Hunger Games-Inspired Chocolates Hit Stores

Future chefs taking online pastry courses dream of the day they see one of their creations on the big screen. The Chicago-based luxury chocolate maker Vosges Haut-Chocolat has partnered with Lionsgate to produce a line of chocolates inspired by the Hunger Games series.

Vosges founder Katrina Markoff was approached by the entertainment group and was asked if she could create a line of chocolates that were themed after the movie and book series. It took her four months to produce 33 different recipes and half a million chocolate bars created for the release of Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire.

The specialty store’s line of truffles and candy bars run from moderately priced to ultra expensive. Items from the Capitol Truffle Collection run upwards of $225, while retail stores and the Vosges website are selling bars for a more manageable $7.50.

Wild Ophelia, the company’s grocery store brand, is selling products that feature emblems and flavors that are derived from the world of Panem, the fictional country made of 12 districts. Because District 10 produces livestock, Vosges created beef jerky, smoked mesquite and milk chocolate flavors. District 7’s primary labor force is lumberjacks, which is represented by the smoked chipotle chili flavor.

The rich and creamy chocolates are a bit ironic. The story of the Hunger Games takes place in a dystopian future where anarchy rules and the majority of the Panem population exist as peasants. Suffering is everywhere – and during the Games, two representatives from each district compete to the death for recognition and wealth.

The movie release is a great opportunity for Markoff. In the 15 years that the chocolate maker has been in business, this is her first licensed contract.

“It’s amazing exposure for us; to have all these people see the brand,” Markoff told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s a good fit because they’re telling a story; and I’m a storyteller through chocolate. So this was right up my alley.”

To explore and master the world of chocolate with an online certification program check out Escoffier Online’s short course: World Of Chocolate.

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