Kokova Magazine

The rise in raw chocolate continues to grow with many chocolate makers now opting to use more of the cacao seeds raw instead of roasted, heated or melted. MULU Raw Chocolate has been producing raw chocolate sine 2007, and 2015 will see the launch of their Raw Cacao Truffles.

MULU Raw Chocolate was founded in 2007 by vegan couple, Ben and Kaycee Fordham. Introduced to raw chocolate by Ben's mother during a family holiday to Cornwall, it wasn't long before Ben was ordering ingredients and creating his own raw chocolate recipes in the kitchen.

Fuelled with a desire to create an ethical and sustainable business which could support their growing family, and with a huge interest in functional foods and health, the couple soon felt that a business hand producing raw chocolate could be just what they had envisaged.

Of course, building any business from scratch takes lots of hard work and research, and for the next year, whilst Ben perfected his smooth raw chocolate recipes and processes, Kaycee explored the market, sourced ingredients and worked on the packaging design and branding.

MULU Raw Chocolate was officially launched in November 2008 with three initial raw chocolate bars; Silk - a dairy free, milk chocolate alternative, Dark and Dark with Raw Cacao Nibs.

In the beginning, the couple took a personal approach to marketing, dealing directly with independent health food stores and taking stands at local craft shows. Whilst they continue to maintain those original relationships, they have also secured nationwide distribution in the UK, as well as partners in Slovenia, Sweden & Romania. The company is now looking to expand its reach within the UK market and develop a more extensive trade network in Europe and the Middle East.

MULU has its own purpose built, environmentally friendly 'creation location' in rural Devon and a small but growing portfolio of certified vegan, gluten, dairy, soya and nut free chocolate products, making the MULU brand a perfect fit for the allergy & 'free from', health conscious consumer.

MULU Organic Raw Chocolate is made with raw cacao ethically sourced from small-scale producers in Ecuador. Buying from rainforest producers, MULU helps to support biodiversity in the region, thus enabling the land to be profitable, protecting the rainforest from destruction and the long term livelihood of the indigenous farmers. MULU chocolate is hand wrapped in degradable cellophane and packaged in a recycled and recyclable box (or sleeve in the case of the Buttons) printed with plant-based inks.

MULU are excited to launch a new range of raw cacao truffles in Summer 2015. The company is currently handcrafting the truffles on a small scale for independent stores and will be ready to wholesale by July. The range, which includes Spiced Rum & Succulent Sultana, Madagascan Sweet Vanilla, Ecuadorian Dark, Blissful Banana and Raspberry Sharp, is entirely vegan and created with creamed coconut and coconut oil, dark MULU raw cacao and a host of delicious, unrefined natural ingredients including flambéed fresh bananas, ground Madagascan vanilla beans and air dried raspberry powder.

MULU truffles are set to be the jewel in the crown for MULU and a fantastic luxurious (and safe) chocolate option for many allergy & free from consumers.

Discover more at www.muluchocolate.co.uk