Organic chocolate is great but not the best. There is a better. It is unprocessed chocolate like nature intended. Unprocessed chocolate that hasn't been heated to temps that destroy its anti-oxidants is available. The ORAC values are out of this world especially when mixed with acai berries and blueberry. www.mxi.myvoffice.com/amymurray

not all chocolates are equal. In the store (even health food stores) all the chocolate is processed to some degree which causes it to lose its highest values. This chocolate is unprocessed and not heated to high temps making it possible to retain all the health benefits taking it as close as possible to its original state. www.mxi.myvoffice.com/amymurray

What is so awesome is that there is a company out there right now that is making chocolate drinks, candy, cookies, protein bars, and omega bars that are made with unprocessed chocolate. It is not processed or cooked to high temps(which kill a lot of the good anti-oxidants and benefits)uses good cane sugars with no waxes and other harmful things. That kind of chocolate has health benefits in tons of ways! contact me to know more. missamylee@Yahoo.com

Thanks for responding to my question. I have set up many outdoor receptions but have not been asked about a chocolate fountain for an outdoor reception...yet! I am glad to know that there are some solutions. The bug issue was my biggest concern.I have done wedding cakes outside on request, (not my recommendation!)nothing spoils the effect of a beautiful, costly dessert more than the sight of flies landing on it!

Again, thanks for the info. Your sight is great!

Glad you asked about outdoor use of a chocolate fountain. There are three main problems you need to deal with when setting one up outdoors.
Temperature: If it's too cold, the chocolate won't flow. Wind: If there is too much wind outside, your chocolate will splatter everywhere, and debris can get in the fountain. Bugs: as they are drawn to the aroma of the chocolate. The picture shown is the Buffet Enhancements® chocolate fountain wind-guard and can greatly reduce the affects of the outdoors. It covers 3/4's of the fountain, so not only does it leave access in the back, but also doubles as a sneeze guard.

Nice Site!! As a caterer I have used chocolate fountains at receptions. Any thoughts on setting one up at an outdoor function?!! Thanks for the tips and recipes...Can't wait to utilize some of this info!

A chocolate fountain may not be good to own; the best idea may be to rent one, because more than likely you will only use it for really big events that may not happen often. The building of a chocolate fountain may almost be as fun as tasting the end result of your work. Chocolate fountains are now the biggest thrill at all big events, it does not matter if it is an anniversary or a big office party everyone will be looking for the chocolate fountain. Chocolate fountains come in 2 sizes: medium and large; the large is supposed to serve up to 700 guests, while the medium is supposed to feed up to 300 guest. The building of a chocolate fountain should be one of the highlights of your next formal party or soiree.
Gerry Lewis

Party Chocolate Fountain

The number of chocolate fountains should not exceed the amount needed to feed your party guests' hunger for dessert. The selection of a chocolate fountain is always a nice attraction for the crowd at even the most sophisticated parties. A chocolate fountain may not be good to own; the best idea may be to rent one, because more than likely you will only use it for really big events that may not happen often. A chocolate fountain can be purchased by anyone, however in order to find a reasonably priced one it is best to shop around. When it comes to interesting party centerpieces, a chocolate fountain can leave many a guest breathless with anticipation to try it. The building of a chocolate fountain can almost be as fun as tasting the end result of your labor.

Not knowing anything more than your sales are down, I would have to pose these questions before I were to declare chocolate fountains a fad and that all is lost.
#1. Are your chocolate fountain rentals down or do you sell chocolate fountains?
#2. Are your overall sales down?
#3. Do you now have more competition in your market with chocolate fountains?
With the popularity and explosive growth in sales of commercial chocolate fountains over the past couple of years, it stands to reason the market would become more competitive.
If you are a caterer or party rental, you know that party planners are always looking for the next big thing. When a popular market becomes saturated it makes it necessary to innovate to maintain market share.
In other words, it should not be suprising that the days of taking orders may be replaced by the days of competitive marketing. What can you offer or do better than the competition in your market? What can you offer the others don't? Are you doing "drop off" rentals or do you offer interesting, new and exciting presentations?
I stand by what I said about chocolate fountains not being a fad. I have seen many fads come and go and I still maintain chocolate fountains have become and will remain a popular party attraction.
It could very well be true that the days of "harvesting the low hanging fruit" may be over. But that is to be expected any time something new comes on the scene like a chocolate fountain. It is a matter of marketing and presentation.

HI,
Well, all I know is that my sales are down by 50 percent!!!
Perhaps in the north east CF are a fad??

I agree, chocolate fountains are definetly here to stay. Anyone who would pass up delicous, flowing, chocolate is CRAZY in my book. Chocolate fountains are GREAT for any event. Interested in having on at your next birthday party or wedding? CHECK US OUT and leave us some comments on our blog at our NEW website:
www.MYfabulousfare.com/blog

I see that we are talking about marketing. I was a top salesman for Yellow Book USA for 5 years, sold radio for two & the marketing director for the Quad City Mallard our local hockey teem here.
Yellow page adds only work if in the rite place and have the right message. Rentals, Wedding sup, ect. Don't spend money on color. Keep adds simple and to the point Who you are what you do and make a big deal if you do something your competitor does not. Remember this, answer the Question WHY? Why should they call you! ps Make you name and number as larg as you can.
RADIO, only works to get you to the top of the mined, This will take a year of advertising, consistency & repetition to burn your name into the buyers mind, so that when they are looking for a chocolate fountain your who they think of first.
Cards & word of mouth are the two best forms of advertising and always will be, but even better, building small relationships with county clubs, hotels, vendors, and banks are great.
I would also suggest One on the house. Last year at Christmas My MOM wanted to do something for a company that does work with her firm. So she talked me into doing it and she would cover the cost of the chocolate. At first I thought (MOM I AM TRYING TO MAKE MONEY HERE!) BUT I gave in because she's mom. Anyway out of that one free-bee we have had 10 paying customers each with rentals totaling well over $800.00 each, YEP 8G this year because MOM wanted a free-bee.

Just to let you know I do have the largest ad in the yellow pages & have spots on the radio and will for the next year. Advertising is not a flash in the pan but a slow simmer that will turn into a boiling pot, that take time.

Good luck and thank you Buffet Enhancements for all your help this last year.
Tray
All American Chocolate Fountains
allamericanchocolate.com
youdip@mchsi.com