Christopher Blue’s phenomenal collection of chocolates, which contain “absolutely NO artificial ingredients,” has truly won over the hearts of Salt Lake City consumers.

Matt Caputo, marketing director for Caputo’s Market and Deli, reports that, as of December 2007, the store outsold Charlie Trotter’s restaurant and store for Chocolatier Blue. As I reported two months ago, Chocolatier Blue is an Alpine, Utah shop that features chocolates made exclusively from fresh ingredients – everything from the cacao bean and hazelnuts to passion fruits and apples and to cream and butter –specifically sourced from single-origin farms and plantations rigorously dedicated to the genuinely pristine principles of organic agriculture.

For the 2,500 pieces of chocolate made every day, Chris ensures that “absolutely” no artificial flavorings, extracts, compounds, or purees are used. Front and center, of course, is the single-origin chocolate, grown at a Venezuelan plantation where the farmers ferment, sun dry, and process the pure bean. His chocolates have a limited distribution as they are available online as well as Trotter’s to Go in Chicago, the Sundance Resort, and at Caputo’s Market and Deli. You can read the original blog entry here and learn more about Blue’s offerings here.

Matt reports that he has steadily placed new orders for the chocolates every two weeks which essentially means that a one-day production output is likely dedicated to what Caputo’s offers. “Clearly, everybody recognizes the amazing quality here and there certainly is no hesitation about indulging, given the price,” Matt says.

A piece costs nearly $2.50 and the 12-piece Chocolates of the Season collection typically retails at $27. However, knowledgeable consumers and bona fide connoisseurs of truly great chocolate believe the quality standards and the never-compromising commitment to exceptional natural ingredients make the price a genuine bargain. This is no idle assertion. A typical truffle from a well-known international outfit which positions itself as a gourmet chocolatier (hint: it starts with a “g”) costs nearly as much and its ingredient content is replete with artificial colorings, compounds, and flavorings. Meanwhile, Chocolatier Blue’s product follows its natural commitment right down to the coloring which is made from dehydrated fruits and vegetable skins.

The core of that natural philosophy also adds to the unique positioning of Chocolatier Blue’s product. The Chocolates of the Season reflect the realities of natural ingredients that are available as the seasons advance and change. Practically speaking, the chocolates of the season change continuously so that customers can experience new flavors every month.

Caputo’s is the ideal home for Chocolatier Blue. The store, which already features some of the world’s most highly prized chocolate bars (you can read more about that here), is creating a new display for what unquestionably are the best chocolate confections in the country.