I have been looking into the manufactures and found this gem from Hank about 15 years ago. He has been on the surprise chocolate for years and hasn’t really gotten anywhere.
“In 1996, Whetstone said Nestle told the company it had FDA approval to sell such a treat. Whetstone knew the first company to come out with this type of candy could make $100 million to $200 million in the United States based on Europe's performance. So Whetstone built a new $5 million factory in St. Augustine and was working nearly 24 hours a day, Whetstone said.
But Nestle didn't have the approval yet, and in 1997 it pulled the product, known as Nestle "Magic."
When Whetstone got this news, it halted production and laid off 140 employees.
So Whetstone began investigating means to produce a similar product with FDA approval on its own. Eventually it patented and got FDA approval for its Megga Surprize.”
Hank was quite bitter back then and claimed:
“Whetstone charges that Nestle, upset by losing potential business to Whetstone, gave money to the groups to try and bring the Megga Surprize down.”
http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/041401/bus_5910785.html#.Vtdvbvl96Uk
Madelaines on the other hand look like a good family business working well with the community. A few years ago it was ruined by my Hurricane Sandy and they almost gave up and sold up the land. Then they received some funding of more than $13 million to rebuild and have done so with some new equipment and reemployed their workers while looking to expand.
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/01...company-madelaine-finds-new-life-after-sandy/
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...late-13m-city-stay-rockaway-article-1.2092862
So I see Whetstone as some kind of parasite trying to get a leg up on his dream of making $100 million through Yowie, whereas Madelaine has local government support, newer facilities, looking to secure contracts while looking after its workers. I also now understand why the second wrapping machine was never commissioned at Whetstone as I am sure Yowie’s troubles with Hank had been brewing for some time. It is a delay for Yowie but this is the best outcome for sure.
