Colchester Company Marks 25th Anniversary with New York Times’ Wirecutter Recognition for Best Boxed Chocolates, New Product Launch of Allergy Friendly Cocoa Bombs, and Transformation into a 100% Egg Free Brand by Summer 2024.
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is marking a major milestone with innovations in the growing ‘Free From’ food category. The Vermont-based gourmet chocolate manufacturer just launched 100% natural and allergy friendly Hot Cocoa Bombs and is on target to become a 100% Egg Free manufacturer in 2024.
“We started with one treat made in our kitchen. Today, we have more than 200 allergy friendly items, 35 employees, and a 17,000 square foot facility. Innovation is happening every day at Vermont Nut Free Chocolates to make sure that we’re meeting our mission to provide the most delicious, allergy friendly gourmet chocolates on the market,” said Mark Elvidge, President of Vermont Nut Free Chocolates.
The Free From food category has experienced incredible growth since Vermont Nut Free Chocolates was founded 25 years ago. The market for allergen free food is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% between 2020 and 2030. (Source: Future Market Insights)
“Our goal is to have every product that we sell be egg free by next summer. Right now, we are in the final stages of creating an egg free recipe for one last product transformation,” said Elvidge. “We know that shoppers trust our products and we want to provide them with even more choices as we help to take away the fear that comes with navigating food allergies.”
68% of shoppers buying allergy-friendly food said that they have more trust in small brands like Vermont Nut Free Chocolates. (Source: McKinsey & Company)
“Vermont Nut Free Chocolates offers a safe option without thinking about cross contamination and ‘is the label accurate?” said Melissa Breil, a longtime customer.
The newest product from Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is free from artificial colors and flavors and contains no GMO ingredients. The Hot Cocoa Bombs are also peanut, tree nut, coconut, egg, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish free.
“We know that most cocoa bombs at grocery stores are produced on shared equipment with the top nine food allergens or contain artificial additives. So, we got to work, and we think you’ll love our cocoa bombs whether you have an allergy or just want gourmet quality chocolate that’s better for you,” said Elvidge.
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates was recently named one of The Best Boxed Chocolates by New York Times’ Wirecutter. According to the independent reviewers, “The Vermont Nut-Free Grand Chocolates Assortment is an assorted offering in the true meaning of the word—there are plenty of different shapes and flavors. This selection mirrors boxes of chocolates that people with nut allergies may have coveted but ultimately had to abstain from.” (Source: Wirecutter, October 20, 2023)
Source: Colchester, Vt. (November 6, 2023) – Vermont Nut Free Chocolate
