Coco Loco - An Interview with Rebecca Kerswell

Meet Rebecca Kerswell, owner of Coco Chocolate. Producing chocolate in both Edinburgh and Sydney, the cocoa queen is proud to offer only the ‘real’ deal. That means no nasty preservatives in her sweet treats. Instead, the Mosman and Kirribilli Coco stores are overflowing with organic, artisanal creations. And with Easter only a bunny hop away, choccie eggs are waiting to hatch.

CMW: Where did your love for chocolate start?

RK: I guess I’ve always loved chocolate. But when I was at uni in the 1990’s, I ate my first real European chocolate and realised how different it was. After, I completed a chocolate course at Valrhona School in Lyon, France, where I got a taste for real chocolate and fell in love with it.

CMW: Coco Chocolate advocates ethical trading, organic farming and non-GM ingredients. Why have you gone organic?

RK: We want to make real chocolate that is free of pesticides and anything associated [with them]. We don’t want child labour linked with our chocolate-making as it will erase the pleasure of eating chocolate.

CMW: You watch someone bite into a mass-produced Kit Kat bar. First thought that pops into your head?

RK: It could be so beautiful if it was made of real chocolate! Once people try our chocolate compared to Cadbury Dairy Milk, they realise it is not real chocolate.

CMW: What sets Coco Chocolate apart from other specialty chocolate brands?

RK: Our array of flavours. We sell over 35 chocolate bars such as Rose and Black Pepper. Also, we have a range made with fresh berries. You don’t see those sorts of products elsewhere. And I believe our chocolate almonds are the best ever! Our chocolates are only made by Coco chocolatiers; making them a niche treat. Since we don’t wholesale and our products can be purchased only in-store, this personalises the experience.

CMW: What is Coco Chocolate’s most popular product?

RK: Dark Chocolate Rose and Black Pepper bar and Milk Chocolate Caramel, Pinenut and Sea Salt bar. Coco-dusted almonds are a best-seller as well as the unusual White Hot Chocolate with Lemongrass, Lavender and Vanilla.

CMW: What special goodies are available for Easter?

RK: Handmade organic chocolate bunny rabbits, choclate eggs with raspberry,
boxed organic eggs filled with pink champagne truffles or praline quail eggs, organic hot cross bun bars with currants and spices, praline quail, magpie and cockatoo eggs, caramel filled eggs and plain eggs.

CMW: What inspires you when creating new products?

RK: Often, other recipes books that don’t include chocolate. For example, our Pink Peppercorn and Nutmeg chocolate is inspired by a meat recipe book. Artwork. Coco’s tattoo boxes are inspired by tattoos and retro artwork including swallows, hearts and tigers. History. For example, our Aztec blend hot chocolate is influenced by the Aztecs; the first to add cinnamon, chilli and vanilla to chocolate.

CMW: Proudest moment so far for Coco?

RK: Winning the Mosman Daily Business of the Year award in 2010, as we won it within the first year of business following our return from overseas. It was a much-needed pat on the back, after working so hard.

CMW: One thing that people don’t (usually) know about chocolate?

RK: If you like milk chocolate, don’t feel embarrassed. As long as it’s a beautiful milk chocolate such as ours, containing a 37 percent cocoa mass, be proud! People have this belief they should love dark chocolate.

CMW: Dark, milk, white; or all of the above?

RK: All of the above, as my taste changes regularly depending on my mood. Sometimes I want dark; moreish and plain. But, the next day all I can think of is White Lemongrass hot chocolate.

CMW: What is next for Coco Chocolate?

RK: We’re opening a chocolate school at Balmoral Barracks, Georges Heights mid-2011 where people can learn to make chocolate. We’re also working on a dinner party box which will hopefully be available by the end of the year.

For more information on Coco Chocolate and store locations visit www.cocochocolate.com.au

By Jenna Chaitowitz

Image from www.cocochocolate.com.au