Hershey buying Scharffen Berger Chocolate Co.



David Arnstein wrote:

> This gives me more confidence in my theory: Scharffen Berger is a
> sham. Here they are, announcing that they are being acquired by the
> king of mass market, low quality chocolate, and simultaneously
> claiming the high end of the market.
>
> I've tasted their packaged goods many times, and I find them lacking.
> The chocolate has a weird sour (not bitter) taste that is not
> pleasant.
>
> It is also quite expensive.

Yep. It doesn't hold a candle to Michel Cluizel or Valrhona. It's
decidedly one-dimensional. It's the typical American thing -- some
rich guys start a company in an area that interests them, learn as
much as they can, and hang out a shingle. European chocolatiers
have decades of experience, access to growers, etc. There's
just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that comes
from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

Of course, that's what's great about America -- you don't have to
apprentice for seven years to become a sushi chef. OTOH that's
what's not so great about America -- you eat sushi made by guys who
didn't study for seven years to become a sushi chef.
 
David Arnstein wrote:

> This gives me more confidence in my theory: Scharffen Berger is a
> sham. Here they are, announcing that they are being acquired by the
> king of mass market, low quality chocolate, and simultaneously
> claiming the high end of the market.
>
> I've tasted their packaged goods many times, and I find them lacking.
> The chocolate has a weird sour (not bitter) taste that is not
> pleasant.
>
> It is also quite expensive.

Yep. It doesn't hold a candle to Michel Cluizel or Valrhona. It's
decidedly one-dimensional. It's the typical American thing -- some
rich guys start a company in an area that interests them, learn as
much as they can, and hang out a shingle. European chocolatiers
have decades of experience, access to growers, etc. There's
just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that comes
from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

Of course, that's what's great about America -- you don't have to
apprentice for seven years to become a sushi chef. OTOH that's
what's not so great about America -- you eat sushi made by guys who
didn't study for seven years to become a sushi chef.
 
David Arnstein wrote:

> This gives me more confidence in my theory: Scharffen Berger is a
> sham. Here they are, announcing that they are being acquired by the
> king of mass market, low quality chocolate, and simultaneously
> claiming the high end of the market.
>
> I've tasted their packaged goods many times, and I find them lacking.
> The chocolate has a weird sour (not bitter) taste that is not
> pleasant.
>
> It is also quite expensive.

Yep. It doesn't hold a candle to Michel Cluizel or Valrhona. It's
decidedly one-dimensional. It's the typical American thing -- some
rich guys start a company in an area that interests them, learn as
much as they can, and hang out a shingle. European chocolatiers
have decades of experience, access to growers, etc. There's
just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that comes
from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

Of course, that's what's great about America -- you don't have to
apprentice for seven years to become a sushi chef. OTOH that's
what's not so great about America -- you eat sushi made by guys who
didn't study for seven years to become a sushi chef.
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
In article <[email protected]>,
Michael Sierchio <[email protected]> wrote:

> access to growers, etc.

Those growers in South America, you mean?

> There's just no substitute for the kind of knowledge in depth that
> comes from growing up in what has been a hereditary craft.

True, but it seems to me that there is less and less of that in
Europe as well. People no longer want to do what the family always has
done, they are more individualistic.

In any case, I still prefer Ghiradelli chocolate. Call me a plebe if
you will.

Regards,
Ranee

Remove do not & spam to e-mail me.

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Prov 31:13

http://arabianknits.blogspot.com/
http://talesfromthekitchen.blogspot.com/
 
Sad, isn't it? I don't expect it will remain the same for very long.

```````````````````````

On 26 Jul 2005 09:32:29 -0700, Leila wrote:

> >From the SF Chronicle:
>
> http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/26/BUGM6DTAOM1.DTL
>
> "Scharffen Berger, a Berkeley company that specializes in premium dark
> chocolates, will continue making its products as normal but said it
> will have greater access to resources and growth opportunities by
> joining forces with Hershey.
> ...
> "Scharffen Berger markets to the refined palate and seeks to be
> approached like a fine wine. Its best-selling products include
> bittersweet and extra-dark chocolates. The company has retail stores in
> Berkeley, San Francisco and New York. Its products also are available
> in high-end supermarkets."
>
> (quoted under fair use)
>
> Leila
 
Sad, isn't it? I don't expect it will remain the same for very long.

```````````````````````

On 26 Jul 2005 09:32:29 -0700, Leila wrote:

> >From the SF Chronicle:
>
> http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/26/BUGM6DTAOM1.DTL
>
> "Scharffen Berger, a Berkeley company that specializes in premium dark
> chocolates, will continue making its products as normal but said it
> will have greater access to resources and growth opportunities by
> joining forces with Hershey.
> ...
> "Scharffen Berger markets to the refined palate and seeks to be
> approached like a fine wine. Its best-selling products include
> bittersweet and extra-dark chocolates. The company has retail stores in
> Berkeley, San Francisco and New York. Its products also are available
> in high-end supermarkets."
>
> (quoted under fair use)
>
> Leila
 
Sad, isn't it? I don't expect it will remain the same for very long.

```````````````````````

On 26 Jul 2005 09:32:29 -0700, Leila wrote:

> >From the SF Chronicle:
>
> http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/26/BUGM6DTAOM1.DTL
>
> "Scharffen Berger, a Berkeley company that specializes in premium dark
> chocolates, will continue making its products as normal but said it
> will have greater access to resources and growth opportunities by
> joining forces with Hershey.
> ...
> "Scharffen Berger markets to the refined palate and seeks to be
> approached like a fine wine. Its best-selling products include
> bittersweet and extra-dark chocolates. The company has retail stores in
> Berkeley, San Francisco and New York. Its products also are available
> in high-end supermarkets."
>
> (quoted under fair use)
>
> Leila
 
Sad, isn't it? I don't expect it will remain the same for very long.

```````````````````````

On 26 Jul 2005 09:32:29 -0700, Leila wrote:

> >From the SF Chronicle:
>
> http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/26/BUGM6DTAOM1.DTL
>
> "Scharffen Berger, a Berkeley company that specializes in premium dark
> chocolates, will continue making its products as normal but said it
> will have greater access to resources and growth opportunities by
> joining forces with Hershey.
> ...
> "Scharffen Berger markets to the refined palate and seeks to be
> approached like a fine wine. Its best-selling products include
> bittersweet and extra-dark chocolates. The company has retail stores in
> Berkeley, San Francisco and New York. Its products also are available
> in high-end supermarkets."
>
> (quoted under fair use)
>
> Leila
 
Sad, isn't it? I don't expect it will remain the same for very long.

```````````````````````

On 26 Jul 2005 09:32:29 -0700, Leila wrote:

> >From the SF Chronicle:
>
> http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/26/BUGM6DTAOM1.DTL
>
> "Scharffen Berger, a Berkeley company that specializes in premium dark
> chocolates, will continue making its products as normal but said it
> will have greater access to resources and growth opportunities by
> joining forces with Hershey.
> ...
> "Scharffen Berger markets to the refined palate and seeks to be
> approached like a fine wine. Its best-selling products include
> bittersweet and extra-dark chocolates. The company has retail stores in
> Berkeley, San Francisco and New York. Its products also are available
> in high-end supermarkets."
>
> (quoted under fair use)
>
> Leila
 
Sad, isn't it? I don't expect it will remain the same for very long.

```````````````````````

On 26 Jul 2005 09:32:29 -0700, Leila wrote:

> >From the SF Chronicle:
>
> http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/26/BUGM6DTAOM1.DTL
>
> "Scharffen Berger, a Berkeley company that specializes in premium dark
> chocolates, will continue making its products as normal but said it
> will have greater access to resources and growth opportunities by
> joining forces with Hershey.
> ...
> "Scharffen Berger markets to the refined palate and seeks to be
> approached like a fine wine. Its best-selling products include
> bittersweet and extra-dark chocolates. The company has retail stores in
> Berkeley, San Francisco and New York. Its products also are available
> in high-end supermarkets."
>
> (quoted under fair use)
>
> Leila
 
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