Close×

A Texas company has created packaging which melts the chocolate inside in under three minutes.

Exothermix, which develops portable heating solutions, sought to simplify the process of pouring chocolate over fruit, desserts, and cakes.

It has released a product called Darko Chocolate which offers a fast and convenient way to serve chocolate in liquid form, and is also working with a local chocolatier to develop a formula specifically for use as a fruit topping.

The company has its roots in battery technology, and entered the food industry when asked by the US military to design a safer self-heating food pack for soldiers in the field.

Exothermix found that a zinc air battery could be developed to give off heat rather than electricity, and this discovery was the basis for the Darko Chocolate product.

The pack is activated when the user pulls a tab on the front of the pack, waits a specified amount of time, then pours the product out.

Exothermix said it believed the development had the potential to take chocolate out of the confectionery aisle and into the fresh produce aisles as a way of enhancing fruit.

This story was sourced from the Active & Intelligent Packaging Association. To learn more: www.aipia.info

Food & Drink Business

Bega Group will shut its cheese processing and packaging plant in Strathmerton, Victoria, to consolidate operations at its Ridge Street factory in Bega. The decision impacts around 300 employees in Strathmerton and will create 100 jobs in Bega.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) chief operating officer, Colm Maguire, has been appointed CEO after acting in the role since mid-January when Tanya Barden stepped down.

The winners of the 2025 Hive Awards have been recognised and celebrated as some of Australia's most innovative food and beverage manufacturers over the past year. The awards were presented on Thursday 8 May during a long lunch at Linseed House, Sydney, to a room of over 150 industry leaders abuzz with excitement.