Japanese chocolate enthusiasts have much to look forward to this February, with several exciting launches and events promising to tantalize their taste buds. Two innovative products are set to debut, alongside the opening of a new specialty dessert store.
First, Minimal, known for its exceptional bean-to-bar chocolate, is set to introduce its latest creation, titled "EXPERIMENTAL #18." This limited-edition chocolate will hit the market on February 1, 2025, priced at 2,160 yen. What makes it truly unique is its flavor profile, which captures the essence of strawberries without using any actual berries. Instead, the chocolate offers the vivid taste of fresh strawberries and transitions to the sweet and tangy notes characteristic of strawberry jam as you savor it.
Minimal has developed this dairy-free milk chocolate using Madagascar cacao beans, ensuring the chocolate's natural flavors shine through without being masked by excessive milk. This innovative production method was crafted to highlight the cacao's unique berry-like qualities and set it apart from traditional milk chocolates. "This is perfect for those new to bean-to-bar chocolate or those seeking surprise elements for Valentine’s gifts," said Minimal's team.
Just days later, on February 5, 2025, Hugh Morgan, the specialty vanilla dessert pioneer, will open its second direct store at Tokyo Midtown's ISETAN SALONE. This store aims to deliver high-quality, handcrafted treats featuring exquisite vanilla sourced from around the globe. Known for their attention to detail, every product at Hugh Morgan is made by skilled pastry chefs who prioritize quality ingredients, particularly their selected vanilla beans. The store will operate from 11 AM to 8 PM and promises to enchant vanilla lovers with its offerings.
The store will feature items like sablé au beurre, priced at 746 yen, which sandwiches Tahitian vanilla buttercream between charcoal-infused cookies. Another highlight is the gâteau fromage vanille, made from Madagascar's prized Planifolia vanilla, priced at 5,720 yen for the whole cake.
And for those craving interactive experiences, Hugh Morgan is welcoming media inquiries to provide insights, interviews, and tasting opportunities to publicize their elegant offerings.
While Minimal and Hugh Morgan revolutionize chocolate and dessert offerings, the annual chocolate exhibition promises to attract dessert lovers with its elaborate presentations. Koyama Susumu's renowned establishment, PATISSIER eS KOYAMA, will be featuring its new “Strawberry Chocolate Fantasy 2025” soft-serve ice cream during the event running from February 1 to 14, 2025. Priced at 880 yen, the soft-serve combines the cherished sweetness of Ahmao strawberries with rich 64% Madagascar cacao chocolate. Koyama asserts, "My soft-serve is crafted to evoke the experience of fine chocolates, blending rich flavors with freshness." This celebration of exceptional flavors provides attendees with not only delightful tastes but also stunning visuals, topped with fresh strawberries and the signature Koyama chocolate emblem.
Echoing his commitment to quality, Koyama has been recognized multiple times for his exceptional craft and his venue has become synonymous with high-quality sweets and pastries. From its opening day to the closing of the chocolate exhibition, there's sure to be much buzz around his tantalizing new creation, exclusive to the event.
Overall, February 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling month for chocolate lovers across Japan, with innovative products bringing novel flavors and experiences to the forefront. Whether venturing to Minimal’s reveal, visiting Hugh Morgan’s new store, or indulging at the chocolate exhibition, fans of the confectionery scene are sure to leave satisfied.