Retailing Tips & Advice

26 May

Understanding Chocolate Bloom

May 26, 2026
By Linda

Warm weather is wonderful, but it does bring questions. Every summer, our retail partners receive a small but steady stream of customer queries about chocolate that looks a little different: pale, streaky, dull, or slightly dusty in appearance. If you've ever...

23 Jan

Retailing Tips & Advice

What You Need to Know About Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate

January 23, 2025
By Linda

In recent months, reports have raised concerns about lead and cadmium in chocolate, especially dark varieties. In this blog, we’ve broken down the key findings, what’s being done to address it, and how Choc Affair ensures your chocolate is both...

05 Dec

Retailing Tips & Advice

How to Tap into Growing Customer Demand for Ethical Chocolate Gifting

December 5, 2024
By Linda

As more customers prioritise ethical and sustainable purchasing choices, the demand for consciously crafted chocolate gifts is on the rise. Here we show you how your business can meet this growing trend, align with customer values, and stand out as...

05 Dec

Retailing Tips & Advice

Why Stocking Plant-Based Chocolate for Veganuary Will Drive Your Sales

December 5, 2024
By Linda

As a chocolate maker, we understand how important it is to stay ahead of consumer needs and lifestyle choices, particularly when it comes to meeting the demand for vegan-friendly products. January marks the start of Veganuary, a month-long challenge encouraging...

11 Oct

Retailing Tips & Advice

Christmas Campaign Ideas

October 11, 2024
By Linda

Practical and Simple Social Media Marketing Tips for Small Businesses As we draw nearer to Christmas, all small business owners, whether you’re running a garden centre, a gift shop or an eCommerce site, have a golden opportunity to harness the power...

03 Apr

News, Retailing Tips & Advice

Rising cocoa bean prices, and what it means

April 4, 2024
By Linda

In recent months, you may have come across numerous news articles highlighting the surge in cocoa bean prices globally. According to the Financial Times, as of 28th March 2024, cocoa futures traded at £8,270.00, which has increased by 285.55% since...

07 Dec

Retailing Tips & Advice

2024’s Key Social Media Dates: Your Guide to Boosting Sales & Engagement

December 7, 2023
By Linda

Welcome to our Marketing Content Calendar for 2024, specially designed to keep you updated with the most engaging UK social media holidays! This resource aims to bolster your chocolate sales and refine your marketing strategies, ensuring you stay ahead in...

03 Oct

Retailing Tips & Advice

Spook-tacular Sales: The essential guide for businesses to prepare for Halloween

September 5, 2024
By Linda

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, a wave of excitement fills the air. That's right, Halloween is upon us, offering an unmissable opportunity to boost your sales and delight your customers. And what's Halloween without chocolate? Whether you're...

06 Aug

News, Retailing Tips & Advice

The Benefits of a Dairy-Free Diet

February 20, 2024
By Linda

The need for a dairy-free diet for my daughters was the reason I started Choc Affair, and back in 2006, such a diet was not a popular thing, with limited options available to us. How things have changed, with more...

03 Jul

News, Retailing Tips & Advice

The Transformational Power of a Company Values Session

July 4, 2023
By Linda

The Need for a Values Refresh I’m not sure if you’ve experienced the same, but in today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, it's easy for smaller companies like ours to become so focused on day-to-day operations and the ‘doing’ of the...

Shopping cart