Week-long chocolate celebration starts today

Chocolate Week, the nation's favourite themed week, started today with a whole host of events taking place across the country. Since Chocolate Week started in 2006, the British chocolate market has grown a staggering 21% and is now worth £3.8bilion*.

The week builds up to its grand finale, Chocolate Unwrapped this weekend in London. Featuring more than 60 exhibitors with top British chocolatiers and chocolate companies as well as international chocolate makers from around the world. Exhibitors include Rococo, Hotel Chocolat, Paul a Young, William Curley, Damian Allsop, Chococo, Artisan du Chocolat, Divine, Thorntons, Lindt and many more. 

Around 7000 visitors are expected to attend the show where they can taste some of the best chocolate in the world, unusual flavours and classic pairings.

• Unusual flavours – ‘Black Pudding, calvados and caramelised apple’ truffle from Paul a Young, Hay chocolate from Sir Hans Sloane, Japanese black vinegar from William Curley. • New launches: Salted chocolate toffee & hazelnut praline from Rococo, Ginger Thins from Divine, a chocolate & pistachio naan bread from Pistachio Rose and Chai tea almond from The Chocolatier. • Demonstrations and tastings from top chocolatiers and experts • Chocolate sculptures and a Roast & Conch chocolate café. 

Chocolate Week was set up to promote fine flavour chocolate, the independent artisan chocolatiers and the chocolate companies who work in direct partnership with the cocoa farmers. It aims to encourage consumers to pay a fairer price for their chocolate. 

• For more details on the week and participants visit ChocolateWeek.co.uk • For more information on Chocolate Unwrapped visit chocolateunwrapped.co.uk

*According to Mintel