Ooooh...Fairtrade Choccie Heaven! (Co-op Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Belgian Chocolates)

Member Name: Foxy-Lady

Product:	Co-op Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Belgian Chocolates
Date:	29/02/08 (206 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: I love 'em all!

Disadvantages: Possibly not enough variety for some people

In brief, the Fairtrade Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to tackling poverty in developing countries - a commercial practice that emphasises human values. It's about providing decent working conditions, better prices and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in these countries. Fairtrade helps growers to establish themselves in the world supply chain, enabling them to improve their position, maintain a dignified income and therefore have more control over their lives.

In 2000, the Co-Op supermarket decided to develop their own-label range of products in support of Fairtrade. Now boasting around 50 available items, they are currently the UK supermarket who offer the largest Fairtrade range to consumers. Thumbs up!

On Valentine's Day this year I received a box of 'Co-Operative Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Belgian Chocolates' as a gift from my hubby. This assortment of dark, milk and white Belgian choccies is exactly as the name suggests...truly irresistible. So much so that I've since been and bought myself another box during a moment of weakness!

I am instantly struck by the lovely presentation of this product. It's a small sized box which is already gift wrapped for you (probably why my other half chose them!), giving a luxurious feel. A burgundy strip of ribbon adorns the little parcel, holding the contents description card in place. This gives the effect of a gift tag but a nice touch would be space incorporated to actually write your own message. Next is a layer of golden wrapping paper which has a nice matt sheen. It almost seems rude to spoil it but I just have to dive in. Inside, the simple card box is a plain russet colour with a pretty pearlescent finish. Very attractive with an overall suggestion of quality.

Once the box is opened a selection of 16 chocolates is presented on two tiers, with an overall weight of 240g. There are eight varieties...so it doesn't take a genius to work out that you are treated to two of each. My first impression is that each of the chocs looks appetising with a wonderfully silky lustre and there's a fairly even mixture of dark, milk and white chocolates to choose from. Consulting the 'map' I couldn't wait to take the plunge...



Neo ~ Quite a solid dark chocolate featuring a thin layer of smooth ganache, which is a blend of chocolate and cream (or butter) and forms the basis of many chocolates and truffles. The flavour of the Neo is intensely bitter leaving a strong aftertaste but not at all unpleasant and is fully appreciated by me. The Neo provides an extremely satisfying chocolate hit.

Fleuri ~ A thin outer layer of milk chocolate surrounds a vast amount of smooth and creamy hazelnut praline filling. Very tasty and full of flavour, the delicious centre is wonderfully soft. Its almost buttery texture melts in the mouth. This one's pure indulgence...absolutely divine.

Prestige ~ I'm not a great fan of marzipan and as this choice is simply marzipan encased in a coating of dark chocolate, I didn't think I'd be too keen. I was so wrong! It's moist and has an ever so slightly 'gritty' texture adding bite. The bitterness of the dark chocolate offsets the sugary sweetness of the soft marzipan perfectly, creating a scrumptious combination. A hint of almond nuttiness from the marzipan adds an extra tantalising edge to the flavour, increasing the appeal of this choc to me. One of my favourites.

Tiramisu ~ A crisp yet creamy white chocolate offering that fortunately lacks the sickliness that I usually associate with white choccie. The coffee infused centre takes the form of a light, whipped mousse which dissolves luxuriously on the tongue. And not too overpowering either...a subtle taste. The white chocolate and coffee compliment each other perfectly. It's so beautifully balanced and utterly irresistible.

Cadeaux ~ I really like to savour this one. Rich and smooth caramel ganache enrobed in silky milk chocolate. At first appearing to be an innocent caramel centre, it feels velvety and yet remarkably cool on the tongue...but this is soon followed by a warm kick. The chocolate and the ganache mingle to perfection, leaving quite a strong aftertaste. The Cadeaux is totally sumptuous. In fact, it's positively sinful!

Noix ~ Another creamy white chocolate exterior, this time in the shape of a nut...a suggestion as to the overall flavour which is owed to the very nutty centre. This is a textured praline containing tiny, crunchy pieces of caramelised nut. Sweet and delectable, the Noix is the most sickly of the selection and therefore feels lusciously wicked as a result!

Canastra ~ An extremely rich and bitter dark chocolate. The thick, rum flavoured ganache centre has quite a strong alcoholic kick, providing a powerful warmth of flavour. The aftertaste is very similar to that of a liqueur...lingering on the tongue. The Canastra is a very stimulating chocolate which floods the senses.

Coquille ~ Another delightfully nutty taste due to the hazelnut content which has got to be one of my favourite flavours. An overall milk chocolate cream basis tastes very chocolatey and is complimented by tiny, roasted nut pieces. The creamy, quite sticky centre is simply delicious, making the Coquille a lovely addition to the selection.



...and before you know it, they have all gone!

During my consumption of a box of these choccies I never know which one to choose next as they are all so scrummy. I can sometimes be quite greedy when it comes to scoffing chocolates as I am a huge fan! I do find that eating one tier of these Fairtrade Belgian Chocs in a sitting is definitely enough due to the richness of the offerings, otherwise I'm in danger of feeling a tad sick! Plus, I like the thought of making them last longer. I also tend to nibble and savour when I eat them rather than pop them in whole, as I would usually do with other chocolates.

The nature of Belgian chocloates determines the content of this selection but having three ganache choices, two pralines and three chocolates which have a nut based centre, this perhaps doesn't provide enough variety for some people. It simply depends on your individual tastes and preferences though. In my opinion this is a wonderful array of choccies and I think you can probably tell that I adore them all as they suit my tastes perfectly. In fact I'm nearly drooling now at the mere thought.

And now for the allergy advice...these chocolates are suitable for vegetarians but contain milk, almonds, hazelnuts and soya, so unfortunately not suitable for everyone.

Co-Op are currently holding a Fairtrade fortnight (25th February - 9th March '08) during which time they have reduced all Fairtrade products by 20%. Usually retailing at £6.25, you can now grab a box for just £4.99.

As I mentioned previously, the presentation of the box is fabulous. You are in no doubt paying a bit extra for the premium packaging as a result, but for something a little more indulgent as a gift, Co-Op Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Belgian Chocolates are perfect. And containing 55% Fairtrade ingredients (certified to international Fairtrade standards) these chocs have ethical values aswell. What more can you ask for?

All I can do is urge you to go and try some for yourself as a special treat (go on, you deserve it!)...or how about a gift for Mother's Day?

Summary: A special box of chocs...ideal as a gift!