Valrhona vs Valrhona

         I was ripped off! It's all because of Valrhona, a French brand, cocoa powder! 

          A few months ago, I went to  a baking supply shop on Seah Street to buy my favourite brand of cocoa powder. Unfortunately, it was out of stock. The shop owner said that it would not  arrive so soon. So she suggested that I go to ION. Since I couldn't wait and wanted that particulat brand, I headed to ION and bought the  cocoa powder. I was so happy! Not only did I get my cocoa powder,  I also got to satisfy my ego  as I bought something from a boutique chocolate shop in a high class shopping mall. Not bad, ha? 

   

Nice box...nice bag...not-so-nice price tag....

            

           Fast forward a few weeks, I went to  Seah Street again and saw the Valrhona cocoa powder. I was so shocked when I saw the price! A 250g pack only cost $8.50! Guess how much I folked out for that tai-tai experience!. $20!!!!!! So I paid 135% more for the same product!!! (At least I believe they are...) I was so shocked that I asked indiscreetly, "Auntie, how come your Varlhona cocoa powder is so cheap?" Told her about my boutique cocoa powder. She smiled and, like a teacher, explained to me about rental, packaging, etc, etc.... In essence, it's all about product differentiation, product packaging, marketing, blah...blah....blah...... (Now I get to apply my Management of Business knowledge......after almost 3 decades....haha!) As you can see on the left, the boutique cocoa comes in a very classy packaging and it's also packed in France. On the other hand, the cheaper version is packed in a transparent plastic by the shop, Sun Lik Trading. When you buy it, you'll get to carry it in a noisy, translucent plastic bag (You know what I'm referring to, right?). Furthermore, Sun Lik Trading is housed in a shophouse near Bras Basah Complex. And for those who don't know where ION is, it is along Orchard Road.

$8.50 vs $20.00 pack!

Just a simple packaging.......

            So where will I buy my Varlhona products from in future?  Sun Lik, of course! All I need is the cocoa powder or the chocolate! Not the box or the bag or the ambience of the shop or anything else that  make the product supposedly 'better'! How about you?  Please drop your comments....