Valrhona’s Dulcey is an 85g bar that launched in France in August and was rolled out in the UK last month.
The company is also preparing to launch the product in Asia before introducing the bar to the Americas in early 2013.
Premium positioning
In the UK, the product is available in Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and online at chocolatetradingco.com. UK distribution is being handled by Classic Fine Foods.
The premium bar is retailing at around £4.50.
A spokesperson for Valrhona told ConfectioneryNews.com: “Valrhona products are for the connoisseur. As such, this new addition will do well in specialist shops, gourmet stores and department stores.”
Accidental creation
The chocolate was created by mistake after chef Frédéric Bau left Ivoire chocolate in a bain marie for 10 hours.
Bau later worked with French firm Valrhona to produce the chocolate on an industrial scale.
The French company is now manufacturing the chocolate from its plant in Tain l' Hermitage, France.
Valrhona said that the product smells of toasted Breton shortbread, caramelized milk and unrefined sugar.
The firm has declined to speak about the formulation.
The product is also available for the food service in 3kg bags at £30.44.