Statement from the Craft Chocolate Makers of America on the Closing of Scharffen Berger's Neighborhood Plant in Berkeley, California

The Craft Chocolate Makers of America announced today that they are saddened to hear of Hershey Co's recent decision to shutter Scharffen Berger's neighborhood plant in Berkeley, California.

Orem, UT (PRWEB) February 6, 2009 -- The Craft Chocolate Makers of America announced today that they are saddened to hear of Hershey Co's recent decision to shutter Scharffen Berger's neighborhood plant in Berkeley, California. An American chocolate revolution began in that small-scale production facility in West Berkeley.

Scharffen Berger was founded in 1996 by Robert Steinberg, a family-practice physician, and his former patient, winemaker John Scharffenberger. Together, the two created a strong legacy and helped increased the popularity of high-end American chocolate. Ultimately, Scharffen Berger fundamentally changed the way American consumers looked at chocolate.

The five founding members of the Craft Chocolate Makers of America (CCMA) have dedicated themselves to making fine, artisan chocolate -- furthering the tradition begun by Scharffen Berger more than 10 years ago.

CCMA was founded in 2008 as a way for chocolate makers to coordinate with each other on issues such as cocoa supply, chocolate quality, technical issues, export, and to promote the use of craft chocolate making methods as a means to create fine quality chocolate for every American.

Long live American artisan chocolate!

Craft Chocolate Makers of America Founding Members
Art Pollard, Amano Chocolate
Shawn Askinosie, Askinosie Chocolate
Steve Devries, Devries
Alan McClure, Patric Chocolate
Alex Whitmore, Taza Chocolate

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