ITC’s Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates Unveils India’s first Ruby chocolate, ‘Fabelle Ruby Gianduja’

Handcrafted by Fabelle Master Chocolatiers, Ruby Gianduja is the modern day rendition of an Italian delicacy from the Napolean era launched in collaboration with Barry Callebaut

National, 31^st October, 2018: Fabelle, the home grown luxury chocolate brand from ITC Ltd, acclaimed  for creating  unparalled chocolate experiences in the country, unveiled India’s first ever Ruby Chocolate in the form of Fabelle’s Ruby Gianduja. The announcement took place at a  mega event in ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, in collaboration with Celebrity Chef Sarah Todd and Barry Callebaut, world’s leading manufacturer of application chocolates and cocoa products. ITC Ltd partnered with Barry Callebaut to source the exotic Ruby chocolate to craft Fabelle’s Ruby Gianduja. Ruby Chocolate became an immediate global sensation after it was launched in Shanghai, China and caught the admiration of chocolate connoisseurs across the world. In line with Fabelle’s ethos of creating inimitable chocolate experiences, Fabelle is launching Ruby Gianduja as a one of its kind limited edition offering which is set to redefine the Indian chocolate palette ahead of the Diwali festive season.

Ruby chocolates were a path breaking discovery, created 80 years after the launch of White chocolates as the third type of chocolate  besides Dark and Milk chocolate. Ruby Chocolate is made from the Ruby cocoa beans, which are found in Brazil, Ecuador & Ivory Coast.  They have a set of inherent natural attributes, including flavour and colour tone, that are unlocked through a unique process, creating the exquisite Ruby chocolate. Ruby chocolates are an intense sensorial delight with its natural ruby colour and unique berry fruity taste which is brought alive as a result of the expert selection and meticulous processing of the ruby beans without adding any flavours or colours.

Gianduja is an Italian delicacy from the Napolean era. Fabelle’s Gianduja, its bestselling product range, is a recreation of this Italian delicacy crafted from rich milk chocolates infused with roasted Turkish hazelnuts. Given its popularity, Fabelle decided to launch Ruby Chocolate in the form Ruby Gianduja which is made from a delicate balance of Ruby Chocolate and Hazelnut paste. Fabelle's Ruby Gianduja is handcrafted by expert workmen in ITC's state of the art manufacturing factory in Bengaluru and is individually wrapped in specially designed ruby colored tin boxes which exude a regal panache. The limited edition box of 12 cubes of Ruby Gianduja is priced at Rs. 1295.

Fabelle was launched to redefine the Indian chocolate segment by offering Indian consumers experiences that are beyond ordinary. Each Fabelle chocolate enlivens an exquisite alchemy of chocolate and exotic ingredients. Eg: The latest Fabelle Dessert Collection, are truffles inspired by the nuanced taste and texture of all-time favorite desserts like Crème Brulee, Tiramisu, Banoffee Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake and Lemon Meringue. With the launch of Ruby Gianduja, the brand intends to strengthen its position as an expert chocolatier – a pioneer that offers the most unique and world class chocolate experiences to Indian consumers.

Expressing his delight at the launch, Mr. Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief Executive – Foods, ITC Ltd., said “Fabelle was launched in India with the mission to redefine the chocolate segment in the country and I am extremely happy that the brand has already received unparalleled patronage from discerning customers. It is a proud moment for Fabelle Chocolates as we introduce the very first Ruby Chocolates to the Indian chocolate connoisseurs. It has been our continuous endeavour to provide unique chocolate experiences to the Indian consumers and today’s launch is a firm step in that direction.”

He further added “It is said that Milk chocolates with nuts appeals the most to Indian chocolate aficionados and our Gianduja is made of rich milk chocolate and Ivory Coast Cocoa with Turkish hazelnuts, making it one of our best-selling creations. Thus, we have recreated Gianduja with the infusion of Ruby Chocolates to render another extraordinary experience to Indian consumers.”

Sharing his thoughts on Fabelle’s latest creation, Mr. Ben De Schryver, President Asia Pacific, Barry Callebaut said, “Ruby chocolate is a big innovation in confectionery and we are very proud that ITC’s home-grown luxury chocolate brand Fabelle is the first in India to feature this exciting new chocolate. The fourth type of chocolate next to dark, milk and white chocolate, ruby chocolate is a breakthrough innovation developed by Barry Callebaut and is a result of years of R&D efforts. Ruby chocolate has been welcomed by the millennial and premium chocolate connoisseurs alike and has garnered encouraging response in the confectionery market which is unparalleled. As India is becoming one of the fastest growing chocolate markets in Asia, we see ruby chocolate presenting a huge opportunity and in being a key milestone in our growing partnership with ITC.”

Ruby Gianduja will be available across all boutiques at ITC Luxury Hotels in India, from November 1^st, 2018 onwards.

Where:

Fabelle at The Chocolate Boutique, ITC Grand Central, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Road, Parel, Mumbai; 022 67045143

Fabelle at The Chocolate Boutique, ITC Maratha, Sahar, Mumbai; 022 61841979

Fabelle at The Chocolate Boutique, ITC Gardenia, #1 Residency Road, Bengaluru; 080 66825270

Fabelle at The Chocolate Boutique, ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi; 011 66325360

Fabelle at The Chocolate Boutique, ITC Grand Chola, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai; 044 49065410

Fabelle at The Chocolate Boutique, ITC Sonar, JBS Haldane Avenue, Kolkata; 033 2300440

Fabelle at The Chocolate Boutique, ITC Kohenur, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana; 50008

About Barry Callebaut Group:About Barry Callebaut Group (www.barry-callebaut.com): With annual sales of about CHF 6.8 billion (EUR 6.3 billion / USD 6.9 billion) in fiscal year 2016/17, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs close to 60 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of about 11,000 people. The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The two global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025 to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.

About ITC Foods:ITC's branded packaged foods business is one of the fastest growing foods businesses and the third largest foods company in India, driven by the market standing and consumer franchise of its popular brands - Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, Bingo!, Yippee!, Kitchens of India, B Natural, Mint-o, Candyman and GumOn. The Foods business is today represented in multiple categories in the market - Staples, Spices, Ready-to-Eat, Snack Foods, Bakery & Confectionery and the newly introduced Juices & Beverages. ITC's Foods brands delight millions of households with a wide range of differentiated, value-added products developed by leveraging ITC's in-house R&D capabilities, deep consumer understanding, knowledge of preferred Indian tastes, agri-sourcing & packaging strengths, and an unmatched distribution network.

ITC's uncompromising commitment to the health and safety of its consumers ensures adherence to the highest levels of quality, safety and hygiene standards in manufacturing processes and in the supply chain. All ITC-owned manufacturing units are Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certified. The quality performance of all manufacturing units is monitored continuously online. Going beyond process control, ITC ensures that quality standards are scrupulously adhered to while choosing ingredients that go into the preparation of its food products. The business continues to invest in every aspect of manufacturing, distribution and marketing to ensure that it can leverage emerging opportunities and fulfill its aspiration of being the most trusted provider of branded packaged foods in the country. ITC's Foods business also exports its products to the key geographies of North America, Africa, Middle East and Australia.