Dorset chocolatier earns place in local Co-op stores

A family-run business, which started in a small backstreet unit in Swanage in 2002, has had its products picked to feature in convenience stores across Dorset and Somerset.

Crafted by Chococo in the heart of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, four chocolate bars have hit the shelves of Southern Co-op’s stores from Bournemouth to Burnham on Sea.

The company impressed the Co-op’s Local Flavours team with its rich flavours and strong ethics.

Chococo – The Purbeck Chocolate Co. is a multi award winning independent artisan chocolate brand founded by couple Andy and Claire Burnet in 2002. The company uses local, seasonal ingredients, and ethical, single origin chocolate.

100% of its packaging is plastic-free, and either compostable or recyclable.

Matt Elliott, Southern Co-op’s Retail Buying & Services Manager, who looks after the Local Flavours range, said: “We’re celebrating our own special birthday this year – it’s been 150 years since the co-operative was first formed just down the road in Portsmouth. So, what better way to celebrate than with chocolate?

“We’ve selected four of Chococo’s handcrafted chocolate bars, including two which are plant-based and naturally vegan-friendly. We hope that everyone loves them as much as we do, and continues supporting the need to be more sustainable via our incredible local producers.”

The range being stocked is “Glorious Ginger” studded 72 per cent Ecuador origin Chocolate Bar (vf), “Ravishing Raspberry” studded 72 per cent Ecuador origin Chocolate Bar (vf), ‘Nothing but Nib’ 47 per cent Colombia origin Chocolate Bar studded with cocoa nibs, and 47 per cent Colombia origin Milk Chocolate Bar.

They are being stocked at The Co-operative Food stores in Bearwood’s King John Avenue, Bournemouth’s Madeira Road, Bridgwater’s Stockmoor Park, Burnham on Sea’s Berrow Road, Creekmoor’s Northmead Drive, Frome’s Nunney Road, Nailsea’s Hannah More Road, Norton Fitzwarren’s Morse Road, Sturminster’s Station Road, Verwood’s Ringwood Road, Wimborne’s Wimborne Road, and Yeovil’s Mudford Road.

Co-founder of Chococo, Claire Burnet, is delighted to see their handcrafted, ethical bars on the shelves of local Southern Co-op stores. “For 20 years we have been making our award-winning fine chocolates which showcase the best single origin chocolates and local ingredients,” she said.

“We work directly with cocoa growers to create the finest chocolate which contains much less sugar than many other brands, no additives or palm oil, and celebrates the flavours of the ethically sourced cocoa beans.

“It is wonderful to see our bars in Southern Co-op stores across Dorset and Somerset, and we hope they will bring joy to Southern Co-op customers!”