Something "good" has gotten even better thanks to the re-formulation of  Shaman Chocolates' certified organic and Fair Trade chocolate bars.  In addition to an even more delicious flavor, all of their premium chocolate bars are now easier to break into satisfying one bite pieces due to a new molding technology. Shaman Chocolates is also pleased to launch new packaging that more effectively tells the story about their work to help the Huichol Indians.

All profits from the sale of Shaman Chocolates help support the Huichol Indians, a tribe living in central western Mexico, who are said to be the last Indigenous Tribe in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions.  The Huichol Indians are famous for their strong ceremonial tradition, rich mythology and incredible visionary artwork.

The new packaging features the amazing Huichol artwork and images taken of children and adults in the three Huichol Indian villages in the Sierra Madre mountains that are supported by Shaman Chocolates.  One package features an image of Don Jose Matsuwa, the revered Huichol Shaman who passed away in 1990 at the age of 110.  Don Jose adopted Brant Secunda, the founder of Shaman Chocolates, as his grandson and after a 12 year apprenticeship he left Brant in his place to carry on Huichol Shamanism.

Today Brant Secunda is the world-renowned shaman, healer and ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition of Mexico.  He is also the director of the Dance of the Deer Foundation Center for Shamanic Studies and a teacher of seminars and retreats worldwide (www.shamanism.com). 

Shaman Chocolates blends only the purest certified organic and Fair Trade chocolate with other organic and healthy ingredients and superfoods to create nine unique and flavorful chocolate creations:  Organic Dark Chocolate with Acai, Lemon & Orange, Organic Dark Chocolate with Green Tea & Ginger, Extra Dark Chocolate (82% cocoa), Milk Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts & Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate with Ruby Raspberries, Dark Chocolate with Coconut, Milk Chocolate and Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts.  

By donating all profits from the sales of Shaman Chocolates, providing an outlet for their visionary yarn paintings and beaded artwork, and donating a portion of the tuition from each seminar and pilgrimage he leads, Secunda provides continuing economic support that enables the Huichols to continue to live in their traditional ways.

"There is tremendous pressure on the Huichols to assimilate, which means leaving their villages and going hundreds of miles away to work on tobacco plantations on the coast," says Marilyn Del Duca, the Sales & Marketing Manager for Shaman Chocolates.   "Our support helps them remain "Indian", living in their traditional ways, performing their ceremonies and creating beautiful visionary artwork," adds Del Duca.

The suggested retail price for a 2-ounce bar is $3.00.  Shaman Chocolates are available at hundreds of retailers nationwide including Whole Foods and other natural food markets, health food stores and fine gift shops.  Consumers can also purchase them online at www.shamanchocolates.com. 

Retailers can purchase Shaman Chocolates by the box (12 bars for $24).  There is a minimum order of 4 boxes.  They can take advantage of free shipping if they choose to order a master case which contains 12 boxes of 12 bars each (flavors may be mixed within the case).  To place an order, retailers can call the company's toll-free # (877-990-3337) or send an e-mail to info@shamanchocolate.com.

New Website Offers More Information About Socially Responsible Mission

Consumers and retailers can learn more about Shaman Chocolates and the Huichol Indians on the company's new website - www.shamanchocolates.com.  The company hopes to enable retailers to place orders online in the near future.