combined with Ghirardelli's proprietary bean blend and
unique methods of roasting and processing, ensures customers
are rewarded with the highest quality and richest products.
36 < SEP-OCT 2024 | bakemag.com
The new Empire State Building store's menu will feature 13 different
specialty sundaes, including:
Ghirardelli's World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae made with Ghirardelli
Handmade Milk Chocolate Hot Fudge, two scoops of vanilla
ice cream, whipped cream, chopped and toasted almonds, a maraschino
cherry, and a Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Caramel Square.
A new Mini World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, available for
the first time.
Additional new products launched nationwide this summer include
a Caramel Waffle Cone Sundae and a new Milk Chocolate
Caramel Waffle Cone Square.
" As a long-time Ghirardelli fan myself-and proud New Yorker-
I am so excited to be a part of opening this beautiful new
store, " said Mary J. Blige. " The Empire State Building is as iconic
to New York as Ghirardelli is to chocolate in the US. "
The New York location pays homage to the brand's foundational
San Francisco history through a replica of the classic Ghirardelli
marquee sign, blue and gold tiling throughout the store,
and a hot fudge kettle machine. The 2,758 square foot store will
also showcase fountain and bakery favorites like sundaes, milkshakes,
hot chocolate, coffee, brownies, cookies, and chocolate
covered strawberries.
Among the other elements of the elevated retail experience,
visitors will get to enjoy the Pick & Mix space, where they can customize
a take-home selection of Ghirardelli's delectable chocolate
squares. Proximity to major transportation hubs and subway
lines makes this new store accessible to locals and tourists alike.
Future Farming Initiative
Earlier this year, Barry Callebaut launched the Future Farming
Initiative (FFI). This ambitious program aims to revolutionize
cocoa farming by creating a sustainable, scalable,
and technologically advanced model, highlighting the comALBERT
LAW
http://www.bakemag.com
bake - September/October 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of bake - September/October 2024
