Shipping Chocolate 101: Best Practices

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate…a sweet treat widely regarded as one of the best sweets humans have ever created. While chocolate is known by the vast majority of the world, getting chocolate to eager customers presents its own set of challenges. Of course, the largest obstacle is maintaining the chocolate’s temperature to keep it from melting. During cold months, shipping chocolate is a relatively easy process. But during summer months, many preventative measures are put in place to ensure chocolate is delivered on time and in optimal condition. To help those curious about chocolate in ecommerce, this short blog will cover some of the best practices to keep in mind!

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Preparing the Chocolate

The first step to shipping any product is making sure it is prepared for the journey ahead. Whether it’s moving across the state, across the country, or across the sea; make sure the product is protected (and insulated if necessary). In the case of chocolate, it is fragile in more ways than one. As a result, a careful packing process is necessary to ensure high quality upon delivery. Below, a short list outlines some basic processes to help prepare chocolate for shipping;

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Work with cold, clean hands (or gloves): Running your hands under cold water before packaging chocolates helps to keep them from melting. Using gloves or tongs will also provide the same solution.

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Use temperature control when storing chocolate: Wine refrigerators and temperature controlled rooms are ideal for cooling chocolates before shipping, while also preventing sugar bloom or melting the products.

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‍Use insulated packaging: Opt for a box that not only protects the sweets inside, but also presents them in an appealing way, ensuring a positive unboxing experience for the end customer. The custom box’s packaging needs to have an effective layer of insulation lining the inside, with ample room for the custom box to fit comfortably while staying protected. This will ensure that cold is kept inside, while heat stays blocked out.

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‍Determine the need for cold packs: Based on factors like the season and destination, placing securely wrapped cold packs at the bottom of the shipping container will help prevent the buildup of condensation. ‍

Note: As an added provision, using a sheet of metalized insulation to cover packages will better help insulate from temperature differences.

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‍Seal and ship: Further secure your chocolates by taping all seams shut to maintain a stable temperature inside and reduce warm air penetration. After ensuring each package is properly packed and sealed, throw on the shipping labels and you’re ready to ship!

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Shipping without Melting

Shipping chocolate during the warm summer months can be a challenge for any business, but it doesn’t have to be! As a boutique third-party logistics (3PL) provider, Atomix understands just how important it is to ensure that our clients' products arrive at their destination safely and in perfect condition. Every business owner has unique needs and business challenges, meaning there is no universal answer to this question - but we can always provide a general idea of what to do. To do just this, here are some tips on how to keep chocolate safe during shipping through warm summer months:

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Choose the right shipping method: When shipping chocolate in the summertime, it's important to choose a shipping method that will get your product to its destination as quickly as possible. Consider using expedited shipping services to minimize transit time, or find a carrier who specializes in shipping temperature-sensitive goods.

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Schedule shipments for cooler days: If possible, try to schedule your shipments for cooler days or times of day when temperatures are likely to be lower. This may help reduce the risk of melting or other heat-related damage.

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Use informative labels: Proper labeling is critical when shipping chocolate during the summer months. Make sure that your packages are clearly labeled as containing temperature-sensitive items, and include clear instructions for handling and storage.

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Test and retest: Before shipping large quantities of chocolate, be sure to test your packaging and shipping methods to ensure that they can withstand the rigors of transportation in hot weather. If necessary, make adjustments to your processes based on the results of your testing.

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By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your chocolate arrives at its destination safely and in perfect condition, even during the warm summer months.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, the key to successful summer shipping of chocolate is preparation and attention to detail. By planning ahead, testing your processes, and communicating with your customers, you can help ensure that your chocolate reaches its destination safely and in great shape. So whether you're shipping chocolate as part of your business or just sending a gift to a loved one, don't let the heat stop you. With a little extra care, you can make sure that your chocolate arrives just as delicious and delightful as when it left your hands.

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If you have any burning questions left unanswered after reading this short blog post, don’t hesitate to contact our team and learn more about how we help our chocolate brands!

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