Artisan Manufacturers Whet Canadian Consumers' Appetite For Chocolates

Artisan chocolate manufacturers are transforming the chocolate industry in Canada the same way that their counterparts did earlier in the coffee industry. Several factors including the slowfood movement and social recognition of organic and fair-trade products are driving the trend. As a result, consumers are becoming aware of the fine distinctions in chocolate's qualities and characteristics. The U.S. market accounts for some $17 billion of the $74 billion global chocolate market, and Canada about $1.7 billion.