It's fudge, America, but not as we know it
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 4, 2009 — Seven states in the union are about to experience a new form of fudge: whimsical, handmade dark chocolate fudge truffles. "This chocolate is so unique, it's just perfect," says Gail Turnmire of Albuquerque, NM, an enthusiastic fan who discovered the Cocopotamus brand when it was only sold online.
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Created by fledgling artisanal chocolatier, NYDC Chocolate, Cocopotamus is a spin on that wonderful American tradition: old-fashioned fudge. The twist? Cocopotamus is a richer, creamier and less sweet chocolate fudge made with dark chocolate and infused with exotic flavors. Shoppers are taking notice of the unique combination of handmade fudge truffle balls, whimsical names and colorful packaging. "We believe chocolate should be delicious, creative, and most of all, fun," says NYDC Chocolate CEO, Maxwell Sinclair. "A lot of the inspiration came from NYDC," he adds, referring to the award-winning New York Dessert Cafes he and his wife Ally Sinclair co-founded in 1995.
On the heels of its recent expansion from online to retail, NYDC Chocolate will soon be rolling its unique dark chocolate truffles out regionally. "We will be partnering with a specialty food distributor, FamilyQuest Marketing, which we think is a wonderful opportunity," says Sinclair. The move will take the Cocopotamus line of fudge truffles into Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi.
"We're very excited about taking such a unique line of chocolates into a larger market," said Kimbrough Johns, General Manager of FamilyQuest Marketing. "There's nothing else like it."
Online and in their move into retail, the Cocopotamus twist on all-American fudge has been gaining popularity quickly. "Cocopotamus is my new go-to website for gift giving," says Turnmire. Her most recent purchase? A selection of Cocopotamus chocolates sent to relatives in Houston, Texas. "I knew they would love the flavors and I was right — they devoured them! They were really delighted with Cocopotamus." Turnmire, who works for Albuquerque The Magazine, adds that she's "thrilled" that Cocopotamus is now available for retail. Within New Mexico, the brand is sold at retailers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, including The Grove Cafe & Market, The Spanish Table and Osuna Nursery. Expansion into the nearby seven states will begin later this month.
The Cocopotamus line contains 18 flavors of dark chocolate fudge truffles, ranging from the traditional — think creamy coconut or pure peppermint — to the more exotic, such as "Mr. French" fudge topped with "fancy-schmancy gourmet salt." Cocopotamus all-natural fudge is handmade in artisanal small-batch fashion and then hand-dipped in dark chocolate to form fudge truffles. Cocopotamus fudge is made with no preservatives, no corn syrup, no wheat and no gluten. NYDC Chocolate also sells the dark chocolate fudge truffles online for chocolate gifts, party chocolate and as favors for weddings and corporate events.
Contact: Ally Sinclair, Cocopotamus by NYDC Chocolate, 505-301-1633, Email http://www.cocopotamus.com
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