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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Silicon Valley Startup Craves Chocolate

Tcho founders predict a coffee-like revolution for the sweet stuff

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(Newser) – San Francisco startup Tcho has all the sweet Silicon Valley trimmings, the Economist reports; high-profile tech alums, online beta testing and stock options for all. But its product is even sweeter: top-quality chocolate. The company has developed a means to grade cocoa beans' complex nuances on a "flavor wheel," taking a cutting-edge approach to a timeless artisanal craft.

Seeing a chocolate revolution ahead similar to the one coffee rode to its current level of popularity, Tcho is working with growers to create an “open source” exchange of information between producers to help them improve their beans’ quality and classify their tastes. Food companies love the idea of a consistent flavor profile, and Tcho’s system could become industry standard.

Tcho is working with cacao growers and researchers via satellite link to better classify and understand the varying flavors of finished cocoa.
Tcho is working with cacao growers and researchers via satellite link to better classify and understand the varying flavors of finished cocoa.   (Magnum Photos)
A San Francisco company aims to make the various flavors of chocolate more classifiable and consistent borrowing techniques long used by technology companies.
A San Francisco company aims to make the various flavors of chocolate more classifiable and consistent borrowing techniques long used by technology companies.   (KRT Photos)
Most producers of cacao beans, a key ingredient in chocolate, never know the end product, creating a disconnect between grower and manufacturer. Tcho is trying to change that.
Most producers of cacao beans, a key ingredient in chocolate, never know the end product, creating a disconnect between grower and manufacturer. Tcho is trying to change that.   (Magnum Photos)
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