Inside Hershey

News from The Hershey Company

It's true, I haven't posted much about chocolate lately.

Nothing about the plethora of Easter goodies — the Reester Bunnies, the Bliss eggs, the white chocolate and dark chocolate Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs — and nothing about the new Pieces line, and nothing about the new Hershey Meltaway Kisses/Reese's Cremes/Thingamajig bars (see Cybele's Candy Blog for excellent reviews of all the new products) and nothing about The Hershey Company's stalwart earnings in the face of a global recession.

That's all good news, sure. But I've just been a little down about the company closing the iconic Scharffen Berger factory in Berkeley and discontinuing the line of Joseph Schmidt truffles. Call me a chocolate snob, but I was excited about Hershey's Artisan Confections and hoped it had a bright future.

Unfortunately, it looks as though Artisan Confections will be taking another hit. This week, there have been rumblings that Hershey's and Starbucks have decided to dissolve the partnership that produced those stellar Starbucks chocolates. I suppose it's no surprise — the Starbucks line has never been sold at Starbucks locations, and it really hasn't been supported by a lot of advertising. But this was good chocolate. Premium chocolate. REAL chocolate.

And I'll miss it.

I hope the Dagoba line survives.

The Top Five Milk Chocolate Bars

Food & Wine Magazine issued its list of the top five milk chocolate bars, and The Hershey Company snared two of those five spots.

Coming in at Number Two: the Dagoba Organic Milk Chocolate bar. Dagoba is part of Hershey's Artisan Confections subsidiary.

And the Number Three bar on the list: the Hershey's Symphony bar.

Not a bad showing!

Artisan Confections Changes

The Hershey Company announced yesterday that it will close the West Coast production facilities for its Joseph Schmidt and Scharffen Berger lines.

Joseph Schmidt and Scharffen Berger are two components of Hershey's Artisan Confections Co., a subsidiary specializing in premium chocolates. Dagoba Organic Chocolate of Ashland, Oregon also produces high-end chocolate under the Artisan Confections umbrella. Hershey acquired both the Schmidt and Scharffen Berger companies in 2005.

Sadly, jobs will be affected — reportedly, 150 jobs will be affected in this move to consolidate production and cut costs.

Immerse Yourself: Chocolate-Covered February

February is Hershey's secret season. No, Hersheypark isn't open. Visitor counts are low. We're a little short on hours of daylight.

But that makes February one of the best months to visit! You can get into some great restaurants without a wait, there's an impressive new museum to explore, the trees are often covered in snow or frost at the Hershey Gardens (half-price admission and the makings for some awesome wintry photographs!) and last, but not least -- you can hit some Chocolate-Covered February events!

Chocolate-Covered February is in its fifth year, and it's not just some random tourist bureau "event." There are some outstanding special chocolate-themed meals, seminars and treats around town in February. Whether you'd like to take in a $55 chocolate and cognac pairing with dessert buffet or you want to take the kids to Hershey's Chocolate World for free samples after the ride, there's something for every age and every budget. Guest chefs and notables often appear during the month to offer their expertise as well -- and it's a real treat to watch Joseph Schmidt or John Scharffenberger talk about their passion for chocolate, or to enjoy a meal of Alison Barshak's inspired creations.

So check out the event list and choose a few. Don't forget that many events require pre-registration. And immerse yourself in Chocolate-Covered February.

Free Seeds from Dagoba

Here's your chance to get some free seeds from Dagoba! While you're on the site, submit a flavor recommendation and sign up for The Tao of Cocoa newsletter.

Dagoba is, of course, part of Hershey's Artisan Confections division.

In a Little Corner of Chocolate World

My favorite Hershey's products aren't always easy to find.

But when I head to Hershey's Chocolate World, I know just where to go.

I don't even consider the 3-D Ride or Hershey's Factory Works. I bypass the bakery (for now, anyway -- there are some awesome creations there for later, thanks to pastry chef extraordinaire Don Hudson!) and skip the tour ride. I put on my blinders and go straight through the clothing and merchandise areas, and I wind around the greenery on the left side, carefully avoiding the throngs of shoppers in the large candy section.

Then I make a hard right at the cash registers and there it is -- my little corner. Now, it's guarded by a new Starbucks Chocolates display. That's worth a pause...and a photo or two...and where are those Caramel Macchiato Truffles, anyway? Once I pry my eyes away from the Starbucks treats, I can see all those Scharffen Berger and Dagoba treasures.

Why these stars of Hershey's Artisan Confections Co. are kept tucked away in a dark alcove I'll never know. But for now, I enjoy having a clear path to my favorites -- no need to sharpen the elbows today.

If you're making a stop at Chocolate World, feel free to check it out. Pick up a Starbucks Mocha Dark Chocolate bar and head for the the Dagoba Lemon-Ginger Organic Chocolate and the Scharffen Berger Nibs bars. Mmmmmm, this is some of the best chocolate in the world!

But shhhhh...let's keep this our little secret, OK?