Ulterïa Chocolates
One-week project, in groups of 4
Workshop led by a chocolate maker and a food designer.
Workshop on chocolate making techniques.
Focus on packaging, graphic identity and user experience,
Ulterïa is a range of chocolates designed for travelers on their way to the pilgrimage of Compostela and offers a culinary, cultural and spiritual experience.
Chocolate as a material
In order to be able to work the chocolate as a material, the preparation temperatures of the paste are essential to obtain a quality product that holds well and does not melt at room temperature.
During this project, I was mainly in charge of designing the shape of the chocolates and their manufacturing process. To do this, I sculpted a ceramic counter-shape to create thermoforming molds for the chocolates to be poured into.
Storytelling
Ultreïa chocolates are available in the image of the 9 main cities on the Camino Frances route, which includes the last steps before arriving in Compostela.
The chocolates are filled with various ganaches of regional flavours, then carefully sealed with a stamp representing the city they pass through. A wooden medallion, engraved with the same motif, hides it until it is discovered by the pilgrim. These medallions can be collected and attached to the pilgrim's stick as a reward and a souvenir of the journey.
Sold in hostels and taverns, the pilgrim can buy it in the morning after resting, as a breakfast or as a snack to regain strength in the morning. Ultreïa is addressed to all pilgrims, whether they complete the entire route or part of it, whether their motivations are religious, spiritual, sportive or touristic.
Graphic identity and packaging
Each stamp has been designed in reference to an architectural element or a cultural anecdote linked to the history of the city, such as the lacework of Puy en Velay, the stained glass windows of the cathedral of Léon, or the legend of the Durandal sword of Rocamadour. A short explanation is written in French or Spanish in the chocolate wrapping paper.
The medallions to be collected along the way are made of laser-cut and engraved wood and follow the tradition of the pilgrims who hang the St James scallop shell on their walking sticks.
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