Askinosie Chocolate secures deal with Target

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) will sell Askinosie Chocolate bars on a limited basis this fall as part of a second year promoting a high-quality product initiative.

A selection for Made to Matter - Handpicked by Target, the Springfield chocolate company’s products will be at 400 store shelves nationwide in September through the end of the year, said Askinosie Chocolate founder and CEO Shawn Askinosie. The company is one of 31 brands in Target’s program this year.

Askinosie said his company will ramp up production 15 percent in 2015 to prepare for the Target debut and hire some part-time workers to meet the demand. He said the Minneapolis-based retailer - which operates over 1,900 stores - hasn’t yet disclosed where the chocolate will be sold.

“For us, the reason it’s the biggest deal is because it’s an opportunity for us to spread the message of craft chocolate in America - what it is, its value,” Askinosie said, declining to disclose production volumes at its Commercial Street factory. “It’s an opportunity for people to try premium craft chocolate that they might not have otherwise had.”

The company is creating three new bars exclusive to Target. The beans are sourced from Tanzanian farmers, who share profits with Askinosie Chocolate.

“We also get to tell the story of our company and what it represents,” Askinosie said.

Target this year expects sales to hit $1 billion for its Made to Matter initiative, which also includes new selections by Paddy’s Bathroom, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Pacifica, Happy Family and Kind, according to a news release.

“We know our guests are looking for better-for-you and better-for-the-world products, and our research shows that they seek authenticity and transparency from the brands they buy,” said Kathee Tesija, Target’s chief merchandising and supply chain officer, in the release.

With the latest selections, which start rolling out in April, Target is nearly doubling its Made to Matter program.[[In-content Ad]]