By Shweta Thakur, IANS
New Delhi : There are roses, cards, teddy bears – and then there are yummy chocolate paint and edible chocolate massages. As far as Valentine’s Day gifts go, the Indian market certainly seems to be getting adventurous.
To cash in on a trend that is quite popular abroad, flower boutique chain Ferns ‘N’ Petals is offering the unconventional gift item at a starting price of Rs.299.
“A jar of edible chocolate body paint is the perfect way to top off a romantic evening,” Pawan Gadia, vice-president of Ferns ‘N’ Petals Group, told IANS.
“Also, liquid chocolate can be used as body massage and is a fantastic fun gift for couples. It can be used on its own, with whipped cream, bits of fruit or anything edible that one would like. It is fully edible and washes off easily,” he added.
The chocolate body paint encompasses rich chocolate truffle sauce made from French dark chocolate. It is available in glass jars of 50 grams, each teamed with a brush capable of swirling designs.
Gadia is upbeat about the future of the initiative, which is specifically meant for Valentine’s Day.
He said: “Our target customers are in the age group of 25 to 40. It is a very intimate product and there could be no better occasion than V-Day for a couple to relish it.
“I am extremely positive about its future because today’s youth is evolved and has travelled a lot.
“We have already booked about 20 orders and are expecting no less than 300 orders this time. The Indian market has lots of potential, momentary sales might be less but next year we would expect three times more sale than this year.”
However, the concept of edible chocolate body paint is not new and was first introduced in the country by Zeba Kohli’s Fantasie Fine Chocolates nearly half a decade ago.
Kohli feels that apart from just body painting with magical molten chocolate, people can give wings to their imagination and use it in many other innovative ways.
“Chocolate is a part of our lives and can also be used for making edible cards, tattoos and pieces of art,” she said.
The confectionery and chocolate market in India is worth Rs.28 billion. Of this, chocolates account for Rs.8 billion.
“The country’s chocolate market is currently in its nascent stages and is metropolitan city centric. But it will gain momentum as India is one of the finest emerging markets,” said Kohli.