Hitachi, Ltd. and Google Cloud today announced a multi-year partnership to accelerate enterprise innovation and productivity with generative AI. Hitachi will form a new business unit focused on helping businesses solve industry challenges with Gemini models, Vertex AI, and other cloud technologies, and it will also adopt Google Cloud’s AI to enhance its own products and services. Through the partnership, Hitachi will further accelerate growth of Lumada, its core digital business, and it will advance operational efficiencies for the Hitachi Group.
Led by GlobalLogic, a leader in digital engineering and a subsidiary of the Hitachi Group, the companies will establish the HitachiGoogle Cloud Business Unit and the Google Cloud Center of Excellence (CoE) to rapidly scale Google Cloud technology to new and existing enterprise customers. Additionally, Hitachi will collaborate with Google Cloud to incorporate training on Google Cloud’s GenAI as part of Hitachi’s GenAI Professional training program. The program will deepen the expertise and managed services available through these business units, which will ensure large-scale organizations have access to the resources needed to fundamentally improve how they operate with AI.
Additional focus areas of the partnership will include:
New GenAI solutions for software modernization and customer service: Hitachi will use Gemini models to build solutions that help businesses efficiently modernize legacy software systems, and it will adopt Google Cloud Contact Center AIto power more effective and accurate customer service experiences. For instance, using Google Cloud Agent Assist, customer service representatives can be supported with real-time knowledge assistance and resolution suggestions to help them be more productive and provide better service. The new solutions will be compatible with GlobalLogic’s Platform of Platforms architecture, which is designed to address the needs of intelligent enterprises.
Enabling safe, secure GenAI solutions for on-premises and cloud environments: Hitachi’s new solutions will support customers running both on-premises and in the cloud, enabling enterprises to modernize operations while retaining existing IT environments. The solutions will also be compatible with Virtual Storage Platform One,so that users can build GenAI applications using data stored on Hitachi Vantara’s hybrid cloud platform.
Joint go-to-market initiatives: Hitachi and Google Cloud will better align their sales, marketing, and engineering teams to ensure that customers across industries have access to the resources needed to optimally deploy and manage GenAI projects through Hitachi Google Cloud Business Unit and Google Cloud CoE. This will include the GenAI Professionals that Hitachi trains on Google Cloud technology.
Strengthen GenAI talent development: Hitachi’s GenAI Professionals play a critical role in supporting customers’ transformation with AI, and Hitachi will train more than 50,000 GenAI Professionals through its global training program, As part of the program, Hitachi will include training on Google Cloud’s G en AI solutions and AI technology.
GlobalLogic and Google Cloud have collaborated for more than 15 years and helped empower enterprises with solutions that achieve their business objectives with efficiency and scale.
“Through this partnership, Hitachi will leverage Google Cloud’s AI capabilities to improve and enhance employee productivity and accelerate innovation. By augmenting the capabilities of our developers and customer success units with Google Cloud GenAI solutions, such as Vertex AI and Gemini models, Hitachi will be able to better serve the needs of its customers in diverse industries and across complex domains such as energy, mobility, manufacturing and digital services,” said Toshiaki Tokunaga, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer at Hitachi.
Nitesh Banga, CEO, Digital Engineering Business Unit, Hitachi, and President & CEO, GlobalLogic, added: “Through this global alliance, Hitachi is strategically aligning its go-to-market approach together with Google Cloud to drive tangible results. We are establishing clear pathways for collaboration, ensuring enhanced efficiency and acceleration in delivering solutions to our collective clients. This investment in building our Google Cloud Business Unit will provide the necessary energy, focus, and cohesive teamwork essential for achieving the desired accelerated time-to-market, translating innovation into swift revenue growth.”
“To solve complex business challenges with generative AI, enterprises need advanced technology and the technical expertise to successfully deploy it throughout their organizations,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “Our partnership with Hitachi will provide customers with the resources needed to optimally build, implement, and manage every stage of their generative AI projects.”
Ambitious aquatech businesses are invited to apply for a ground breaking Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) mentoring programme in a sector which has just attracted a €15 million investment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).
The ISIF has announced the investment to Hatch’s Blue Revolution Fund which focuses on early-stage companies who have the potential to transform aquatech.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today announced that BIM is partnering again this year with aquaculture accelerator, Hatch Blue, for its popular Innovation Studio.
This is a free, intensive two-week programme aimed at supporting young aquatech companies in all aspects of development including technology and investment. BIM’s Aquatech Development Programme is supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (2021 – 2027) with an investment of €380,000 in 2024.
The aim of the BIM Innovation Studio is to grow Ireland’s €200 million aquatech business, and to position the country as the “Silicon Valley” of the sector.
Now in its seventh year, some 50 projects and companies have completed the Innovation Studio, and have attracted a total investment of around €15 million, creating more than 200 hi-tech jobs.
“I am delighted to announce applications are open for the 2024 BIM Innovation Studio which has fostered a wealth of innovation, energy and talent in Ireland’s growing aquatech sector since its inception seven years ago,” said Minister McConalogue. “This programme offers a unique opportunity for companies with technology applicable to the globally important aquaculture sector to improve their investor readiness and increase market access.
“Ireland is leading the way in the development of the aquatech sector with some 60 Irish aquatech companies turning over €200 million in 2022 with the potential for significant growth and job creation.”
The Minister welcomed the €15 million investment by ISIF in the Blue Revolution Fund which invests in early stage aquatech companies. “This is a huge vote of confidence in the sector which has enormous potential. Aquatech companies can advance the health of the oceans while providing sustainable seafood regenerative ecosystem services and community benefits.”
Aquatech is any technology or innovation driving sustainable seafood farming, and it can be applied progressively to the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.
The BIM Innovation Studio offers opportunities for companies in areas such as pharmaceuticals, marine engineering, genetics, feed additives and artificial intelligence.
Applications for the BIM Innovation Studio are open until 19 July 2024. The BIM Innovation Studio takes place from 1 to 10 October at the Lee Hotel, Cork City. Several companies will then be selected to pitch at the BIM Aquatech Conference on 11 October where the winner of the BIM Aquatech Business of the Year 2024 will also be announced.
“The BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio provides a springboard for aquatech innovations, connecting participants with industry experts, mentors, and investors worldwide,” said Jessica Giannoumis, Hatch Blue’s Aquatech Community Manager for Ireland. “Whether it’s sensor technology, alternative seafood solutions, or water management strategies, this is the ultimate opportunity to refine your aquatech vision.”
Eight to ten successful applicants will be matched with experienced mentors to further develop their business strategy, product or service. They will also have access to a global network of aquaculture technical experts.
Several companies involved in the 2023 Innovation Studio attended a delegation to Southeast Asia last year with Hatch to grow their network and learn more about their potential market. The delegation has secured potential business opportunities on foot of this.
Aquamonitrix, a Carlow based company, is delivering a dataset to the water industry on nitrates and nitrites that are toxic to fish, but which were previously impossible to measure in real time.
The company had previously participated in the BIM innovation Studio.
The Innovation Studio supports the ambitious goals set out in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Food Vision 2030 Strategy, including to promote Ireland as a knowledge base for aquaculture technology and research and attract external investment into the sector.
Significant growth occurred in the seafood-tech sector over the last five years with the number of active companies growing from 42 in 2016 to 62 in 2021, according to BIM’s Business of Seafood 2022 report. Over this period employment in these companies increased from 517 in 2016 to 892 in 2021 while turnover increased from €86m in 2016 to €217m in 2021
Generative AI has taken centre stage this year as leaders move GenAI projects from theory into practice. Consumer-grade AI, like ChatGPT, has captured everyone’s imagination with its ability to generate content. Yet, GenAI’s impact on businesses and organisations promises to be more profound from heightened productivity and transforming how we work, to developing more personalised experiences and advancing medical diagnosis.
The emerging use of GenAI presents significant opportunities as well as challenges in the field of cybersecurity. While its deep learning techniques can be used by malicious actors to create new attack vectors, GenAI can be a powerful tool to protect data and IT systems.
But what should organisations here in Ireland do to unlock the value of GenAI in a responsible manner?
Addressing the risks of GenAI
Firstly, leaders need to confront the new risks linked to the development of GenAI. The boost in speed and easy automation that GenAI allows hackers to discover vulnerabilities faster, develop malware in real-time, and develop more credible phishing emails and digital spoofing methods.
That is why it is crucial that GenAI must be taken into account in the security measures of every organisation in Ireland from now on. Steps that prevent GenAI systems from becoming the target of attacks, and reduce the chances of falling victim to fraud or new attack surfaces due to the emergence of deepfakes.
As businesses embrace the transformative power of GenAI, a critical consideration emerges in balancing the security of sensitive data amid the ever-changing global regulatory frameworks. Businesses around Ireland must navigate the complex web of data privacy laws, all while ensuring their GenAI projects don’t inadvertently leak confidential information.
Responsible deployment of GenAI requires business and IT leaders to take a proactive approach including the development of robust governance practices, continuous monitoring of GenAI systems, and also addressing the talent gap. The Dell Digital Pulse Survey published last year revealed a lack of in-house cybersecurity skills as the second most common barrier to enhancing cybersecurity.
To secure GenAI effectively, organisations must roll out cutting-edge infrastructure built on trust, starting from the hardware level and extending all the way to the data and the user. The goal is to have robust access control measures that prevent malicious access and potential misuse of IT systems.
Above all, IT leaders need to consider GenAI data risks in the four stages of the GenAI data lifecycle: data sourcing, data preparation, model customisation and operations and scaling. For each stage, the focus needs to be on mappng potentail attack vectors and migiation actions that can be taken should that risk emerge.
However, the threat landscape is not one-sided. Gen AI systems themselves are susceptible to adversarial attacks, making them potential targets for exploitation. Securing these systems starts with the development of trusted devices and infrastructure, reinforced by rigorous access control to prevent unauthorised use. Given GenAI reliance on extensive datasets for learning and decision-making, safeguarding the privacy and integrity of data is paramount.
Therefore the next step is to ensure that data classification, encryption, and secure storage and transmission of data are made possible. Looking ahead, companies should also consider having a contingency plan. Developing a strong cyber recovery strategy ensures there’s a plan B in place should something unforeseen arise.
At Dell, we recommend that businesses use advanced security approaches including adopting a zero-trust framework to protect and contain AI systems, with these principles incorporated into the design and development of AI systems.
By laying this groundwork for trust and security, businesses can harness the potential of GenAI responsibly and unlock its value while safeguarding against potential risks.
GenAI strengthens cybersecurity
As the industry works to address these risks, GenAI has emerged as a powerful technology to help organisations better protect themselves from rapidly evolving cyber threats.
GenAI provides cybersecurity professionals with the ability to analyse vast amounts of security data, use that data to predict possible threats and implement measures to prevent such attacks.
Consider, for example, detecting anomalies in network traffic or discovering suspicious email content. GenAI can then predict future threats or identify vulnerabilities because it automatically learns from past incidents and threat information feeds.
GenAI’s advanced automation can change the way we look at security, especially in the areas of prevention and detection control. By automating threat detection, GenAI reduces the time to detect and respond to attack attempts, limiting potential damage. By automating routine cybersecurity tasks, such as incident reporting or threat sharing, security teams can focus on staying one step ahead of cyber criminals.
Content creation may not be the first function that comes to mind when you think of GenAI and cybersecurity, but it is also interesting for security awareness training. By using GenAI to personalise training modules, organisations can roll out cyber training that is based on the role of individual employee, their past behaviour, and common threats they encounter. That level of detail in training can reduce human error, which is a major factor in many security incidents.
Additionally, to fully harness the true power of GenAI, security teams must maintain constant vigilance and adaptability in the face of new and evolving cyber threats. This demands a sustained investment in sophisticated defense mechanisms, including adaptive behavioural analytics and machine learning technologies. Keeping a close eye on the shifting dynamics of the cyber attacker landscape, while proactively identifying vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of fraud, is crucial in this fast-paced digital era.
An optimistic look at the future
Without a doubt, GenAI is a transformative technology with a profound impact on the cybersecurity landscape in Ireland, presenting both challenges and opportunities that demand a strategic rethink of our cybersecurity strategies.
The real value will be in developing applications that identify and respond to security threats and at the same time also can forecast potential future dangers. Automating detection processes and enhancing forensic investigations can again add a security layer while also delivering customised security training for employees, which ensures that as security operations expand, the human element remains both informed and prepared.
Business and IT decision-makers in Ireland are aware of the need to enhance their cybersecurity posture amid these changes. According to our Dell Digital Pulse survey, a remarkable 66 % of Irish businesses are gearing up to invest in their cybersecurity this year.
At Dell Technologies, using technology responsibly is the foundation of what we do. That is why we’re working with customers and partners to leverage the benefits of GenAI while proactively addressing its risks. We recommend robust security measures, continuous monitoring, and a flexible, evolving approach to data privacy and ethics. In this way, the relationship between AI and cybersecurity will become something to be optimistic about.
By: Ivor Buckley, Field CTO at Dell Technologies Ireland and Northern Ireland
Evernorth Health Services, the pharmacy, care and benefits solution division of global health company The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), has chosen The City of Tribes as the location of a new innovation hub, creating 100 jobs over the next few years. Evernorth’s mission is focused on making the prediction, prevention, and treatment of illness and disease more accessible to millions of people.
Employees with Evernorth Ireland will be engaged in software strategy, architecture, and portfolio and product management of select technology products across The Cigna Group and its businesses. Evernorth will recruit top talent, from graduates to experienced technology professionals, across a range of roles in Ireland.
This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD said: “Ireland’s vibrant tech community, talent and expertise as well as our ease of access to cutting-edge research and leading third-level institutions offer real opportunity to business. Investments such as the one today continue to advance Galway’s position, in particular, as a global technology hub. I am pleased to welcome this announcement and wish Evernorth Ireland every success.”
Luke Warren, Head of Evernorth Ireland, said: “We selected Galway as a hub because we believe it will help us drive further innovation on behalf of all those we serve. We look forward to deepening our engagement with the Galway community and benefiting from new viewpoints as we deliver on our promises to our stakeholders.”
Michael Lohan, CEO at IDA Ireland, said: “IDA Ireland very much welcomes this announcement by Evernorth Health Services. The company’s decision to locate here reflects Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology talent. We look forward to partnering with Evernorth and supporting the company as it establishes and grows its Irish operations.”
Evernorth Ireland has a temporary office at the Hibernian House in Eyre Square and is now recruiting for positions. To explore opportunities to join Evernorth’s Galway operations, visit – https://www.sigmarjobs.com/evernorthireland.
EY today announces the launch of a new Sustainable Finance Innovation Hub in Dublin to help financial institutions around the world accelerate their efforts to meet their environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulatory and reporting requirements.
EY Ireland’s existing financial services sustainable finance team will more than triple in size over the coming months with an additional 40 specialist hires planned to span the three pillars of ESG. The new hub, which will be led by EY Ireland Financial Services partner Sean MacHale, is projecting double digit growth over the next twelve months as it ramps up to meet growing client demand around the world.
The Dublin hub will be augmented by a network of individuals with deep sustainability expertise across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the US, who will come together to deliver the latest thinking and advice to clients on ESG reporting, with a particular focus on the areas of biodiversity & nature, EU regulation, international goals, among others.
Colin Ryan, EY Ireland Financial Services Country Lead, comments: “The financial services sector plays a central role in the transition to a more sustainable future and we are now significantly expanding our capacity to deliver end-to-end sustainable finance transformation services to clients in the sector. The addition of 40 specialist hires across the three pillars of ESG will see our Dublin hub become a globally significant centre for innovation in the area of sustainable financial services. The sector must comply with an increasing volume of regulatory requirements over the coming years, and many firms already face multiple deadlines this year alone. Our new hub will support firms to more effectively report on their activity and will help clients ensure that they remain compliant with the evolving regulatory environment.”
Sean MacHale, EY Ireland Partner and Financial Services Sustainable Finance Leader, says: “The requirement for tangible progress on ESG matters in the financial sector has intensified of late. Firms face pressing regulatory reporting and disclosure demands and must demonstrate transparency and accountability when it comes to the progress they are making towards Net Zero goals and positive environmental impacts in a socially inclusive manner”.
“Managing the global flow of capital means the financial sector has a unique ability to drive material positive change, and we are really proud to support firms on their continuing ESG journey.”
Fidelma Clarke, Financial Services Risk Consulting Partner, comments: “With so much activity in the area of sustainability reporting right now, it’s important that our clients have the resources they need to keep pace. We are delighted to be strengthening our long-standing commitment of delivering positive change”.
Shaun Carazzo, EY EMEIA Financial Services Climate Change and Sustainability Leader, adds: “Sustainability is a top agenda item for all financial services firms worldwide, and covers individual Net Zero transition plans all the way to the development of greener services and products. Our innovation hub demonstrates EY’s commitment to the ESG agenda and will build on our already market-leading sustainable finance advisory business. By bringing the EY network of sustainable finance talent together, we can offer a one-stop-shop to clients, and I look forward to building out the hub as we respond to demand.”
Cloud collaboration service provider, Evolve IP, is shouting about the launch of a new AI-powered in-queue, on-hold call solution, which can help transform the customer experience and dramatically increase reseller revenue streams.
AI Studio enables the creation of professional welcome greetings, auto-attendant, interactive voice response and call menu recordings, mixing them with licence-free music ready to play to queuing and holding callers.
AI Studio, part of the Anywhere Product Suite, is a dynamic white-label offering, developed from a new partnership with industry experts PromptVoice. It combines professional voice artists with AI voices as part of ‘light touch’ management, with recordings available in minutes.
Satisfaction
Evolve IP’s Solutions Director, Scott Rixon, says an improved caller experience plus new opportunities to market and upsell to a captive audience are some of the many benefits, along with simplified call management, particularly outside of business hours.
Increased customer satisfaction, more repeat business and more regular monthly reseller revenue streams can also be generated.
“Anywhere AI Studio represents a major step forward to deliver a wealth of choice and AI recordings in minutes all from a simplified and streamlined management platform,” he explained. “This improves the caller experience, provides enhanced customer satisfaction and a lucrative monthly recurring revenue stream for resellers – where ‘freemium’ upgrades can help win more up-sell business.”
He added: “It’s a perfect fit for any business of any size and a welcome addition to our powerful Anywhere Product Suite, and work from anywhere ethos.”
Evolve IP’s Solutions Director, Scott Rixon
Impact
PromptVoice Head of Channel, Laura Maddocks says the new solution is designed to transform outbound communications in a fast, easy and effective way, delivering greater and more professional impact.
“It’s a solution that provides much more than just high-quality recordings,” she emphasised. “There’s a fully integrated AI scripting tool to speed up scripting, voice and music selection – plus over 10,000 professionally scripted and pre-recorded messages to simply use or tailor to exact requirements.
“In addition, AI Studio provides access to more than 50 languages and dialects from over 350 professional voice artists. There’s access to a vast library of licence-free music, unlimited bespoke recordings all from the very latest AI characters.”
DAACI is welcoming users to their new open beta community, to help give input and ideas and join the journey as they shape the future of AI music tools. Open beta users can now access DAACI’s first creator plugin, Natural Drums. DAACI’s creator-led approach to generative tool development puts the users at the centre of the experience. With this in mind, the open beta community is an engaging and active part of the process of development.
Natural Drums is an assistive AI co-pilot plugin that creates drum grooves in real time, as if a session drummer is right there with you in your studio, bringing your ideas to life.
Whether you’re a new beatmaker or a seasoned producer looking for the quickest way to get to the heart of your creativity, Natural Drums integrates seamlessly into your existing DAW workflow and gives you endless options for amazing beats, fast.
Natural Drums assists creativity, it doesn’t replace it, and the genesis of every new beat always comes from you. Start with an idea and let the plugin enhance your initial input, generating new grooves in front of your eyes. Like working with a real drummer, you can jam along and make changes in real time, try things out, and create an end result that is entirely yours.
As part of the DAACI Natural Series, Natural Drums is created by expert drummers and draws on their many years of experience playing music in live settings. In line with DAACI’s approach to generative AI and unlike other drum sequencers, Natural Drums doesn’t pull from a list of static precomposed patterns or utilise pure randomness. It thinks like a musician and rapidly creates beats that are entirely bespoke and unique to you.
Rachel Lyske, DAACI CEO, comments, “This is an incredibly exciting time for DAACI as we start to put our tools into the hands of the people who we value the most — musicians, artists and composers. Music shapes us, it allows us to communicate, it creates community and collaboration. The DAACI team is no different, our solutions are built by musicians for musicians and now we are inviting people to get involved and help shape the future.
“Natural Drums is a perfect start to the pulse of this beta community. Over 30 years ago, at the start of my creative journey, the first thing I wrote was a simple drum beat. The challenge then was to express the complexity I was hearing in my head. How could I vary it? How could I expand it, make it interesting and make it work with other instruments? I had to write it all out by hand and I didn’t have the tools to bring my ideas to life. Now, Natural Drums is in the hands of our users and they can benefit from DAACI’s unique approach and system.”
The Natural Drums open beta gives users the inside track on Natural Drums and DAACI’s Natural Series for a low price, including:
Early access to a beta licence key ahead of full product release
Discounts on future betas and full product licences
Full technical support and knowledge base
Insider access to the DAACI team
Be at the centre of DAACI’s development process
Sneak peeks at upcoming products in the DAACI Natural Series
Exclusive beta user events
Product Features of Natural Drums
Shuffle Every Loop:
Set the global shuffle to “Shuffle Every Loop” and watch as Natural Drums recalculates at the start of every pattern based on your configuration, the same way a real drummer would start to subtly improvise around a rhythmic idea over the course of a piece of music.
Trapifier:
Find the Trapifier option in the Hi Hat drop down menu and fill your pattern with trap-style hi hats. Use the half-time button alongside the Trapifier. Adjust the parameters to generate bespoke hi hat patterns with huge amounts of flexibility and variation right at your fingertips.
Structural Variation:
Create detailed rhythmic variety throughout your beats with structural variation. Experiment with different patterns to vary rhythms throughout the loop, saving you time on programming while reaching a richer final result that is all based on your original idea.
Lyske concludes, “We have an incredibly dedicated team at DAACI and I’d like to thank them for sharing their expertise, creativity and vision as we strive to build the tools we always wanted for ourselves. We all make music in different ways so we are excited to see how people use this first tool. I can’t wait to hear the amazing music that will come out of it.”
In recent years, the chocolate industry has seen a transformative shift, moving from mass production to a focus on fine, artisanal products. This evolution is particularly evident in the rise of bean-to-bar chocolate, where the emphasis is not just on the final product, but on the complete process of chocolate making, starting from the cacao beans all the way to the finished chocolate bar. This approach has led to an increase in the quality and variety of chocolates available, infusing the market with innovative flavours and textures that cater to a broad spectrum of palates.
The shift towards artisanal chocolate is driven by a newfound appreciation for sustainability and craftsmanship. Meticulous attention to detail, from the ethical sourcing of cocoa beans to the precise processes of roasting and refining, reflects a commitment to both environmental and socioeconomic responsibility. As consumers become more conscious of the origin of their food, producers are responding with transparency in their methods and respect for traditional chocolate-making techniques. The result is a chocolate experience that is as rich in story as it is in taste.
Key Takeaways
Artisanal chocolate marks a significant move away from traditional bulk production to a process that values quality and sustainability.
Bean-to-bar chocolate enhances the focus on traditional techniques and innovation within the industry.
Ethical sourcing and production transparency are now key factors in the gourmet chocolate market.
History and Tradition of Chocolate
In a journey spanning over three millennia, chocolate has evolved from ancient ritual to gourmet delight. This transformation mirrors the advancement of societies, technologies, and palates.
Pre-Industrial Chocolate Evolution
Historically, the Mayans are credited with the earliest known consumption of chocolate, dating back to as early as 1900 BC. They revered the cacao tree as sacred and used its beans to brew an unsweetened, frothy beverage during rituals and as a rich currency. The Aztecs later adopted chocolate and their nobility often enjoyed it spiced and cold, believing it to be a gift from the god Quetzalcoatl.
When the Spanish encountered the New World, they encountered chocolate and brought it back to Europe, initially retaining its status as a luxury item for the elite. The Spanish sweetened it with sugar and cinnamon, adapting it to European tastes and igniting a chocolate craze that slowly spread across the continent. Spaniards closely guarded their prized chocolate tradition for nearly a century until the secret of cacao propagated throughout Europe.
Industrial Revolution to Modern Artisanal Resurgence
The Industrial Revolution marked a pivotal moment for chocolate, rendering it widely accessible. In the 19th century, innovation in chocolate-making processes revolutionised production. Machines like the cocoa press and conching device allowed for smoother, richer, and more affordable bars.
This period dramatically democratised the luxury of chocolate, transforming it from an exclusive aristocratic beverage into solid chocolate bars that could be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. As mass production surged, so did the variety and availability, marking the transition to its modern form.
Yet the 21st century has seen a resurgence of the artisanal approach to chocolate. Reflective of the original ethos of high-quality luxury Irish chocolates, chocolate makers with a passion for tradition are creating sophisticated flavours and blends, paying homage to chocolate’s rich legacy. They employ meticulous craftsmanship, ethically sourced ingredients, and innovative techniques that look back to the roots of chocolate while pushing the boundaries of modern gastronomy. This conscious approach often echoes the award-winning methods, as underscored by the recognition bestowed uponartisan chocolatiers, setting new standards of excellence in the realm of gourmet chocolate.
The Journey from Cacao to Chocolate Bar
Indulge in the intricate process that takes cacao from tropical origins to an artisanal chocolate delight. Here’s an insight into each step of the transformation.
Harvesting and Sourcing Cacao
The creation of gourmet chocolate begins with the harvest. Cacao pods are carefully selected and harvested by hand, primarily from equatorial regions where the climate is ideal for growth. Sourcing high-quality cacao is crucial, ensuring that only the best beans are chosen for the subsequent stages of chocolate making. Companies like Lily O’Brien’s prioritise not only quality but also ethical practices when obtaining cacao.
Roasting and Grinding
Once sourced, cacao beans are roasted to develop their flavour through careful temperature control. This pivotal step determines the depth of taste and aroma in the chocolate. After roasting, the beans are ground into a fine liquor, which forms the base of all chocolate products. This stage is fundamental in contributing to the texture and quality of the final product.
Conching and Tempering
Conching is a careful process of mixing and aerating the chocolate over several hours, which refines its flavour and texture. This is followed by tempering, a precise technique involving the controlled heating and cooling of chocolate to stabilise the cocoa butter crystals. Proper tempering results in a glossy finish and a satisfying snap when the chocolate is broken. This step is vital in achieving the luxurious quality associated with brands such as Lily O’Brien’s, who have become renowned for their attention to detail through their variousawards.
Innovations in Chocolate Production
The chocolate industry has seen significant technological advancements, leading to more creative flavour profiles and a focus on sustainability. These developments are transforming the journey from bean to bar.
Advancements in Manufacturing Technology
Manufacturing technology is at the heart of chocolate’s evolution. Machines like Bühler’s moulding plantChocoBotic, with its robotic capabilities, are streamlining production. This not only enhances efficiency but also adds precision to the chocolate tempering process, ensuring a consistently smooth texture.
Robotic Technology – Increased precision and efficiency
Precision Tempering – Ensures smooth texture
Digital processes and IoT technologies are the cornerstone of these innovative methods, which allow constant monitoring and optimisation, marking a significant shift in how chocolate is produced.
Emergence of Unique Flavors and Textures
Chocolate enthusiasts are witnessing a surge in unique flavours and textures, partly thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) improving flavour development.Innovations like 3D printing are also allowing for intricate chocolate designs, offering bespoke textures and products that stand out in a competitive market.
AI in Flavour Development – Results in unique flavours
3D Printing Designs – Allows for bespoke textures
Sustainable and Ethical Production
Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become pivotal in chocolate production. Companies like Lily O’Brien’s are committed to responsible sourcing, ensuring that the environmental impact and social conditions of cacao farming are carefully managed. This holistic approach respects both people and the planet, reflecting a responsible way to enjoy chocolate without compromising on quality.
Ethical Sourcing – Commitment to fair trade and sustainable agriculture
Environmental Impact – Reduced footprint through ecological practices
The industry’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact is evident in these practices, setting a new standard for how premium chocolate should be made.
Cultural and Economic Impact of Gourmet Chocolate
The gourmet chocolate landscape is influenced by both its cultural significance and economic impact. Within this sphere, the chocolate industry reflects a blend of tradition and innovation.
Global Chocolate Market
The chocolate industry has seen substantial growth, evolving into a multi-billion-pound global enterprise. It’s not simply about the widespread consumption; chocolate plays a strategic role in the economies of producing countries. Direct trade efforts often lead to better living standards for growers, highlighting chocolate’s economic impact.
Artisanal vs Industrialised Production
Artisanal chocolate makers have reshaped public perception by focusing on craft and quality. This approach underscores tradition and cultural significance, with consumers increasingly valuing the unique flavours and stories behind craft chocolate products. Conversely, industrialised production leverages economies of scale, sometimes at the cost of these personal touches.
The Role of Chocolate in Society
Chocolate’s cultural significance transcends taste; it’s interwoven into many social fabric aspects, from holiday celebrations to emotional comfort. Gourmet chocolate, with its roots in quality and artisanal production, enriches this cultural tapestry. It encourages consumers to savour and appreciate chocolate beyond a mere sweet treat, fostering a deeper connection and respect for the craft.
In exploringhow it all began, one may appreciate the journey gourmet chocolate has taken, from a treasured resource to an accessible luxury, and its ability to captivate chocolate enthusiasts not only through flavour but also through its story of craftsmanship and excellence. Similarly, understanding a brand’s fundamentals can reveal much about its commitment to quality and sustainability, as seen throughtheir ethos. Lastly, recognising those who excel in the field, such as through prestigiouschocolate awards, acknowledges the expertise and innovation driving the sector forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gourmet chocolate has a rich history and involves intricate processes. The journey from cocoa bean to the chocolate bar we know today has been shaped by technological advances and environmental considerations. Here’s a deeper insight into how the art of chocolate-making has transformed over time.
What processes are involved in the production of gourmet chocolate from cocoa beans?
The transformation of cocoa beans into gourmet chocolate involves several key stages: sourcing high-quality beans, roasting to develop flavour, and refining to achieve the desired texture. Artisans then conch the chocolate to bring out further complexities in flavour before tempering, which gives the chocolate its shine and snap. Finally, the chocolate is moulded into bars.
How has the making of chocolate evolved since its inception?
From its humble beginnings as a beverage consumed by ancient civilisations, to the contemporary method of making gourmet chocolate, technology has greatly enhanced the chocolatier’s craft. Modern machinery allows for greater precision in roasting and conching, resulting in sophisticated flavour profiles and textures that were not achievable in the past.
Can you detail the historical journey of chocolate in relation to the Columbian Exchange?
The Columbian Exchange significantly impacted the global spread of chocolate. Following the discovery of the Americas, cocoa beans were brought to Europe, where chocolate was initially a luxury for the elite. Over time, innovations such as the cocoa press and milk chocolate creation democratised chocolate, making it accessible to a broader audience.
What are some significant facts that illustrate chocolate’s technological advancements?
The chocolate industry has leveraged advancements such as the development of the conche machine, which refines chocolate, enhancing its flavour and texture. More recently, precision agriculture techniques aid in sustainable cocoa farming, and innovations in packaging have extended the shelf life of chocolate products.
In what ways is chocolate production implicated in environmental concerns such as deforestation?
Chocolate production is linked to deforestation, mainly when forests are cleared for new cocoa plantations. Responsible chocolate producers now adopt sustainable practices, such as agroforestry, to grow cocoa with minimal environmental impact, as detailed in Lily O’Brien’s ethos on prioritising sustainability.
Who is credited with the creation of the first chocolate bar, and when did this innovation occur?
Joseph Fry is often recognised for creating the first modern chocolate bar in 1847. By adding back melted cocoa butter into Dutch cocoa, Fry’s company produced a mouldable chocolate paste that solidified into edible bars, transforming the chocolate consumption experience.
Dell Technologies has once again raised the bar in display innovation by introducing the world’s first 40-inch 5K monitor, the Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW). This CES 2024 Innovation Award Honoree is not just about impressive visuals but also prioritises user comfort with its TUV Rheinland five-star eye comfort certification. As a leader in PC monitors for nine years, Dell continues to push boundaries, catering to professionals who demand top-notch performance, technology, and design.
Designed for various professionals, including content creators, data scientists, and engineers, the U4025QW offers outstanding visuals with its ultrawide curved VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified monitor. Its IPS Black Panel technology ensures greater color contrast and intricate detail in 5K resolution (5120×2160).
The UltraSharp monitor also places a strong emphasis on eye health, being the first to receive TUV Rheinland five-star eye comfort certification. This certification, a new industry standard, focusing on reducing signs of eye fatigue and includes features such as a doubled refresh rate to 120Hz for smooth less motion visuals, an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment, and improved Dell ComfortView Plus to reduce harmful blue light exposure.
Precision, productivity, and convenience are the key features of U4025QW, with its 99% DCI-P3 / Display P3 color space and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for single-cable convenience. The monitor supports high-speed wired Ethernet connectivity, HDMI 2.1 FRL, and DisplayPort 1.4, ensuring seamless image transmission and minimal loss in visual quality.
For those looking for a smaller display, the Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U3425WE) with WQHD resolution (2560×1440) offers many of the same features, including TUV Rheinland five-star eye comfort certification and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Advancing Sustainability
Dell Technologies is also committed to sustainability, using 100% recycled and/or renewable content in the packaging of UltraSharp monitors. The U4025QW and U3425WE monitors are made from 85% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and 100% recycled aluminium, aligning with Dell’s 2030 Goals. These monitors meet the latest environmental standards such as Energy Star and TCO Certified Edge and are EPEAT Gold registered.
“We are excited to offer these groundbreaking monitors that not only deliver exceptional performance but also prioritise user comfort and environmental sustainability,” said Yoon Lee, Vice President, Displays, Dell Technologies.
Pricing and Availability
Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved ThunderboltTM Hub Monitor (U4025QW), starting at $2,399.99 (US) and $3,289.99 (CA) available globally beginning February 27, 2024
Dell Ultrasharp 34 Curved ThunderboltTM Hub Monitor (U3425WE), starting at $1,019.99 (US) and $1,399.99 (CA) available globally beginning February 27, 2024
