Moonstruck Chocolate, based in Portland, Oregon, has been tantalizing taste buds and capturing the hearts of chocolate lovers across the United States since its inception in 1993. The artisan chocolate market, of which Moonstruck is a part, is forecast to have a market value of $171.6 billion by 2026. The company stands out for its use of quality ingredients, unique flavors, and exquisite craftsmanship in creating their artisan chocolates.
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Who started Moonstruck Chocolate?
Bill Simmons, together with his spouse Deb, co-founded Moonstruck, with assistance from University of Portland marketing professor John Schouten.
Moonstruck Chocolate has been making premium chocolate by hand since 1993. Their chocolate not only tastes amazing, but it also looks amazing. With their roots in Portland, Oregon, the company combine rich chocolate with locally sourced, seasonal flavors and meticulously hand-decorate them.
Company mission is to provide unique experiences that rekindle people’s first passion for chocolate. When you eat the chocolates, you will encounter the metaphysical—walking the fine line between potential and actuality.
The story behind Moonstruck Chocolate company
Moonstruck has an amazing tale. The company has been creating exquisite, premium chocolate that satisfies all the senses for 25 years as they pursue their ambition. Moonstruck has strong ties to Portland, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest; the majority of their non-cacao components, including blueberries and hazelnuts, are acquired locally.
Moonstruck is a gourmet shop with handcrafted truffles, bars, baked goods, and hot chocolate. It is really artisanal. The company’s mission is to provide unique experiences that rekindle people’s first passion for chocolate.
Moonstruck Chocolate and Oprah
Oprah Winfrey promoted Moonstruck in her O magazine, and the handcrafted chocolates from Moonstruck were included in the gift baskets given to attendees at the Academy Awards, which helped the company gain national recognition in the early 2000s.
According to O magazine, the business is one of “Oprah’s favorite things.” Chocolate Works intends to continue growing its loyal client base, which Moonstruck has established with lifetime sales of over $50 million.
O, the Oprah Magazine, was a monthly American women’s magazine published by Hearst Magazines that was founded by talk-show host and celebrity Oprah Winfrey. The massive magazine expanded on the popularity of Winfrey’s talk show by featuring a mix of inspiring quotes, book reviews, motivating stories, and exclusive celebrity interviews. With a circulation of over two million, O was outselling leading American women’s magazines within months of its inception in 2000.
Moonstruck Chocolate speciality
Moonstruck Chocolate Co. has been making the most inventive chocolate truffle designs and the most delicious flavor combinations in the Portland area for over 25 years. With its newest line of chocolate truffles made with plant-based oat milk, this legacy is carried on. Each is expertly made by the artists of Moonstruck Chocolate Co. using only natural ingredients, tempting the senses on both the palate and the sight.
There are three luscious variations of the new truffle line, which is only available at its retail locations:
- Oat Milk Pecan Praline-A twist on the favorite from the South
- Oat Milk Dark Chocolate Ganache-A rich and smooth dark chocolate classic
- Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Caramel-What would fall be without pumpkin spice?
Customers can also select their preferred method of shopping, same-day delivery, contactless curbside pick-up, or in-store. The organization aims to make sure that the greatest selection of chocolate creations in the neighborhood is easily accessible to them.
Moonstruck Chocolate acquisition
The US chocolate company Moonstruck Chocolate has announced that Chocolate Works has acquired “substantially all of the assets” from it. Joe Whaley, founder and CEO of Chocolate Works, a company that produces branded and private label specialty chocolates and confections.
Chocolate Works’ initial acquisition, Moonstruck Chocolate in Portland, Oregon, gave the company a foothold on the West Coast. The deal’s financial specifics were kept under wraps. Russell Sneddon, the previous owner of Moonstruck Chocolate, said “The high point of my professional career has been leading Moonstruck. We are excited to follow the brand’s development and evolution under Chocolate Works as it moves from being a local favorite to a national platform”
Moonstruck sourcing commitment
Environment
Removing elements from our container that cannot be recycled. It is currently estimated that 85% or more of packaging can be recycled. Standardizing our packaging to reduce packaging waste and make better use of all the resources we have purchased. Styrofoam is being removed for cold shipments in favor of more ecologically friendly insulation choices.
Product Sourcing
All Natural components: The company changed the manufacturing process so that all of goods now use only natural components. Local Sourcing to honor the abundance of the Pacific Northwest, Moonstruck collaborate with regional producers and growers whenever feasible.
People
Vendor in-depth analysis to comprehend each of our partners and identify opportunities to grow alliances with more diversified groups of people
Product
Assess the viability of items to make sure we are producing them sustainably and efficiently, reducing product waste. Ensuring the quality of our products throughout the manufacturing process by putting in place stringent food safety measures.
Future plans of Moonstruck Chocolate company
As part of the integration process following its June 2022 acquisition by Chocolate Works, Moonstruck Chocolate Company intends to close its three remaining retail locations on July 8, 2022. Moonstruck’s former St. John’s waterfront location will no longer be used by the company to make its high-end chocolates; instead, it will continue to make them in Portland. Moonstruck employees will be given employment offers by Chocolate Works, which plans to increase Moonstruck’s national footprint.
As for the future, Moonstruck Chocolate Company is all set to continue defining the American artisan chocolate scene. They plan to expand their innovative product lines using their proven blend of traditional European techniques and Pacific Northwest creativity. Enhanced consumer engagement, both online and offline, is also on the cards.
Seeing the growing trend of health-focused snacking, they plan to diversify their product range to include options that cater to emergent customer demands. The company also aims to increase its presence across the United States and even beyond, expanding its market reach via a robust e-commerce platform and retail partnerships.