May 2 nd Training Don Martineau, National Sales Manager
Sourcing – we keep it local
Vermont is more than just our home; it’s a way of doing things.
It’s a place where creativity and craftsmanship combine with fresh, local ingredients to create gourmet specialty chocolates that are truly extraordinary. Long before eating local became a trend, it just made sense to us that using high-quality honey, maple syrup, and fresh dairy from our local farmers and producers would result in superior chocolates.
https://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/local-partners/
2025 Outlook
Trends
Challenges Why the price of chocolate has tripled in the last 2 years
Candy is a staple for many Americans
58.1% enjoying it weekly or daily and 76.4% naming chocolate as their top choice . Beyond indulgence, candy serves emotional needs: 18.9% turn to it for stress relief , and 23.2% for a pick-me-up . With over half of Americans feeling stressed and low on energy, it’s no surprise that candy is often seen as a quick and affordable indulgence.
The Growing Demand for Chocolate Global demand for chocolate has doubled over the last 30 years. Dwindling supply: in 2024, the global cocoa market will be short by 300,000 tons. Cacao Farmers Don’t Get Paid Enough Cacao farmers are turning to other crops, like palm oil, or are leaving farming entirely to make a living for their families Unsustainable Farming Practices New agroforestry systems are being promoted to conserve the forest ecosystems and biodiversity. While this is great news, it limits the number of new cacao farms as well as the number of new cacao trees that can be planted.
How we manage it - Established, long-term relationships - Forward buying - Maintain our premium positioning
Source: Brightfield Group; Wellness Consumer Insights; Q4 2024
Source https://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/blog/increasing-price-of-chocolate/
LCC's Strategy has changed in the last couple years
“Sharpen & Strengthen” is our motto
Why? • External market forces put significant pressure on margins What does this mean? • Refine & narrow our product mix • Get the right products in the right distribution channels & retailers • Eliminate unprofitable skus from our line •
Limit availability of low margin or short shelf-life products (ie – Truffles or Caramels, 90-120 days) • Trade Spend Optimization • Promotional funding MUST drive significant incremental sales • Promotional activities outside of the peak holiday seasons • Be more selective and strategic when selling • Strategic expansion with current partners • Seek out truly NEW and incremental business, no shifting of suppliers based on prices or promos • Build velocity of everyday items in addition to Seasonal • Identify gaps in product offerings or forecast • Pre-order early and get seasonal displays up early for maximum sales opportunity • Conduct post-season and post-promotion sales analysis • Transparent communication
Rest of the Year Promos
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
PACK
BRAND
MAY
AUG
NOV
27040 * FIVE STAR BAR CARAMEL lcl VT 27041 * FIVE STAR BAR FRUIT AND NUT lcl VT 27042 * FIVE STAR BAR PEANUT lcl VT 27043 * FIVE STAR BAR HAZELNUT lcl VT 27044 * FIVE STAR BAR ALMOND ngmo 27047 * MAPLE CARAMEL BAR ORG ngmo 27049 * SPICY AZTEC CHOC BAR ORG ngmo 27050 * SALTED CARAMEL BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27051 * DARK CHOC 57% BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27052 * SEA SALT ALMD MLK CHOC BAR ORG lcl VT 27053 * MILK CHOCOLATE BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27054 * PEANUT BTTR BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27055 * ALMD SEA SALT DARK BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27056 * TOFFEE ALMND CRNCH BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27057 * DARK CHOC 72% BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27058 * BOURBON CARAMEL BAR ORG lcl VT ngmo 27059 * RASPBRY DARK BAR ORG FT lcl VT ngmo 27063 * DARK CHOC 80% BAR ORG lcl VT NGMO
10/16/2002 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/16/1.9 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/16/1.8 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/16/1.8 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/16/1.85 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/10/3.25 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/10/3.25 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/10/3.25 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/10/3.25 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN 10/12/2.7 LAKE CHAMPLAIN
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Chex Q4 Seasonal Program
Fall Leaves Gable Boxes Lake Champlain Chocolates
Certified Organic NEW packaging format for 2025: • Eco-friendly, FSC certified packaging made from 100% recycled fibers • Better packaging for merchandising! • Shelf, Display tables, Front end • Large, Seasonal Billboard effect
Case pk/size: 12/ 5 oz
Enjoy a Vermont Fall with rich, golden caramel infused with pure Vermont maple syrup. These sumptuous organic chocolate leaves are crafted with fair trade dark chocolate and come individually wrapped in orange foil.
Palm oil free peanut butter filling surrounded by organic 57% dark chocolate Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter has been shown to drive incremental sales to Milk Peanut Butter skus for overall category growth. Chex #27372
Rich, golden caramel enveloped in sweet, fair trade milk chocolate. These organic chocolate leaves, wrapped in gold foil, are a sweet treat for those who love the classic combination of chocolate and caramel.
Chex #27090
Chex #27091
Confidential and Proprietary
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Lake Champlain Chocolates
Autumn Leave Dispensers: Maple Caramel & Peanut Butter Autumn has arrived, and here’s a perfect way to celebrate! Milk chocolate leaves filled with smooth peanut butter or our world-famous Maple Caramel! Individually wrapped in festive red or orange foils packaged in a convenient dispenser. T hey’re perfect for handing out to Halloween trick- or-treaters, adding a touch of edible scenery to your Thanksgiving table — or just keeping on hand for when you need a delicious little pick-me-up.
Case pk/size: 87/0.5 oz
• Total piece count: approximately 85 • 38% cocoa content organic milk chocolate • Each leaf is 1 1 ⁄ 2 " tall, 1 3 ⁄ 8 " wide, and 1 ⁄ 2 " thick • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI
• Total piece count: approximately 85 • 57% cocoa content organic dark chocolate • Each leaf is 1 1 ⁄ 2 " tall, 1 3 ⁄ 8 " wide, and 1 ⁄ 2 " thick • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI
Chex #27036
Chex #27035
Confidential and Proprietary
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Lake Champlain Chocolates
Vegan Caramel Pumpkins
Assorted Leaves Bag That sweet taste of autumn you're craving is here - delicious chocolate leaves, wrapped in colorful foils for the season! This gift bag of fall-themed chocolates is made to be shared: includes dark chocolate maple caramel leaves along with two other flavors of our popular milk chocolate leaves - rich caramel and smooth peanut butter. Makes a memorable gift of Thanksgiving chocolates or gourmet Halloween treats.
Help your customers embrace the rich, cozy, soul-soothing sensation of organic dark chocolate and luscious golden caramel. Crafted from clean, simple ingredients, these incredible plant-based chocolates are so creamy and delicious, customers will be surprised that they are made without any dairy!
Case pk/size: 12/5 oz
• Total piece count: approximately 15 • Caramel Leaf : 38% cocoa content organic milk chocolate (gold foil) • Peanut Butter Leaf : 38% cocoa content organic milk chocolate (red foil) • Maple Caramel Leaf : 57% cocoa content organic dark chocolate (orange foil) • Each leaf is 1 1 ⁄ 2 " tall, 1 3 ⁄ 8 " wide, and 1 ⁄ 2 " thick • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI
• Total piece count: approximately 10 • Made with 57% cocoa content organic dark chocolate • Each pumpkin is 1 1 ⁄ 2 " wide, 1 1 ⁄ 2 " long, and 3 ⁄ 4 " thick • Chocolates are individually wrapped in gold foil • Packaged in a sustainably-sourced gift box • Made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI Chex #27039
Case pk/size: 12/7.5 oz
Chex #27075
Confidential and Proprietary
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Lake Champlain Chocolates
Autumn Chocolates of Vermont
Taste the sweet bounty of the season, in this fall-themed gift box of chocolates crafted from Vermont ingredients like real maple syrup, fresh cream, and local honey. It's a special touch for your Thanksgiving celebrations, and a thoughtful gift all season long. Four elegant designs celebrate the beauty of Vermont - from its famed sugar maples to a beehive with wildflowers, a moonlit lake, and a majestic mountain.
Case pk/size: 8/ 7.6oz
• Total piece count: 16 • 4 Honey Caramel (yellow-gold foil) • 4 Green Mountain (burgundy foil) • 4 Maple Crunch (copper foil) • 4 Evergreen Mint (white-gold foil) • Packaged in an Autumn-themed gift box with a gold ribbon
Chex #27373
Confidential and Proprietary
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Holiday Jubilee Gable Boxes Lake Champlain Chocolates
According the NCA research, foil wrapped chocolates are America’s favorite stocking stuffer. Salted Caramel will help your customers have the best stockings. Eco-friendly, FSC certified packaging made from 100% recycled fibers
Case pk/size: 12/5 oz
• Total piece count: approximately 10 • 57% cocoa content
• Total piece count: approximately 10 • 38% cocoa content organic milk chocolate • Packaged in an easy to merchandise stand-up box
• Total piece count: approximately 10 • 57% cocoa content
organic dark chocolate • Packaged in an easy to merchandise stand-up box
organic dark chocolate • Packaged in an easy to merchandise stand-up box
Chex #27026
Chex #27087
Chex #27089
Confidential and Proprietary
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Crunchy Peanut Butter Tree Lake Champlain Chocolates
This new Crunchy Peanut Butter Tree is sure to be your favorite holiday treat! Tuck them into everyone’s stocking or keep on hand for a sweet indulgence when the holidays get chaotic. Handcrafted with clean, simple ingredients — creamy peanut butter is packed with salted peanuts, crisped rice, and covered in smooth milk chocolate.
Certified Fair Trade Palm Oil Free
Case pk/size: 8/0.9 oz
• Total piece count: 1 • Covered in 34% cocoa content milk chocolate • Made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients
Chex #27375
Confidential and Proprietary
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Organic Milk & Dark Chocolate Squares Dispenser Lake Champlain Chocolates
Enjoy a holiday treat that’s perfect for getting everyone in the Christmas spirit. Crafted from only the best organic chocolate. Each UPC-scannable square is individually wrapped in a festive holiday design and perfect for merchandising at the Front-End/ Register area
Case pk/size: 106ct/0.4oz
• Total piece count: approximately 106 • 38% cocoa content organic milk chocolate • Each piece is 1 3 ⁄ 8 " square by 5 ⁄ 16 " thick
• Total piece count: approximately 106 • 57% cocoa content organic dark chocolate • Each piece is 1 3 ⁄ 8 " square by 5 ⁄ 16 " thick
Chex #27038
Chex #27086
Confidential and Proprietary
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate Lake Champlain Chocolates
"Best Classic Hot Chocolate" - Good Housekeeping Make it a merry and minty Christmas! This is holiday hot chocolate the way it should be - a refreshing blend of rich cocoa and cool peppermint. Just the thing to warm everyone up, after a frolic in the frosty winter air. Slip a tin in their holiday stockings for an extra- special gift!
Case pk/size: 6/16oz
• Total piece count: 1 • Vegan friendly
• Total piece count: 1 • Vegan friendly (visit our FAQ page to learn more) • Fair Trade Certified • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI • Makes approximately 16 eight-ounce servings
• Made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI • Makes approximately 16 eight-ounce servings
Chex #16684
Chex #16685
Confidential and Proprietary
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Lake Champlain Chocolates
Vegan Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels
Fill your holidays — and your stockings — with sweet cheer! Organic mint chocolate and dark chocolate coins make beautiful chocolate Hannukah and Christmas gifts. Hand them out as gourmet treats, or just fill your candy dish and watch them disappear! Hand-tied with a ribbon, truly a festive and delicious way to celebrate. Holiday Coin Bag
Fill your holidays — and your stockings — with sweet cheer! Organic mint chocolate and dark chocolate coins make beautiful chocolate Hannukah and Christmas gifts. Hand them out as gourmet treats, or just fill your candy dish and watch them disappear! Hand-tied with a ribbon, truly a festive and delicious way to celebrate.
Case pk/size: 12/5.2oz
Case pk/size: 12/10oz
• Total piece count: approximately 40 • 57% cocoa content organic dark chocolate • Each coin is 1 3 ⁄ 8 " diameter and 1 ⁄ 4 " thick • Dark Chocolate Coins (gold foil) • Dark Mint Chocolate Coins (silver-white foil) • Packaged in a clear gift bag with a silver ribbon
• Total piece count: approximately 13 • Made with 57% cocoa content organic dark chocolate • Each flower is 1 1 ⁄ 2 " wide, 1 3 ⁄ 8 " long, and 3 ⁄
8 " thick • Chocolates are individually wrapped in red foil • Vegan friendly (visit our FAQ page to learn more) • Made with Fair Trade Certified ingredients • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI Chex #27376
Chex #27023
Confidential and Proprietary
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Lake Champlain Chocolates
Christmas Chocolates of Vermont 16 piece
Bring the charm of Vermont to any gathering with a gift box of custom-designed holiday chocolates made from only the highest-quality ingredients: maple syrup, sweet butter, fresh cream, and honey from the hive. Every bite of these elegant chocolates reveals the classic Vermont flavors that inspired us to create them over 25 years ago. So wherever you may be celebrating, spread the cheer and warmth of Christmas in Vermont!
Case pk/size: 8/7.6oz
• Total piece count: 16 • 4 Honey Caramel (yellow-gold foil) • 4 Green Mountain (burgundy foil) • 4 Maple Crunch (copper foil) • 4 Evergreen Mint (white-gold foil) • Packaged in a holiday-themed gift box with a red ribbon Chex #27374
Confidential and Proprietary
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Milk & Dark Chocolate Hanukkah Coin Bags Lake Champlain Chocolates
A generous portion (23 pieces!) for Hanukah dreidel game fun or sweet snacking over the week-long celebration Dark chocolate appeals to adults & children, Vegan friendly option Organic certified NOTE: Kosher Status has changed for 2025. Bags do not have Star D Kosher symbol.
Insert Picture of item and ingredient panel
Case pk/size: 12/5.8 oz
• Total piece count: approximately 23 • 57% cocoa content organic dark chocolate • Each coin is 1 3 ⁄ 8 " diameter and 1 ⁄ 4 " thick • Packaged in a festive Hanukkah-themed bag • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI
• Total piece count approximately 23 • 38% cocoa content organic milk chocolate • Each coin is 1 3 ⁄ 8 " diameter and 1 ⁄ 4 " thick • Packaged in a festive Hanukkah-themed resealable bag • All ingredients certified USDA organic by QAI
Chex #27025
Chex #16683
Confidential and Proprietary
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