A model dressed with chocolate poses in the Chocolate Fashion Show during the opening of the 22nd edition of Salon du Chocolat in Paris, France, Oct. 28, 2016. The 22nd edition of Salon du Chocolat in Paris kicked off on Friday, gathering some 500 participants to showcase new chocolate products and fine desserts. (Xinhua/Han Qian)
PARIS, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 22nd edition of Salon du Chocolat in Paris kicked off on Friday, gathering some 500 participants to showcase new chocolate products and fine desserts.
Chocolate producers have introduced innovations this year which made chocolate more "light", according to the organizer of the event. The "healthy" trend has prevailed for the last few years in the industry.
Karin Mercier, senior brand manager of the Belgian chocolate maker Guylian told Xinhua that chocolate producers now focus on adding the percentage of cacao, controlling sugar content and reducing the size of chocolate products.
"All these measures are to control the calories, making chocolate more light and healthy," Mercier said
Cacao production and consumption is also an important part of this year's exhibition, the organizer said. The show has a cocoa area which highlights fair trade initiatives in the world of chocolate and a large number of cacao producing countries.
In the 20,000 square meter-exhibition hall, a chocolate Eiffel Tower built on a 1/100 scale in line with the original design has attracted many visitors.
In addition, daily Chocolate Fashion Show during the five-day event has brought a series of activities to a climax, which included tastings, dessert competition, gourmet workshops and chocolate awards.
