Martinsburg company finds sweet niche with vegan chocolates
20.05.12
By MAGGIE WOLFF PETERSON
For The State Journal
Brenda Casabona began diversifying her inventory about four years ago. The proprietor of DeFluris Fine Chocolates in Martinsburg, Casabona saw a market for sugar-free sweets and jumped in.
"There is definitely an increasing demographic" because of an aging population and associated dietary restrictions, Casabona said. Clients with diabetes or hypoglycemia need not forego chocolate when it's made without sugar.
But she didn't stop there. Seeing another niche in the market, Casabona added vegan chocolates to her line. About a year ago, Casabona acquired the New Jersey-based company, Rose City Chocolatier. Now under that name, chocolates made without animal products are available online.
Although it's not possible to make milk chocolate without milk, a version using soy milk can be made, Casabona said. But what really differentiates vegan chocolate from the regular variety is the way it is sweetened.
Source: State Journal