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 Stage 3: Manufacturing Chocolate
Trends in mold designs reflect the history of the times.
Candy designs and molds mirror social changes over time. The fads and fashion trends of each era can be clearly seen in their chocolates:
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1880 - 1910—Realistic Reproductions
Intense detail and artistry reigned during this classic era of chocolate making. Confectioners reproduced objects from life as realistically as possible. The main body and moveable parts of a chocolate piece were sculpted and molded in minute detail like a miniature work of art.
In addition, metal, paper, and wooden accessories often complemented these chocolates. Musical instruments, toys, bicycles, clothing, display stands, etc., were all quite popular. Some chocolates were even meant to be sold with companion pieces that created vignettes, such as nativity scenes, musical bands, etc.
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1910 - 1930—Simplified Styling
Many of the early, highly-detailed chocolate sculptures suffered damage because of their delicacy. The next era in chocolate making simplified designs and reflected the smooth, rounded outlines of the Art Deco period.
Rather than appearing as exact reproductions of modern life, molds now featured fantasy characters, such as witches or rabbits dressed like people. Manufacturers also perfected the rotary machine for hollow molding during this period. These devices spun hollow molds so that the chocolate clung only to the inside of the piece.
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1930 - 1950—Comical Characters
The simple, animated style of Walt Disney inspired the design of candy during this era. Chocolates became more stylized and comical in nature, featuring famous cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse. Candy cars, boats, and planes also reflected the public’s fascination with new modes of transportation.
Molds themselves became flatter and less ornate. Rather than using curved or sculpted three-dimensional shapes, these molds used etched lines to imply details.
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1950 - Present—Plastic Production
The end of World War II saw the disappearance of many small chocolate makers and confectioners. Large, conglomerate companies began using the new revolutionary molding material—plastic—to sculpt their chocolates quickly and efficiently.
Today, many companies now mass produce the designs of yesteryear by making plastic molds of old metal models. A recent resurgence in small chocolate makers may mean more individualistic handmade and molded chocolates in the future.
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