The “Happy Chocolate Course 2024” has started, where you can sample chocolates from around the world while listening to chocolate stories told directly by buyers, and immerse yourself in the chocolate swamp.
Felissimo Co., Ltd. Press release: November 13, 2024 The “Happiness Chocolate Course 2024” has started, where you can sample chocolates from around the world while listening to chocolate stories told directly by buyers, and immerse yourself in the chocolate swamp. “Chocolate is the universe” The story behind the chocolate journey is also flying around! Misato Kinouchi, also known as “Chocolate Buyer Miri”, who has appeared in many media, talks about the current state of the chocolate world amidst the cocoa shock and her favorite chocolate that has arrived in Japan for the first time at a seminar with tastings “Happiness Chocolate (R),” a specialized catalog and website for overseas local premium chocolate developed by Felissimo, launched the “Happiness Chocolate Course 2024” on November 8th at the Tokyo venue. The course will travel to various locations until the Kobe session on December 8th. A total of 13 courses will be held in Tokyo, Chiba, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Kobe from November 8th to December 8th, including chocolates that have arrived in Japan for the first time. (*Some venues are already sold out) Misato Kinouchi, also known as “Chocolate Buyer Miri,” uses her wealth of knowledge to explain the characteristics of chocolate from around the world and the unique stories of the chocolatiers she visits through fun talks and slideshows. I will. This is an experiential event where you can sample chocolate while listening to the story of chocolate handed down directly, and learn about the background and “unchiku” of each chocolate, allowing you to enjoy chocolate many times more with taste and knowledge. From among the rare chocolates published and sold in the catalog/web “Chocolate of Happiness 2025,” participants will taste a selection of chocolates that are a mix of new and classic chocolates while listening to explanations. Comes with an archival catalog “Happy Chocolate 2025”, which is a bible for chocolate lovers and a textbook for courses. The chocolate talk continued with explanations of the chocolate samples, including the current state of the chocolate world known as cacao shock, and chocolate that has become popular among young people thanks to social networking sites. Happiness Chocolate Course 2024・Participation details
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chocolatiers.Open the catalog and listen to the story of the “Chocolate Buyer Miri” while tasting local chocolate from overseas. Before the first Tokyo session, we would like to introduce the chocolate lecture (presentation) for the media. *The contents of the tasting chocolate are subject to change.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-6f1efac67253c547c3273422b131ff35-2048×1366.jpg An example of tasting chocolate from “Happiness Chocolate Course 2024” ◆Course and venue Chocolate seminar textbook catalog After completing the registration process and taking a seat at your preferred seat, the table will be set with this year’s catalog “Happiness Chocolate 2025”, a box of 6 sample chocolates, a flyer, and water. While you wait, you can look at the catalog, talk with Miri the Chocolate Buyer, staff, and other chocolate-loving participants, and browse related goods while you wait until the course starts.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-8033915a4970cb7827250ed2cbae09d5-2048×1366.jpg Inside the venue, sample chocolate samples for photo shoots and Felissimo chocolate-related goods are also displayed.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-276c6cc471a31a7d7e8c673ad27e4a60-1080×1080.jpg “ Collaboration with Rib in Comfort Chocolate Buyer Mirito Houndstooth Check Chocolate Pattern Dress ‘ was also on display.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-1813a563f8ce08060ca375f894e8d92f-3079×1091.jpg ◆Chocolate seminar begins An explanation of the Smile Ghana Project from Tomoko Shiraki of the certified NPO ACE The meeting was for presentations to the press, and Mr. Shiraki of the certified NPO ACE started by giving a speech about the LOVE & THANKS Fund, which is included in the price of all chocolates listed in Happiness Chocolate (R). The background of its use and local circumstances were explained. He introduced educational support for cacao production areas using funds raised by customers who purchased “Happiness Chocolate”, along with photos of the sites. It provides training for economic
independence, and provides ongoing support and development of systems to prevent child labor by local communities, as well as specific details about local issues, living environments, educational conditions, and project results. I did. It is said that children under the age of 18 who are legally allowed to work locally are sometimes forced to do dangerous and harmful work. As part of our activities to develop a system to prevent child labor, we have established a local resident volunteer committee to resolve issues, and we are conducting regular patrols and consulting with parents to ensure that children are able to attend school.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-888ae7d96a85f1c640f23e1968dd4213-2048×1366.jpg In 2024, cacao prices will soar, known as the cacao shock, due to climate change, cacao diseases, and economic issues in cacao production areas, and the chocolate industry will be greatly affected. During the explanation, Mr. Shiraki said, “This is the first time I’ve ever seen a cacao tree wither and turn brown and dry,” making it clear that this was a shocking sight that had never been seen before. In addition, the serious negative effects of the loss of green space due to gold mine development and illegal mining, which is also encroaching on cacao plantations, have also surfaced and become an issue. As cacao production areas are currently in a difficult situation, and there are many problems that cannot be solved by the locals alone, it is important that domestic and foreign companies, chocolate consumers, and the country work together to solve the problem. It is needed. Regarding the many problems surrounding cacao, he said of the project, “By supporting cacao production areas, we can make the world a better place, and I especially hope that it will make the world a better place for children.” I expressed my thoughts.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-df486cf267c2a2fc686a84681a5fdd3d-2048×1366.jpg Introducing slides of photos of the operation sites in Ghana where aid is being delivered Misato Kinouchi, also known as “Chocolate Buyer Miri” who sells local chocolate overseas, appears Mr. Shiraki has handed over the baton and “Chocolate Buyer Miri” has appeared. First, the cover of the “Chocolate of Happiness 2025” catalog told the story behind how not only chocolate but also actual cacao was used in the styling of the cover photo. Previous covers featured photographs featuring chocolate, but now cocoa beans are featured and the focus is on the cover. This is the first time this has happened, and it is an expression of the chocolate industry’s inability to speak without “cocoa shock.” World chocolate trends and “Happy Chocolate 2025” Before the tasting, the talk began with the current trends in the global chocolate industry and the impact of the “Cacao Shock” that we learned from this year’s chocolate trip.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-1c2fe59e31d6a09134f0f8ce355a66e3-2048×1366.jpg The current trend in chocolate around the world is that production is decreasing due to climate change, cacao diseases, and illegal gold mining, and cacao prices are soaring. He also talked about how chocolate has become a fashion trend and is being eaten and consumed all over the world, and how more chocolatiers are becoming vegan and emphasizing sustainability. Opening the box of sample chocolates and finally tasting with explanation The six pieces we will try this time are “Bioko” from Ghana, “Laila” from Slovakia, “Mirzam” from Dubai, “Lawrence” and “Chez Chocolate” from Greece, and “La Fève” from Bulgaria. I’ll open it up and sort it out. It’s fun to look at the catalog and predict which chocolates are from which countries.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-0b038491e95cf259dd26e8ac4f5bb6d1-2048×1366.jpg Excited to see what the 6 different sizes, shapes, and packaging taste like We will taste 6 samples of chocolate one by one with explanations Ghanaian chocolate “Bioko” The first one is a dark chocolate made with Ghanaian coffee beans and Ghanaian cacao bean-to-bar. Regarding the impact of the taste, he said in one word that it felt like “Great Africa”. He explains that it had a more African feel than he expected, with the taste of “dust, the heat of people, something unreasonable, a feeling that everything is broken”. When you pick it up to feel the African flavor, it smells like coffee.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-7b1f882c2f92cd387a0d7b13369abb78-2048×1366.jpg [Valentine Delivery] Bioko Ghana Coffee & Bean-to-Bar Chocolate 1 bag ¥3,800 ( 8% ¥4,100) Apply for details＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/1/ Can’t miss this year! Vegan chocolate The second chocolate that was placed in a large brown wrapper was a “Lyra” chocolate with hazelnut ganache. The chocolates are completely sustainable, from the materials to the packaging, as they have their own contract farming in Colombia, the packaging is designed by a Slovakian, and the wrapping paper is made from recycled paper. While the price of chocolate has skyrocketed due to the cocoa shock, it seems that this company was one of the only ones that was not affected by price fluctuations.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-11cf6b2dc2d3a85854b0a3e8b3b568c0-2048×1366.jpg [Valentine Delivery] Lyra Hazelnut Chocolate 1 box ¥4,000 ( 8% ¥4,316) Apply for details＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/2/ Middle Eastern chocolate that is packed with fashion and is attracting attention in the future Among the six chocolates this time, the beautiful packaging is the most eye-catching chocolate. Dubai’s chocolate is popular for its “Modern Arabic” design, which incorporates traditional Arabic designs with a modern twist. Its aesthetic sense reflects the characteristics of Arabic culture, and it seems to have received international acclaim. Enjoy the taste while listening to the story of chocolate buyer Miri, who said that the store was like a museum, and looking at the photos of the place.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-581eeed628f8ad13f1c952b48855a79a-2048×1366.jpg Dubai’s chocolates are wrapped in aluminum foil, which shows the culture [Valentine delivery] Mirzam Ragag 1 piece ¥4,400 ( 8% ¥4,748) Apply for details＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/3/ It seems like a lie that we never met before! Greek chocolate arrives in Japan for the first time A chocolate with cute pastel colored packaging that goes well with tea. Although the chocolate is exported all over the world, this is the first time it has landed in Japan. Due to economic problems in Greece, there were many major chocolate factories and mass production was common, so it was difficult to find local chocolate until now. Among these, small-batch craft chocolates found in this area are attracting attention, and cultural influences such as the presence of many tourist facilities and ruins are also reflected in chocolate.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-77ea02b517fdefa6a09e14edc087b42b-2048×1366.jpg [Valentine Delivery] Lawrence Waffle 1 box ¥2,700 ( 8% ¥2,913) Apply for details＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/4/ Almond chocolate that feels my mother’s service spirit Almond chocolate was introduced as being large in size because it has a “taste of rice”. When I asked for a sample size, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the product I received was a large size. This chocolate is made with the love of a mom who wants you to eat a lot of it. It’s a simple chocolate made of caramelized almonds coated with dark chocolate, and even though it’s a tasting event, each piece is large, which is nice. You can really feel the love of the creator.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-ab0980326fa364b25bb172dcd9995830-2048×1366.jpg [Valentine Delivery] Chez Chocolate Almond Chocolate 1 box ¥3,600 ( 8% ¥3,885) Apply for details＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/5/ Bonbons are like works of art filled with Bulgarian passion The last item introduced was bonbon chocolate by Pavel, a genius chocolatier who suddenly appeared in Bulgaria. This chocolate has the perfect balance of popcorn flavor, sweetness, and saltiness from the chocolate. There was also a story that the chocolates arrived today at the last minute and were freshly received as they had just been picked up in Shinagawa. The story of how they met is also introduced along with photos of chocolates being packed into boxes. You can enjoy the exquisite taste created as a work of art.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-2b1ad7ad781e91c151681e2914f07efb-2048×1366.jpg [Valentine delivery] La Fave Assortment Box 1 box ¥4,700 ( 8% ¥5,072) Apply for details＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/6/ ◆Explanation of the tasting chocolate is over, now on to the summary The current chocolate situation is interesting because the differences between cities and developed countries are decreasing. In summarizing this year’s chocolate journey and looking ahead to 2025, he urged participants to “Having experienced the cacao shock, treat this as the first year of chocolate, and think about how to continue this culture.” Happiness Chocolate continues to make progress in making food more sustainable and delicious.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-28732e244ccedcb4d5f239c53dee8f6a-2048×1366.jpg ◆Question and answer corner Do you have any questions about the chocolates you sampled in the course, or do you recommend this year’s chocolates? Various questions will be asked. There are also rumors that it is common for overseas chocolatiers to consider child labor issues related to cacao, and that bonbon chocolate is a work of art that takes into account even the time difference. The Q&A session was held in a lively atmosphere, like a chocolate roundtable discussion between chocolate lovers. The event ended with the comment, “I think the ultimate food is chocolate, because the arrangements are so cosmic that I think it’s the pinnacle of creativity put into a single piece.” In addition to explanations of the chocolate samples, you can also ask questions about other chocolates in “Happiness Chocolate 2025,” chocolatiers in each country, and the chocolate situation around the world. By participating in this course, you will be able to listen to the story of “Chocolate Buyer Miri” and have a lot of fun searching for chocolates to reserve this season. ◆Event overview “Happiness Chocolate Course 2024” “Chocolate Buyer Miri” of Felissimo “Happiness Chocolate (R)”, who has imported over 2,800 types of chocolate so far, uses her extensive knowledge to explain the characteristics of chocolates from all over the world and the uniqueness of the chocolatiers she visits. We will introduce these stories through fun talks and slideshows.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-cbe98d02944733f41f738be6d9ed8688-820×353.jpg ◆About “Happiness Chocolate Course 2024” ・Each session 1 and a half hours ・13 times in total in Tokyo (finished), Chiba (finished), Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Kobe ・Price 3,500 yen (tax included) Details and event registration ＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/7/ ・Happiness Chocolate Course Movie＞＞ https://youtu.be/zhDT_7JfkFE https://img.youtube.com/vi/zhDT_7JfkFE/sddefault.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhDT_7JfkFE ・“Happiness Chocolate Course 2024” Press Release ＞＞ [Rebroadcast] “The world is full of things we want” “Super delicious & super rare! Finest organic chocolate Australia” Cast/Miri Chocolate Buyer December 26, 2024 (Thursday) 21:00~ NHK BS January 8, 2025 (Wednesday) 10:35~ NHK BS Program site＞＞ https://www.nhk.jp/p/sekahoshi/ The program will be rebroadcast in which Misato Kinouchi, also known as “Chocolate Buyer Miri,” was interviewed on her “Chocolate Journey” in search of rare chocolates around the world.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-ecb0cf01f4d978f9d8243f4b918e5625-482×450.jpg At the studio ◆Misato Kinouchi (“Miri Chocolate Buyer”) Felissimo food buyer. 2024 will be my 28th year in charge of chocolate planning. Every year, we visit chocolatiers around the world to discover chocolates that are delicious and have a story to tell. As of October 2024, we have a track record of importing and selling approximately 600 brands and over 2,900 types of chocolate, and among these, approximately 329 brands of chocolate have arrived in Japan for the first time. Utilizing my experience as a buyer, I have written books such as “Chocolate to the Ends of the World” (Felissimo Publishing, 2012), which summarizes the basic knowledge of chocolate, the characteristics of chocolate by country, and the work pattern of buyers. ” (2020/Shinchosha) published. “The world is more! Appeared as one of the five buyers in “Overflowing with things I want ~ The ultimate journey taught by buyers ~” (2020/NHK “The world is overflowing with things I want” production team / KADOKAWA). Chocolate seminars are held in various locations. Many media appearances. August 2017 NHK “Overseas Business Trip Otomoshimasu!” ”, July 2018 NHK “The world is full of things I want”, December 2019 NHK “Asaichi”, 2013 TBS “Gachagacha V6”, TV Tokyo 2017 “In the mood for money ~ greedy girl’s Keizai Gaku” ”, January 2020 TV Tokyo “Dosha Tachi”, 2023 TBS “1/365 Mania ~The ultimate day that only the regulars know~”, Fuji TV “Honma Dekka!” in 2024 ? TV” “Chocolate Truth SP” and others. ・X＞＞(@chocochoco_miri)＞＞ https://x.com/chocochoco_miri ・Instagram (@buyer_miri)＞＞ https://www.instagram.com/buyer_miri/ ・Facebook (@choco.miri)＞＞ https://www.facebook.com/choco.miri ・Blog “Chocolate to the Ends of the World by Miri Chocolate Buyer” >> https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/13/ ・What is the “happiness that brings happiness together” that “Chocolate Buyer Miri”, who connects “happiness” with overseas local chocolate, continues to build with the world >>
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-22cab5a3be2405dea857356edb5b3a68-800×564.jpg ◆Felissimo “Happiness Chocolate (R)” “Happiness Chocolate” is a website and catalog developed by Felissimo specializing in overseas local and rare chocolates. Chocolate buyer Miri travels around the world and introduces the chocolates and sweets that she encountered for the first time in Japan, as well as the chocolates and sweets that can only be purchased at Felissimo in Japan. Most of the products we introduce come with the LOVE & THANKS Foundation, which supports activities to eliminate child labor in cacao production, and aims to create a society where everyone can be happy through chocolate. ・Website >> https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/10/ *”Happiness Chocolate” is a registered trademark of Felissimo Co., Ltd. ◆“Happiness Chocolate” back number/e-book ・Amazon＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr2411112/11/ Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12759/3728/12759-3728-f4954b9e0c3289db1531a38c005a67d7-427×450.jpg ◆Telephone orders/inquiries Toll-free number: 0120-055-820 (toll free) Reception hours: Weekdays/9:00-17:00 *May not be available on some IP phones. *This will be recorded in order to confirm and record the content. ～Happiness that brings happiness together “FELISSIMO”～ We are a direct marketing company that sells our own products, such as fashion and miscellaneous goods, to consumers through our own media such as catalogs and the web. For each individual to be a co-creator of happiness, to make others happy, and to be happy with nature, society, and people. With these experiential values as our core values, we conduct business activities that aim to simultaneously realize “business efficiency, originality, and sociality” that embody “happiness that brings happiness together.” ― Company profile ― Company name: Felissimo Co., Ltd. Head office location: 7-1
Shinminato-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0041 Representative: Kazuhiko Yazaki, Representative Director and President Stock code: TSE Standard 3396 Founded: May 1965 Business details: Direct marketing business that sells in-house developed products to consumers nationwide through catalogs and websites ◆Website＞＞ https://feli.jp/s/pr240301/1/