Edinburgh based artisan chocolatier COCO has unveiled a limited edition collection of its single origin ethical chocolate bars to raise funds for NHS charities during the coronavirus pandemic.
The three COCO x NHS chocolate bars feature artworks, kindly donated by each artist, that pay homage to the outstanding work carried out by the National Health Service workers during this difficult time.
The COCO x NHS collection includes plain milk, plain dark and Isle of Skye sea salt dark, 80g chocolate bars.
Picture: COCO
Sir Billy Connolly collaborated with COCO on this project, by featuring his ‘Blue Angel’ artwork on this limited edition of the Isle of Skye sea salt dark chocolate bar.
A spokesman for Billy Connolly at Castle Gallery said “ We were all delighted to be approached with this project - especially Billy, who is immensely keen to support the incredible work being done by our NHS.
"The collaboration with COCO is perfect; it’s a brand that shares many qualities with our own and the Scottish connection for Billy made it all the more poignant”.
Portis Wasp, whose work ‘We Heart You’ features on the Colombian milk chocolate NHS Bar commented: “I love COCO’s chocolate, so I didn’t hesitate in collaborating with them to create a limited edition design to acknowledge the brave and heroic NHS staf on the frontline."
Illustrator Andrew Rae added: “Chocolate has helped me through some of the most difficult periods of my life so this seemed like the perfect project to give something back to the heroes working in the care industry in what must the most difficult period that any of us have lived through.
"I just want to say think you to all the people who are working on the front line and hopefully this can help you get through it.”
Calum Haggerty, director at COCO said: “As an independent business we decided to show our support for the outstanding work carried out by the NHS in our own way; merging artwork with single origin chocolate is what we do, and it felt right to dedicate a collection to our National Health Service.
"I hope this project will convey our gratitude and admiration for the NHS at this very difficult time, and that the funds raised will be helpful to its workers who are demonstrating incredible courage and dedication”.
Each bar is priced at £8.50, with £5 to be donated to an NHS charity, and the three bar collection is priced at £25.50 with £15 donated to the an NHS charity.
The chocolate bars will go on sale on COCO’s website on Thursday 30 April at 8pm following the national #ClapForOurCarers but can be be pre-ordered individually here.
