Sunshine Dairy Foods and Moonstruck Chocolate Collaborate on Drinking Chocolate

    PORTLAND, OR, October 13, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sunshine Dairy Foods and Moonstruck Chocolate Co. announce Moonstruck Drinking Chocolate by Sunshine Dairy, a new collaboration from the two local favorites. Drinking chocolate is an emerging dairy category that is equally satisfying as a beverage and stand-alone dessert.

Moonstruck Drinking Chocolate by Sunshine Dairy will make its way to Portland and Seattle retail grocer's shelves the week of October 12, 2015. The product will be available in dairy cases and grab-and-go sections in stores where Sunshine's products are sold, including Whole Foods, New Seasons, Fred Meyer, QFC, Green Zebra, Zupan's, Albertson's and Safeway.

Unlike traditional chocolate milk, which is cocoa powder stirred into milk, drinking chocolate has European roots and is made by mixing chocolate ganache (smooth melted chocolate and heavy cream) with whole milk. Inspired by Master Chocolatier Julian Rose, the ganache in this Drinking Chocolate combines the same chocolate and cocoa liquor that Moonstruck uses to make their exquisite truffles, with Sunshine's cold-crafted whole milk.

"The feedback from our new Drinking Chocolate was unbelievable and incredibly exciting," said Sunshine's CEO Dirk T. Davis, who, along with Marketing Specialist Allyse Paetsch, poured the chocolate concoction at the Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting at Feast Portland.

Paetsch echoed the excitement. "People at Feast were drawn in by the packaging and once they tasted it, it's almost as if time stopped for them to enjoy that moment of bliss. We had instant fans on our hands," she said. "Most people took seconds and it took two of us pouring for five hours straight [both days] to satisfy demand. This was great testing ground for the rich, decadent taste of our new product!"

Says Rob Johnson, Sunshine's Director of Revenue Operations, on the collaboration, "We are very excited about these two iconic local brands coming together. Portland has such a vibrant and collaborative food community and I think this product really speaks to that."

Tasting notes/product specs on Sunshine Dairy's Moonstruck Drinking Chocolate:

Calories: 260 per serving
Protein: 9 grams per serving
Sugar: 28 grams per serving
Shelf life: 30 days
Pricing: Suggested retail pricing is $3.49 for 16 oz (pint) and $6.99 for 32 oz (quart)
When: On shelves beginning October 12, 2015.

In the dairy and grab-and-go cases everywhere Sunshine products are sold, including Whole Foods, New Seasons, Fred Meyer, QFC, Green Zebra, Zupan's, Albertson's and Safeway.

Sunshine Dairy Foods is based in Portland, Oregon. Its manifesto is as follows: At Sunshine, local flavor reigns. The company, and the products we craft are tied to where we live: a place defined by rich surroundings, memorable people and an independent spirit. Where excellence leads the way and fresh thinking comes with the territory. Where good tastes thrive, thanks to a happy mix of conditions, climate and commitment to quality. It's in this remarkable setting that Sunshine is able to create our signature products - with local flavor that delights the tongue and speaks to the heart. It's the essence of what makes life here so good. Our customers choose us because they can taste the difference our commitment makes. From our people, processes and local partners to the climate that always keeps us guessing, Sunshine really does taste better here.

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