A Sweet Tooth in Shanghai
Chocolate has a rich lush history...outside of China. In China however, chocolate is a relatively "new" phenomenon. Not new as in it only arrived here in the last decade, but new in that China's chocolate manufacturers got their start thanks to Europe. Without the knowledge, skills, expertise, and equipment from Europe, chocolate may never have happened here.
A couple weeks ago we were fortunate to visit the BaiNuo facility here in Shanghai. BaiNuo is one of China's leading chocolate manufacturers, having had their own private brand of chocolates since 1998. Since then, the company has come a long way and in recent years has started making chocolate for Universal Studios and Disney, just to name a few.
We took the subway to the north part of the city where their office, factory, and museum are located. There was no need to check our map once we reached the surface as we were greeted by a large building designed to look like a chocolate bar, the characters for BaiNuo right on top.
As we approached the facility, you can tell no detail was spared in designing their campus. Even cocoa beans are featured as design elements in the fence that surrounds the campus. All buildings are built to brand - warm, smooth, and inviting - just as you would expect from a chocolate producer.
Personally, I was quite excited to tag along for this visit as I do love chocolate. I mean, who doesn't, right? Swiss, Belgian, Canadian, Russian, Chinese, and many many more, each having its own distinct approach, flavours, and fame/infamy in the universe of chocolate. I think because everyone can relate to the rich comfort chocolate brings with it. Whether you love dark, milk, white, smooth, creamy, hard, liquid, etc., there is a form and flavour of chocolate for everyone. Add in other flavours and ingredients and the sky is the limit.
Chocolate Liquor, Drinking Chocolate, and Chocolate Bark.
The chocolatey universe is quite diverse, constantly sparking discussions surrounding the topic of "what is the best chocolate?". Of course it comes down to personal tastes, but I was personally surprised when we were informed that white chocolate is a favourite in Shanghai. I hate white chocolate. I don't believe it deserves to be called chocolate, but I digress.
We made our way through the museum (free of charge, simply show up and enter) where you can experience a brief history of chocolate production at BaiNuo.
I won't spoil all of the original equipment on display, suffice it to say, there was quite a lot and it is all well maintained for you to come and view. All of the original equipment was imported from Europe. Now, the production line has been updated to meet modern production standards. We weren't allowed to photograph much in their live production facility due to proprietary technology, but it was impressive to say the least.
Depending on the time of day you visit, you can also make your own chocolate. Part of their production staff for their cafe/gift shop will guide you through the process of making your very own chocolate bar.
Experiences like this - visiting food producers - is becoming more and more popular in China. Adding museums and providing small tours of production facilities (when and where it is safe to do so) is being seen as a way to cultivate brand equity, earn additional revenue, and create a direct relationship and dialogue with customers.
Once through the museum you end where you began - at the cafe and gift store. We were greeted with Mayan Hot Chocolate (hot chocolate with chili pepper), which is a must try, in my opinion. I am a huge fan of hot chocolate, growing up in Northern Ontario, hot chocolate is a must during winter months.
As we left, we purchased a few gifts for family and friends (and ourselves). I'll sign off with this: dark chocolate-covered coffee beans are delightful treat for any coffee and chocolate lover. If you have any recommendations on where or what we should visit next, please drop us a line!
Editor-in-chief and occasional contributor of actual content at Snout & Seek. Cameron hails from Northern Ontario, Canada but now lives in Shanghai, China. Wannabe explorer, loves coffee, donuts, and pizza.
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