Chocoholics take heart: The confectionary industry is leveraging the reported benefits of flavanols found in chocolate through a new on-package logo developed by Mars Inc. Flavanols, natural compounds found in cocoa, are linked to important circulatory and other health benefits. Mars and Zurich-based Barry Callebaut AG, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate, have signed a cross-licensing agreement to tout these benefits.

Beginning this month, Barry Callebaut AG began licensing Mars patents and will display the Mars Cocoapro "bean in hand" logo on its Acticoa products in the U.S. and other markets with a high level of flavanol. This is viewed as the first big step toward consistent standards for flavanol-rich cocoa products. The logo also serves to promote the unique properties of good-for-you cocoa.