Chocolate Graphics Expands with Third U.S. Production Center
May 11, 2006

Nashville, Tennessee, USA – Chocolate Graphics International USA announces the addition of two new licensed Production Centers: Chocolate Graphics Alabama (Birmingham), and Chocolate Graphics Orange County (CA). These Production Centers join Chocolate Graphics Tennessee (Nashville) as the only licensed Chocolate Graphics facilities in North America. All sites are fully operational and each capitalizes on commercial contacts within its respective region to expand sales into the Entertainment, Corporate, and Hospitality markets.

Orange County owners Peggy & Phil Johnson opened their kitchen in Tustin, California in February; they were drawn to the Chocolate Graphics concept by their love of gourmet cooking and fine chocolates, enhanced from years of experiences in international business management and entertaining, living abroad, and Peggy’s skill as a licensed Private Professional Conservator. Chocolate Graphics Orange County currently employs 5 workers and more than 10 commissioned sales agents; recently the company participated in Your Wedding Day magazine’s annual Bridal Fair at Firestone Family Estates Vineyard in Los Olivos. The company’s website is www.chocolategraphicsoc.com. 

Chocolate Graphics Alabama owner Scott Dunbar, a graduate of Auburn University, and Thunderbird, The Garvin School of International Management, opened in December, and quickly introduced a line of ‘personal monogrammed chocolates’ to his retail customers. “Monogrammed chocolates are the ‘hot’ hostess favor right now,” Dunbar said, “We work closely with our customers to select a monogram that suits their individual, personal style.”

Chocolate Graphics Alabama is licensed to operate in the state of Alabama, plus the Florida panhandle, and Dunbar’s business is booming. He currently employs five workers, and his commercial customers include sales to singer Ruben Studdard, of American Idol fame. “Our growth potential is endless, particularly with the resort industry in the Alabama/Florida coastal regions,” Dunbar admits. “We encourage consumers to visit our showroom and website, to view our samples and gift baskets.” The company’s website is www.chocolategraphicsal.com.

Chocolate Graphics Tennessee recently provided handmade chocolates to film and television industry award nominees as part of the “Ultimate Goody Bag” package presented to celebrities this spring. Owner Katrina Neylon designed chocolate portraits of celebrities and talk-show hosts that were framed with Swarovski crystals, as part of a keepsake gift box full of chocolates, each embossed with different symbols from the entertainment industry. 

Neylon, the first Chocolate Graphics licensee in North America, studied International Law at Pace University, New York, speaks several languages, and enjoys world travel. She is a former Representative of Executive Women International, an avid half-marathon walker, and her impressive career includes executive staff positions with some of the world's notable accounting, insurance and industrial corporations. Katrina's Chocolate Graphics Tennessee team includes expert chocolatiers and administrative support personnel.

Chocolate Graphics USA Marketing Director Carol Webster adds, “Our exhibits at several business opportunity trade shows in the last few months have generated excellent results: we are currently negotiating the sale of three additional licenses in the U.S. and expect to add at least five new Production Centers in North America by the end of 2006. This is no doubt due to the exceptional quality of the Chocolate Graphics technology, and the virtually limitless possibilities that our licensees may pursue to emboss images on fine-quality chocolate for their customers.”  Chocolate Graphics International currently has 23 licensees in 19 countries, and is headquartered in Australia. For more information on creating and purchasing personalized, embossed chocolates, as well as business opportunities with Chocolate Graphics worldwide, visit www.chocolategraphicsus.com.