Noka Chocolate Controversy
We mentioned Noka Chocolates once before here on Luxist and, unfortunately, it looks as though we fell victim to their crafty marketing, as have so many other publications. They sell the most expensive chocolate in the world, with prices up to $2,080 per pound, but as we have now learned, thanks to an outstanding in-depth investigation of the chocolatier by Dallas Food, price isn't everything.
Many chocolatiers use chocolates fro other sources and Noka is no exception, although they, unlike every other high-end chocolatier, seem to be willing to go to any lengths to hide the fact and protect their markup. If you want to try their the single-origin chocolates that are their claim to fame, go directly to the source and buy Bonnat Chocolate direct. Then, head over to Dallas Food's expose to find out how they discovered the world's most expensive chocolate really shouldn't be.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kate Dec 20th 2006 3:55PM
I thought that was one of the best finds you've had all year, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Scott's 10 part article. It was like a novel unfolding. I'm forwarding the expose to every one of my foodie friends, to get the word out.
And I want some of that Bonnat Chocolate, so that I can savor it while I read the salvo from NoKa which is sure to follow.
SueD Dec 26th 2006 10:29PM
Great story. And kudos for your integrity in posting this, despite the earlier story.
Sue
kathy Dec 28th 2006 2:08PM
i loved the dallas foods article. it should really win some kind of award. it was investigative journalism on a truely professional level. does the reporter have another job as a police detective? he or she should get there own show on the food network. keep up the great work!
webguyster Dec 28th 2006 2:08PM
What is all the fuss! Almost everything we purchase in the USA is not worth nearly the cost. If NoKA wants to remold Bonnat chocolates, so let them. With all the American hatred of france, people still would rather spend more on french chocolate, melted down in the USA, and repackaged.
Bodnoirbabe Dec 28th 2006 2:08PM
You completely miss the point, WEbguyster. Noka misrepresented themselves to the public and asked for a higher price for their chocolate because of it. This is the same as if I sold you a Lamborghini for full price and you found out later on it was really just a BMW with a Lamborghini kit built on.
Not the same in the least.
Kudos to this publication for admitting it's humanity.
Ron Dec 30th 2006 2:39PM
"...it looks as though we fell victim to their crafty marketing" You have fallen victim to the crafty marketing of all of the "luxury items" you tout on your pages. The Chocolate Caviar you mentioned comes out to over $135.OO a pound. Have the balls to admit that Noka and other designer names you push get the prices they ask because the pubic will pay it instead of acting like a duped victim in the world of marketing. I hate to tell you, but, you have also fallen victim of the marketing machine of that bottle of water you're sipping.