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COMPANY BACKGROUND

Lisa Bleicken founded Ballotin Chocolates LLC in 2007 as the realization of a long-held dream of opening her own retail food business. Half-Italian, half-Irish, she grew up as an only child in a family obsessed with food, and has vivid memories of helping in the kitchen from an early age. She decided to focus her efforts on creating an upscale chocolate boutique and cafe featuring artisan chocolates and confections, both made in-house and by fine chocolatiers and confectioners throughout the US and the world. Chocolate beverages and suitable tea and coffee pairings would be served for carry-out or to be enjoyed in a small seating area. Much like a good wine or specialty food store that offers buyers advice and inspires new taste experiences, her shop would serve as a resource for those who enjoy and seek fine chocolates. Ballotin is the realization of a long-held dream, a reflection of Lisa’s passion for chocolate and entrepreneurial spirit.

OBJECTIVE

Establish Ballotin as a premier New England retail purveyor of the finest artisan chocolates and chocolate-related goods from around the world, while creating a unique in-store chocolate experience for their customers. Reminiscent of a European (specifically a French) chocolate boutique and cafe, Ballotin will feature the finest artisanal chocolates, confections, beverages, and other chocolate creations for their customers’ daily delight or special occasions. Ballotin’s activities will always be driven by unwavering standards of quality, a serious passion for chocolate, a savvy business approach, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Targeted Segments: Urban Chic, Wealthy Seaboard Suburbs, Suburban Splendor
  • Woman
  • Northeasterner
  • Residence valued at over $300,000
  • Avg Age: 41
  • Professional, educated, often married couples, if kids usually fewer than 2 and between 6-17 y.o. (53% of these would have gifts to buy for their kids’ teachers, etc.). Children may attend private schools.
  • Shop in upscale stores (Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Nordstrom) as well as wholesale (Costco is a favorite).
  • Entertainment: travel; visit museums; attend theatre performances; listen to music – jazz and classical; listen to radio – all talk, public radio or music; read to keep current on news and for pleasure; watch foreign films.
  • Enjoy specialty foods and wine.

STRATEGY

Ballotin is different from most chocolate shops in the Northeast due to its product mix and approach. Our products are premium chocolates and confections made by artisans using the highest quality ingredients. The flavors are bold, interesting, true, fresh, and natural. The chocolates themselves are beautiful and carefully crafted. We have a breadth of products that few chocolate shops offer (from bars to books), as well as a new perspective and approach to chocolate as a specialty food, not just a candy. In addition, we are one of few places in the area where some of the products are made on site. And the only place that offers chocolate-based or paired beverages, and has a sitting area where customers can linger and enjoy purchases in house.

POSITIONING

Our passion is to serve you premium chocolates crafted from the highest quality 100% natural ingredients in the most luxurious environment. Whether you are shopping for a gift or for your own indulgence, we invite you to embark on your chocolate adventure at Ballotin Chocolates.