Ivory Coast inspired premium chocolate brand Oumé is set to gain a much-anticipated launch from this weekend, as the business prepares to unveil its online store, writes Neill Barston.

Confectionery Production was on hand for the initial preview of the luxury chocolate series which has been backed by former Chelsea footballer Salomon Kalou last summer, with the company gaining strong national media attention for its ambitions of building a West African brand with global aspirations.

Notably, the business appointed former Barry Callebaut senior executive Marc Donaldson as its chief chocolate officer, who has been refining its core recipes over the past year. 

For last summer’s pre-launch, Salomon Kalou, who also represented the Ivory Coast, started the venture with his wife Brazilian wife, Karina Ferreira, offered their hopes for being inspired by their respective roots to deliver something highly distinctive for the market.

The resulting premium product range is now ready to go into commercial production, which the business trailed at the recent World Chocolate Day this month – with the brand’s initial samples having been available to taste at the last edition of our World Confectionery Conference, which makes its way to London on 10 September.

Speaking on the launch, Marc commented: “This week marks a milestone I’m incredibly proud of: the product launch of Oumé, a new lifestyle chocolate brand.

“I am very privileged to be the Oumé Chief Chocolate Officer, and on Saturday July 18th, I turn 69. Birthdays are for sharing something sweet — so I’m celebrating by giving you a gift. Pre orders start today, (UK deliveries only for the moment) , and the Oumé store opens on July 30th.

“Enjoy 15% off all Oumé chocolate until the end of July with the code: MARC69, so place your pre order now, using the link below. Building Oumé has been a journey of craft, origin, and obsession with flavour. I can’t wait for you to taste what we’ve created. Thank you for being part of this new chapter. Here’s to great chocolate, great people, and great beginnings.”