De Bonte Koe Chocolade is the first Dutch chocolatier to release three chocolate bars containing mushrooms. Each of the bars contains a different type of mushroom. They are not psychedelic mushrooms, but the beneficial effects of each of the three are known. The wrappers of the bars were designed by the emerging designer, artist and musician Bob Mollema.
The driving force of Bob Mollema, as a person and in his work, is that he wants to restore the good relationship between nature and humanity. Based on this philosophy, De Bonte Koe developed these bars together with Bob Mollema. The mushrooms used are lion's mane (lily mushroom), reishi (stalked lacquer mushroom) and cordyceps (imperial mushroom).
These are bars of 100 grams. De Bonte Koe uses the cocoa of Grupo Conacado Cooperative from the Dominican Republic. All raw materials used are certified organic. The three mushrooms used have been extensively studied and tested and contain ingredients that can counteract stress, anxiety and fatigue, without the mushrooms having a psychedelic effect.
The lion's mane can also improve concentration. Buddhist monks use this mushroom to increase their focus. The wrapper drawn by Bob Mollema shows a person - who is in utmost concentration - holding a snake in his hand. The product title of this bar is 'Lion's mane (focus)'. The chocolate in this bar is vegan 55% dark chocolate.
Reishi in particular can have a calming effect and promote good sleep. The wrapper designed by Bob Mollema shows a - relaxed - crocodile and bears the product title 'Reishi (calming)'. The chocolate in this bar is vegan 48% milk chocolate.
Cordyceps can be especially good for improving physical performance. This mushroom can boost energy levels. Bob Mollema shows an - energetic - wolf on the wrapper. The product title of this bar is 'Cordyceps (perform)'. The chocolate in this bar is vegan 80% dark chocolate.
Bob Mollema (Bennekom, 1990) works as an illustrator for newspapers such as De Volkskrant and (in Belgium) De Standaard. He recently designed the cover of the VPRO Gids. As a graphic designer, he has worked for the sporty fashion brand Volcom, the trendy Amsterdam fashion brand Bonne Suits, department store De Bijenkorf, pop temple Paradiso and Brouwerij 't IJ. De Bonte Koe is the first chocolate brand Bob Mollema works for.
On Thursday evening, April 13, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the bars will be officially launched in the presence of Bob Mollema at the main location of De Bonte Koe at Lange Haven 54 in Schiedam. An exhibition with artworks by Mollema will also be opened in the building at Lange Haven. This exhibition will be on display for two weeks.
About De Bonte Koe – Chocolate from a good home
In 1992, De Bonte Koe was founded out of love for chocolate. Carmel Klein Kelly, originally from Ireland, started a chocolate studio with her brother-in-law Cees Klein on the Lange Haven in Schiedam. The second generation, brother and sister Connor and Amy Klein, continue the company. The company is known for its high-quality chocolate with honest ingredients.
In addition to the store at Lange Haven 54 in Schiedam (where the various artisanal chocolate products for all branches are also handmade), there are stores in The Hague (Korte Poten 57 and Piet Heinstraat 59A) and Rotterdam (Lusthofstraat 33A and Nieuwe Binnenweg 112). The company also has a chocolate vending machine at Hoogstraat 69 in Schiedam.