LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, NJ—Known for its artisanal chocolates placed on hotel pillows, Astor Chocolate is striving to meet new consumer needs with the launch of its own line of branded products available exclusively for the hospitality industry.
The 2015 Astor Chocolate Collection will feature new packaging, design and a wide array of gourmet chocolates and snacks in order to exceed the luxury traveler’s expectations, according to the company. The new collection gives hotels various options for its in-room minibars, turndown service and concierge recommendations.
“Today’s luxury traveler has higher expectations of luxury hotels’ service and is looking for memorable extraordinary experiences,” said Brian Garrett, VP – Hospitality, Foodservice & Corporate Sales, Astor Chocolate. “The guests will feel they are receiving unexpectedly special treatment when opening the beautifully packaged Astor Chocolate gift left in the room specifically for them. The innovative packaging and sumptuous-tasting chocolate work in concert to create an unforgettable guest memory for the luxury traveler.”
Astor was one of the first to introduce turndown chocolates to hotels in the U.S., according to the brand. For more than 65 years, Astor Chocolate has offered 100% Belgian Chocolate to the luxury hotel segment. “The new branded products pay homage to this legacy with Astor Chocolate’s contemporary new logo and new line of branded products and flavors,” said Garrett.
The new Astor Collection includes handcrafted Belgian chocolate truffle interpretations with gourmet centers of peanut butter, sea salt caramel, liquor cups, dessert shells, cupcake truffles and dessert mints. The line of chocolates offers a wide variety of flavors such as milk chocolate edamame crunch, milk chocolate jalapeno peanut, dark chocolate cherry and dark chocolate sea salt.
The collection includes snacks covered in chocolate such as milk-chocolate grahams, sea-salt truffle cups, milk-chocolate peanut and dark-chocolate biscotti. The range’s two-ounce Belgian bars with flavors like milk-chocolate s’mores, milk-chocolate toffee pretzel and 54% dark chocolate.
Attempting to meet the needs of wellness-minded guests, many of Astor Chocolates’ new products have all-natural ingredients. The brand also carries herbal-infused chocolate and 100-calorie chocolate bars with flavors that include milk-chocolate raspberry, dark-chocolate espresso and 64% dark-chocolate orange peel.
“Chocolate, in general, contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E,” said Garrett. “Chocolate contains anandamide, a molecule that elevates endorphins and serotonin, promoting happiness. The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which triggers relaxation. Dark chocolate is known to be nutritious and a powerful source of antioxidants. It may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure; raises HDL and protects LDL against oxidation; and may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
After enjoying a Belgian chocolate, guests can also purchase additional Astor Chocolate treats at a luxury hotel’s convenience store with the brand’s countertop merchandise. Available for retail purchase, Astor Chocolates offers truffle-cup racks, bar racks and multi-product merchandise.
“Astor Chocolate’s wide array of luxury turndown, truffle boxes and VIP gifting items with innovative design, packaging and indulgent chocolates allows the luxury hotel to personalize the experience to the hotel and the guest’s individual signature,” said Garrett. “Thus, they can match the Astor Chocolate product’s design, packaging and chocolate flavors to the proper style of the hotel and guest. Astor Chocolate also has the ability to customize the products with the hotel logo or even create a completely customized product specific to the hotel’s whim.”
—Matthew Marin