Close×

A Texas company has created packaging which melts the chocolate inside in under three minutes.

Exothermix, which develops portable heating solutions, sought to simplify the process of pouring chocolate over fruit, desserts, and cakes.

It has released a product called Darko Chocolate which offers a fast and convenient way to serve chocolate in liquid form, and is also working with a local chocolatier to develop a formula specifically for use as a fruit topping.

The company has its roots in battery technology, and entered the food industry when asked by the US military to design a safer self-heating food pack for soldiers in the field.

Exothermix found that a zinc air battery could be developed to give off heat rather than electricity, and this discovery was the basis for the Darko Chocolate product.

The pack is activated when the user pulls a tab on the front of the pack, waits a specified amount of time, then pours the product out.

Exothermix said it believed the development had the potential to take chocolate out of the confectionery aisle and into the fresh produce aisles as a way of enhancing fruit.

This story was sourced from the Active & Intelligent Packaging Association. To learn more: www.aipia.info

Food & Drink Business

The New South Wales government has awarded $1.1 million to All G through the latest round of its Biosciences Fund, and announced a new $20 million funding program to support companies developing high-tech innovations in New South Wales.

The Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, McLaren Vale Wine Region and Riverland Wine will deliver Wine Australia’s 2026 Next Crop program, aiming to equip emerging leaders with practical skills to support the long-term resilience of the grape and wine sector.

Victorian-based Aquafab has set sail, landing contracts with major cruise lines including Disney, Princess, Holland, Seabourn, Silversea, and Crystal. The company has just launched a capital raise through Birchal to continue its impressive growth journey, hoping to expand its national presence and make its way into bars throughout the US and UK.